The Hebrew word tsallachath, represented by H6747, refers to something advanced or deep, such as a bowl or dish, and is also used figuratively for the bosom. It appears only 3 times across 3 unique verses, yet it carries two distinct and powerful meanings.
In its biblical usage, H6747 serves as a potent metaphor in two different contexts. In the historical books, it is used as a literal dish to illustrate the totality of God's judgment against Jerusalem, which He promises to wipe clean and turn upside down 2 Kings 21:13. In Proverbs, the word shifts to its figurative meaning of bosom, appearing in two nearly identical verses that describe the extreme laziness of a slothful man who hides his hand in his bosom and will not even bring it to his mouth to eat (Proverbs 19:24, Proverbs 26:15).
Several related words help clarify the actions and concepts associated with H6747:
- H4229 mâchâh (to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; ... wipe): This verb describes the action performed on the dish, signifying a complete cleansing or blotting out, as seen in the judgment on Jerusalem 2 Kings 21:13.
- H6102 ʻâtsêl (indolent; slothful, sluggard): This noun identifies the character of the man who hides his hand in the bosom H6747, providing the moral context for the word's use in Proverbs (Proverbs 19:24, Proverbs 26:15).
- H2934 ṭâman (to hide (by covering over)): This is the action of the slothful man, who hideth his hand in his bosom, illustrating inaction and idleness Proverbs 19:24.
- H3027 yâd (a hand): This is the object that the slothful man places in his bosom instead of using it for productive labor, highlighting the core of his laziness Proverbs 26:15.
The symbolic weight of H6747 is expressed through its starkly different applications.
- Metaphor for Absolute Judgment: The image of wiping a dish and turning it over illustrates an irreversible and total cleansing. It conveys the severity of God's response to the sins of Ahab's house, leaving no remnant behind 2 Kings 21:13.
- Symbol of Crippling Indolence: The use of bosom as a resting place for the hand that should be working or eating creates a powerful picture of self-destructive laziness. It warns against a slothfulness so profound that it prevents one from meeting their most basic needs Proverbs 19:24.
In summary, H6747 is a specific term that, despite its infrequent use, serves as a powerful illustrative tool. Whether as a dish being wiped clean to signify divine judgment or as a bosom providing a haven for an idle hand, tsallachath demonstrates how scripture uses common objects and concepts to convey profound lessons about God's righteousness and the folly of human sloth.
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