from צָלַח; something advanced or deep, i.e. a bowl; figuratively, the bosom; bosom, dish.
Transliteration:tsallachath
Pronunciation:tsal-lakh'-ath
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun צַלַּחַת (tsallachath, `{{H6747}}`) is derived from the verbal root צָלַח (tsalach, `{{H6743}}`), which conveys notions of "to prosper," "to succeed," "to advance," or "to go forward." From this root, צַלַּחַת takes on the literal meaning of "something advanced or deep." This etymological connection gives rise to its primary concrete sense: a "bowl" or "dish," referring to a vessel designed to hold substances, typically food, characterized by its depth or capacity. The idea of "advancing" might relate to the vessel's function in serving or presenting food. Figuratively, the word is also defined as "bosom," though this usage is less directly attested in the biblical occurrences. The "bosom" could metaphorically refer to a place of holding, intimacy, or the seat of emotions, drawing a parallel to the containing function of a dish.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term צַלַּחַת (tsallachath) appears three times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently referring to a "dish" or "bowl" in its literal sense.
* **[[2 Kings 21:13]]**: "And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab; and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down."
In this prophetic declaration of judgment against Jerusalem, צַלַּחַת vividly describes a common household "dish." The imagery is one of absolute and thorough eradication. Just as a dish is completely emptied, wiped clean, and inverted to signify its emptiness and cleansing, so too would Jerusalem be purged of its inhabitants and defilement due to its persistent idolatry and wickedness. This metaphor emphasizes the totality and severity of God's impending judgment.
* **[[Proverbs 19:24]]**: "The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, and will not even bring it back to his mouth."
Here, צַלַּחַת again denotes a "dish," likely containing food. This proverb paints a striking picture of extreme laziness. The sluggard is so profoundly indolent that even after placing his hand into the food dish, he lacks the basic will or energy to lift it to his own mouth. It underscores a debilitating apathy that hinders even the most fundamental acts of self-sustenance.
* **[[Proverbs 26:15]]**: "The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth."
This verse is a near-verbatim repetition of [[Proverbs 19:24]], reinforcing the same powerful message about the sluggard's debilitating idleness. The repetition highlights the profound absurdity and self-destructive nature of such extreme lethargy, where even minimal effort is deemed too burdensome.
In all attested occurrences, the word functions as a concrete noun, serving as a relatable object for profound metaphorical and instructional purposes. The figurative sense of "bosom" is not explicitly demonstrated in these specific contexts.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic connection for צַלַּחַת (tsallachath) is its verbal root:
* **צָלַח (tsalach, `{{H6743}}`):** This root, meaning "to prosper," "to succeed," "to advance," or "to break through," provides the etymological foundation for צַלַּחַת. While the noun's meaning of "dish" might seem distant from "prosperity," the connection lies in the concept of "something advanced" or "deep," referring to the physical characteristics of a vessel.
* **Other Vessels:** Conceptually, צַלַּחַת falls within a broader category of Hebrew terms for household and ritual vessels. Examples include:
* כְּלִי (keli, `{{H3627}}`): A general term for a vessel or instrument.
* סֵפֶל (sephel, `{{H5592}}`): A bowl or basin, often for liquids.
* קְעָרָה (q'arah, `{{H7088}}`): A deep dish or bowl, often for serving food.
* מִזְרָק (mizraq, `{{H4219}}`): A bowl specifically used for sprinkling blood in cultic rituals.
The specific use of צַלַּחַת as a dish for eating or holding food distinguishes it from cultic or more general vessels.
* **Idleness (עַצְלָה, atslah, `{{H6103}}`):** The occurrences in Proverbs directly link צַלַּחַת to the theme of sloth and its detrimental effects. This thematic connection is central to the wisdom literature, which frequently contrasts diligence with idleness.
### Theological Significance
Though a simple noun, צַלַּחַת (tsallachath) carries significant theological weight through its metaphorical and illustrative uses in the biblical text.
* **Divine Judgment and Purification:** In [[2 Kings 21:13]], the "dish" serves as a potent metaphor for God's comprehensive and righteous judgment. The act of "wiping" and "turning upside down" signifies a complete removal of defilement and a thorough cleansing. This imagery underscores God's unwavering commitment to holiness and His willingness to execute severe judgment upon those who persist in rebellion. It speaks to the purifying nature of divine discipline, aiming to restore a state of purity, even if it involves drastic measures.
* **Moral Instruction and the Nature of Sloth:** The appearance of the "dish" in Proverbs ([[Proverbs 19:24]], [[Proverbs 26:15]]) provides a stark moral lesson. It vividly illustrates the extreme degradation caused by sloth, highlighting how idleness can paralyze even the most basic human functions and lead to self-neglect. This serves as a powerful warning against spiritual and practical apathy, emphasizing the importance of diligence, responsibility, and intentionality in one's life before God and humanity. The absurdity of the sluggard's actions underscores the profound foolishness of such a lifestyle.
* **Divine Truth in the Mundane:** The use of an ordinary household item like a "dish" to convey profound theological and moral truths demonstrates a key characteristic of biblical revelation. God's wisdom and principles are not confined to abstract concepts but are often illuminated through the common, relatable experiences and objects of everyday life, making His message accessible and impactful.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צַלַּחַת (tsallachath, `{{H6747}}`) primarily denotes a "dish" or "bowl," deriving from a root suggesting "something advanced or deep." While its base definition includes a figurative sense of "bosom," its biblical occurrences consistently employ the literal meaning. In [[2 Kings 21:13]], the "dish" becomes a powerful metaphor for God's thorough and purifying judgment, depicting Jerusalem's complete cleansing from wickedness. In the book of Proverbs ([[Proverbs 19:24]], [[Proverbs 26:15]]), the "dish" serves as a vivid prop to illustrate the debilitating and absurd nature of the sluggard's extreme idleness. Thus, צַלַּחַת, despite its mundane nature, effectively communicates profound theological truths regarding divine holiness and judgment, as well as crucial moral lessons concerning diligence and the perils of sloth.
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