from צָלַע; a limping or full (figuratively); adversity, halt(-ing).
Transliteration:tselaʻ
Pronunciation:tseh'-lah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6761 (צֶלַע, *tselaʻ*) derives from the root verb `{{H6760}}` (צָלַע, *tsalaʻ*), which means "to limp" or "to be lame." Consequently, the core meaning of tselaʻ refers to a physical "limping" or "halting" gait. Figuratively, its semantic range expands significantly to encompass a state of "adversity," "stumbling," or a "point of vulnerability." It describes not merely a physical impediment but a metaphorical weakness, a moment of difficulty, or a precarious situation where one is prone to faltering or falling. This figurative sense highlights a condition of instability or misfortune.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While not a frequently occurring term, H6761 appears in poignant contexts that illuminate its meaning of weakness and adversity.
In [[Psalm 35:15]], the psalmist laments, "But at my *halting* (צֶלַע) they rejoiced and gathered together; they gathered themselves together against me, and I did not know it; they tore at me and did not cease." Here, tselaʻ clearly signifies a moment of personal weakness, misfortune, or vulnerability that the psalmist's enemies eagerly exploit. It is a time of stumbling that brings joy to his adversaries.
Similarly, [[Psalm 38:17]] states, "For I am ready to *halt* (לְצֶלַע), and my sorrow is continually before me." In this context of deep personal suffering and physical affliction, tselaʻ conveys a sense of being on the verge of collapse or experiencing profound internal and external struggles. The psalmist feels his strength failing, bringing him to a point of spiritual and physical "limping."
In [[Jeremiah 20:10]], the prophet Jeremiah cries out, "For I heard the whispering of many, 'Terror on every side! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!' All my close friends watched for my *halting* (צֶלַע), saying, 'Perhaps he will be deceived, then we can prevail against him and take our revenge on him.'" This verse powerfully illustrates tselaʻ as a moment of anticipated weakness or a misstep that Jeremiah's supposed allies hoped to capitalize on for his downfall. It is a point of vulnerability that adversaries eagerly await.
The usage in [[Job 18:12]], "His strength is famished, and calamity is ready at his *side* (לְצֶלְעוֹ)," is often debated due to the homograph `{{H6763}}` (meaning "rib" or "side"). However, if interpreted as H6761, it suggests that calamity is poised at the very point of one's weakness or vulnerability, ready to strike when strength falters. This aligns with the broader theme of the suffering of the wicked in Bildad's discourse, where misfortune and collapse are imminent.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relative of H6761 is its verbal root, `{{H6760}}` (צָלַע, *tsalaʻ*), meaning "to limp" or "to be lame." This connection underscores the physical origin of the word's metaphorical application.
Conceptually, tselaʻ is related to other Hebrew terms denoting weakness, stumbling, or falling, such as `{{H3782}}` (כָּשַׁל, *kashal*, "to stumble, totter, fall") and `{{H5307}}` (נָפַל, *naphal*, "to fall"). It also shares semantic space with words describing adversity and distress, including `{{H6869}}` (צָרָה, *tsarah*, "distress, trouble, adversity") and `{{H7451}}` (רָע, *raʻ*, "evil, harm, misery"). The antithesis to tselaʻ would be concepts of stability, strength, steadfastness, and divine support.
### Theological Significance
The term tselaʻ carries significant theological weight, particularly in its metaphorical sense of adversity and vulnerability. It highlights the inherent fragility of human existence and the reality of suffering in a fallen world. For the righteous, their "halting" or "stumbling" moments are often portrayed as trials of faith, opportunities for God's intervention, or periods when reliance on divine strength is paramount.
The fact that enemies often watch for the tselaʻ of the righteous underscores the spiritual warfare and opposition faced by those who endeavor to live righteously. It reveals the malicious intent of adversaries who seek to exploit moments of weakness for the downfall of God's people.
Furthermore, tselaʻ can represent a state of being "broken" or profoundly weakened, which, paradoxically, can lead to a deeper dependence on God's grace and power. It is in such moments of human tselaʻ that divine strength is often made perfect, as taught in the New Testament (e.g., [[2 Corinthians 12:9]]). The word thus serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's need for divine sustenance and protection amidst life's inevitable challenges.
### Summary
H6761 (צֶלַע, *tselaʻ*) is a Hebrew noun whose primary meaning is "limping" or "halting." Figuratively, it expands to denote "adversity," "stumbling," or a "point of vulnerability." Biblical occurrences consistently depict tselaʻ as a moment of weakness, misfortune, or a precarious situation that adversaries eagerly seek to exploit. The term underscores the inherent fragility of human life and the reality of suffering. Theologically, tselaʻ highlights the crucial human need for divine support in times of weakness, the malicious intent of those who oppose the righteous, and the profound truth that dependence on God is most evident and necessary when one is "halting" or experiencing adversity.
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