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.
Transliteration:tsâlal
Pronunciation:tsaw-lal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H6750 (צָלַל, *tsâlal*) is a primitive root conveying the core idea of "vibration." This foundational concept manifests in various semantic ranges, primarily expressing a physical sensation of rapid movement or aural resonance. Its most literal sense is "to tinkle" or "rattle together," suggesting the production of a sharp, clear sound through vibration. However, its biblical usage extends beyond mere sound to describe a visceral, internal physical reaction. This includes the "tingling" or "ringing" of the ears, often associated with a shocking or disturbing revelation, or the "quivering" and "chattering" of the body, particularly the teeth, in response to intense fear or profound awe. The word thus captures a sudden, involuntary, and deeply felt physical response, often indicative of an overwhelming emotional state like dread, shame, or terror.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Though relatively rare, the occurrences of H6750 are highly significant, consistently appearing in contexts of profound divine encounter or pronouncement, particularly concerning judgment.
1. **[[1 Samuel 3:11]]**: "Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle." Here, *tsâlal* describes the physical sensation in the ears of those who will hear the divine judgment against the house of Eli. It signifies an inescapable, shocking, and deeply unsettling impact of God's word, a truth so severe that it produces a visceral, almost painful, reaction.
2. **[[2 Kings 21:12]]**: "Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: 'Behold, I am bringing such disaster upon Jerusalem and Judah that whoever hears of it, both his ears will tingle.'" This echoes the usage in 1 Samuel, applying the same imagery to the impending destruction of Jerusalem due to Manasseh's idolatry. The tingling ears denote the overwhelming horror and profound impact of the impending divine wrath, emphasizing its unavoidable and deeply disturbing nature.
3. **[[Jeremiah 19:3]]**: "Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Behold, I am bringing such disaster upon this place that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle.'" Jeremiah reiterates this potent imagery in his prophecy against Jerusalem, further solidifying the connection between *tsâlal* and the visceral, shocking realization of divine judgment. The tingling sensation underscores the profound internal disturbance caused by the severity of God's pronouncement.
4. **[[Habakkuk 3:16]]**: "I heard, and my body trembled; my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones; my legs trembled. I waited quietly for the day of trouble to come upon the people who invade us." In this powerful passage, *tsâlal* describes the quivering of Habakkuk's lips. Unlike the "ears tingle" passages, this denotes a broader physical response of trembling and fear in the presence of God's majestic power and impending judgment. It portrays a total bodily reaction of awe-filled terror, where the prophet's entire being is shaken by the divine revelation.
Across these occurrences, *tsâlal* consistently points to an intense, involuntary physical reaction—whether in the ears or the whole body—that signifies a profound, often fearful, encounter with divine truth, particularly concerning judgment or overwhelming power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H6750 intersects with several other Hebrew words and concepts that describe physical and emotional responses to significant events, especially divine revelation:
* **Trembling/Quivering**: Words like `{{H2729}}` (*charad*, "to tremble, fear, be anxious") and `{{H7461}}` (*ra'ad*, "to tremble, quake") capture the physical shaking associated with fear or awe, similar to *tsâlal* in Habakkuk. The specific nuance of *tsâlal* often emphasizes an internal, almost electrical, sensation.
* **Awe/Dread**: Concepts of profound reverence mixed with fear, often evoked by God's presence or actions, resonate with the *tsâlal* experience. Words like `{{H3372}}` (*yare'*, "to fear, revere") describe the emotional state that can lead to the physical manifestations of *tsâlal*.
* **Sound/Hearing**: While *tsâlal* can describe a sound (tinkling), its primary biblical usage focuses on the *effect* of a sound or message on the hearer. This connects it to `{{H8085}}` (*shama'*, "to hear, obey") and `{{H6963}}` (*qol*, "voice, sound"), highlighting that the message is not just audibly perceived but profoundly felt. The "tingling ears" suggest that the message has penetrated beyond mere auditory reception to a deep, unsettling impact.
* **Shame/Dismay**: The definition's mention of "ears reddening with shame" connects *tsâlal* to concepts of humiliation or profound dismay, such as `{{H954}}` (*bosh*, "to be ashamed") or `{{H2865}}` (*chathath*, "to be dismayed, terrified"), though this specific nuance is less explicit in the biblical occurrences.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6750 lies in its powerful portrayal of the human response to divine revelation, particularly pronouncements of judgment.
1. **Irresistible Impact of God's Word**: The "tingling ears" imagery underscores that God's word, especially when it conveys severe judgment, is not merely heard but *felt* to the core of one's being. It is an inescapable and deeply unsettling truth that penetrates beyond intellectual understanding to a visceral, physical sensation. This highlights the absolute authority and profound impact of divine communication.
2. **Manifestation of Divine Sovereignty**: The trembling or tingling response demonstrates human vulnerability and the overwhelming power of God. When God speaks or acts, the created order, including human beings, is profoundly affected. It is a testament to God's ultimate control and the creature's rightful fear and awe before the Creator.
3. **Conviction and Awe**: While often associated with dread of judgment, the quivering in Habakkuk also conveys a sense of profound awe before God's majesty and power. It is a physical manifestation of a spirit humbled and overwhelmed by the divine presence, leading to a posture of submission and waiting upon the Lord.
4. **Prophetic Warning**: The repeated use of "ears will tingle" in prophetic contexts (1 Samuel, 2 Kings, Jeremiah) serves as a potent warning. It signifies that the impending disaster is so horrific and unavoidable that its very announcement causes a deep, unsettling physical reaction, urging repentance and highlighting the gravity of disobedience.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6750 (צָלַל, *tsâlal*) is a vivid and potent term rooted in the concept of "vibration." While it can denote a "tinkling" sound, its primary biblical application describes an intense, involuntary physical sensation: the "tingling" of ears or the "quivering" of the body. This visceral reaction consistently appears in contexts of divine pronouncements, particularly those concerning judgment or overwhelming power. The "tingling ears" signify the shocking, inescapable, and deeply unsettling impact of God's word, which penetrates beyond mere auditory reception to a profound internal disturbance. In Habakkuk, it expands to a full-body trembling, reflecting awe-filled terror in the presence of God's majesty. Theologically, *tsâlal* underscores the irresistible authority and profound, often fear-inducing, impact of divine revelation, demonstrating God's sovereignty and the human creature's inherent vulnerability and response to His awesome presence. It is a powerful reminder of the deep, physical truth of encountering the living God.
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