a primitive root; probably to curve; used only as denominative from צֵלָע,; to limp (as if one-sided); halt.
Transliteration:tsâlaʻ
Pronunciation:tsaw-lah'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H6760 (צָלַע, *tsâlaʻ*) is a primitive root primarily signifying "to limp" or "to halt." Its base definition suggests a connection to "curving" or being "one-sided," which directly informs the act of limping. Crucially, it is understood as a denominative verb derived from H6761 (צֵלָע, *tsêlāʻ*), meaning "rib" or "side." This etymological link suggests that to limp is to be off-balance, as if one's side or equilibrium is compromised, leading to an uneven gait. The semantic range is narrow, focused specifically on this physical impairment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H6760 occurs sparingly in the Old Testament, but its instances are profoundly significant:
1. **[[Genesis 32:31]]**: "The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip." This is the most pivotal occurrence. Jacob, after wrestling through the night with a divine being, is touched on the hip socket and permanently injured. His "limping" (tsâlaʻ) becomes a physical, enduring mark of his encounter with God. It signifies a profound transformation, immediately preceding his renaming as Israel ([[Genesis 32:28]]). The limp serves as a constant reminder of his struggle and God's sovereign power over him.
2. **[[2 Samuel 4:4]]**: "Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled. And as she fled in haste, he fell and became lame." Here, the verb describes the permanent lameness of Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan. Unlike Jacob's divinely inflicted limp, Mephibosheth's lameness is the result of an accident, highlighting human vulnerability and the tragic consequences of events. However, his lameness later becomes the context for David's grace and covenant faithfulness ([[2 Samuel 9:3]]).
3. **[[Proverbs 26:7]]**: "Like a lame man's legs, which hang useless, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools." In this wisdom literature context, H6760 is used metaphorically. The "limping" or "useless" legs of a lame person are compared to a proverb uttered by a fool. Just as the legs cannot properly support or propel, so a wise saying loses its power or is rendered ineffective when spoken by one who lacks understanding or integrity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relationship is with its root noun, H6761 (צֵלָע, *tsêlāʻ*), meaning "rib," "side," or even "a limping." The connection underscores the idea of being "off-kilter" or imbalanced. Other Hebrew words for physical disability, particularly lameness, include H6455 (פִּסֵּחַ, *pisseaḥ*), which is a more general term for "lame" or "crippled." While H6760 describes the *act* of limping, H6455 describes the *state* of being lame.
Conceptually, H6760 relates to:
* **Weakness and Vulnerability**: The physical inability to walk normally.
* **Divine Encounter**: As seen in Jacob's narrative, a limp can be a sign of a direct, transformative interaction with God.
* **Humility and Dependence**: The limp forces reliance on God rather than self-strength.
* **Grace and Inclusion**: Mephibosheth's story demonstrates God's (through David) compassion for the physically impaired.
* **Ineffectiveness**: The metaphorical usage in Proverbs highlights the futility of truth in the wrong hands.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of H6760 is most profoundly expressed in the narrative of Jacob. His limp is a divinely imposed mark, signifying a shift from self-reliance and striving to a posture of dependence on God. It is a physical manifestation of a spiritual reality: Jacob's "wrestling" with God results not in victory over God, but in a brokenness that ultimately leads to blessing and a new identity as Israel. This limp becomes a permanent reminder that true strength and blessing come through surrender and humility before the Almighty. It is a paradox: weakness becomes the very sign of God's power and presence.
In Mephibosheth's case, his lameness, though accidental, serves to highlight God's covenant faithfulness and grace. Despite his physical limitation and his lineage from Saul's house, David extends extraordinary kindness to him, echoing God's own character in caring for the vulnerable and outcast.
Finally, the metaphorical use in Proverbs underscores the ethical and spiritual implications of truth and wisdom. Just as a physical limp hinders movement, so a profound truth can be rendered useless or even harmful when disconnected from integrity or understanding.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H6760 (צָלַע, *tsâlaʻ*) signifies "to limp" or "to halt," deriving from the concept of being "one-sided" or "curved." Its primary biblical occurrences reveal a rich theological tapestry. In Jacob's narrative ([[Genesis 32:31]]), the limp is a divinely inflicted, permanent mark of his transformative encounter with God, symbolizing humility, dependence, and the paradoxical strength found in weakness. For Mephibosheth ([[2 Samuel 4:4]]), it highlights human vulnerability and serves as a backdrop for divine grace and covenant faithfulness. Metaphorically, in Proverbs ([[Proverbs 26:7]]), it illustrates the ineffectiveness of wisdom when misused by a fool. Thus, H6760 transcends a mere physical descriptor, becoming a potent symbol of divine interaction, human brokenness, and the surprising ways God works through perceived limitations.
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