a primitive root (identical with through the idea of vibration); to tinkle, i.e. rattle together (as the ears in reddening with shame, or the teeth in chattering with fear); quiver, tingle.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsâlal**, represented by `{{H6750}}`, is a primitive root defined as to **tinkle** or **quiver**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The word conveys the idea of vibration, describing a physical reaction like ears rattling from a shocking sound or teeth chattering from fear.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6750}}` is consistently used to describe an intense, physical reaction to hearing a divine message. Three of its occurrences describe how the ears of those who hear of God's impending judgment will **tingle**. This is promised as a reaction to the evil God would bring upon Israel and Judah ([[2 Kings 21:12]], [[Jeremiah 19:3]]) and in a specific prophecy given to Samuel [[1 Samuel 3:11]]. The word is also used to describe a bodily response of profound awe and fear, as when the prophet Habakkuk states that his lips **quivered** at the sound of God's voice [[Habakkuk 3:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of physical reaction and hearing:
* `{{H7264}}` **râgaz** (to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear); be afraid, stand in awe, disquiet, fall out, fret, move, provoke, quake, rage, shake, tremble, trouble, be wroth.): This word for trembling is used alongside `{{H6750}}` in [[Habakkuk 3:16]] to describe a full-body reaction to God's presence. It is often used to call for a reverential fear, as in the command to "Stand in awe" [[Psalms 4:4]].
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.); causatively, to tell, etc.): This word for hearing is the direct cause for the reaction described by `{{H6750}}` in three of its four appearances. The tingling of the ears is a result of **hearing** God's word [[1 Samuel 3:11]].
* `{{H8193}}` **sâphâh** (the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; ...lip, ...speech, talk): This is the word for lips, which are said to **quiver** `{{H6750}}` in [[Habakkuk 3:16]]. Lips are often associated with speech and worship, and Isaiah speaks of having "unclean **lips**" in the presence of the Lord [[Isaiah 6:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6750}}` lies in its portrayal of the human response to divine revelation.
* **Physical Manifestation of God's Word:** The word demonstrates that hearing from God is not a passive or purely intellectual event. It can produce a visceral, undeniable physical reaction, signifying the power and impact of God's proclamations [[1 Samuel 3:11]].
* **The Shock of Judgment:** In its dominant usage, the "tingling" of the ears is explicitly linked to hearing news of severe judgment from God. It underscores the shocking and terrible nature of the consequences of disobedience for Jerusalem and Judah ([[Jeremiah 19:3]], [[2 Kings 21:12]]).
* **Reverential Awe:** The use of `{{H6750}}` in [[Habakkuk 3:16]], where the prophet's lips **quivered**, places the word within the context of profound, fearful reverence. It is part of a response that recognizes the overwhelming power and majesty of God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6750}}` is a specific and potent term that illustrates the physical impact of God's voice on humanity. It is not merely about a slight shiver but a jarring vibration—a tingling in the ears or a quivering of the lips—that serves as an involuntary witness to the power of a divine message. Whether signaling the shock of impending judgment or the awe of God's holy presence, **tsâlal** shows that encountering God's word can be an experience that resonates through one's very bones.
TRV