from an unused root of unknown meaning; Tsalaph, an Israelite; Zalaph.
Transliteration:Tsâlâph
Pronunciation:tsaw-lawf'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma צָלָף (Tsâlâph), Strong's number `{{H6764}}`, is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates that it derives "from an unused root of unknown meaning." This signifies that, unlike many Hebrew names which carry inherent semantic content (e.g., "David" meaning "beloved," "Israel" meaning "he strives with God"), the etymological significance of "Tsâlâph" is not discernible from its linguistic roots. Therefore, its "core meaning" is simply the designation of an individual, Tsalaph, an Israelite. The semantic range is limited to this singular proper noun.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Tsâlâph (צָלָף) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Nehemiah:
* **[[Nehemiah 3:30]]**: "After him Baruch the son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section, from the Angle to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, repaired to a point opposite the tombs of David and on to the artificial pool and to the house of the mighty men. After him Levites repaired, Rehum the son of Bani. Beside him Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, repaired for his district. After him their brothers, Bavvai the son of Henadad, ruler of half the district of Keilah, repaired. After him Ezer the son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the Angle. After him Baruch the son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section, from the Angle to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, repaired to a point opposite the tombs of David and on to the artificial pool and to the house of the mighty men. After him Levites repaired, Rehum the son of Bani. Beside him Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, repaired for his district. After him their brothers, Bavvai the son of Henadad, ruler of half the district of Keilah, repaired. After him Ezer the son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the Angle. After him Hananiah, the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sixth son of **Zalaph**, repaired another section. After them Meshullam the son of Berechiah repaired opposite his chamber. After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired as far as the house of the Netinim and of the merchants, opposite the Gate of the Miphkad and as far as the upper room of the corner."
In this sole occurrence, Tsalaph is identified as the father of Hanun (חָנוּן, `{{H2586}}`), who participated in the vital work of repairing the wall of Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership. The context of Nehemiah 3 is a detailed enumeration of the various individuals, families, and groups who contributed to the immense task of rebuilding the city's defenses after the Babylonian exile. Tsalaph himself is not depicted as a direct participant in the physical labor, but rather as the progenitor of one who was. This highlights the intergenerational aspect of the restoration effort, where the lineage and family identity played a significant role in the communal undertaking. The inclusion of Hanun, son of Tsalaph, in this detailed record underscores the comprehensive nature of the rebuilding, involving individuals from various backgrounds and social strata.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that Tsâlâph is a proper noun with an unknown root, there are no direct linguistic cognates or semantically related words in the typical sense of a word study. However, its context allows for connections to broader biblical concepts:
* **Proper Names (שֵׁם, `{{H8034}}`):** The study of Tsâlâph inherently relates to the biblical practice of naming. While many Hebrew names are etymologically transparent and convey meaning, Tsâlâph serves as an example where the specific meaning is lost to us, yet the individual's identity and contribution remain recorded.
* **Rebuilding and Restoration (בָּנָה, `{{H1129}}`; שׁוּב, `{{H7725}}`):** Tsalaph's son, Hanun, is listed among those who "repaired" (חָזַק, `{{H2388}}`) the wall. This places Tsalaph within the overarching theme of post-exilic restoration in Nehemiah, a divine work of re-establishing God's people and city.
* **Communal Effort and Corporate Responsibility:** The meticulous list in Nehemiah 3, including figures like Hanun son of Tsalaph, emphasizes the collective nature of God's work. Every individual, even those whose direct contributions are briefly noted or whose names are only preserved through their descendants, played a part in the larger divine plan.
* **The Remnant:** Tsalaph and his son belong to the faithful remnant who returned from exile, demonstrating commitment and obedience to God's call for their community to be re-established in Jerusalem.
### Theological Significance
While the name Tsâlâph itself carries no inherent theological meaning due to its unknown root, the inclusion of "Hanun the sixth son of Tsalaph" in the sacred text of Nehemiah carries significant theological implications:
1. **Divine Remembrance of the Obscure:** The meticulous record in Nehemiah 3 demonstrates God's attention to detail and His remembrance of *all* who contribute to His work, no matter how seemingly minor or obscure their role. Tsalaph, though only mentioned as a father, is immortalized in Scripture because of his son's participation. This speaks to the principle that every individual's contribution, even if through their offspring, is valued in God's economy.
2. **Intergenerational Faithfulness:** The identification of Hanun as "son of Tsalaph" highlights the continuity of faith and service across generations. It suggests a lineage where a commitment to the community and God's purposes was perhaps instilled. The father, Tsalaph, is known to us only through his son's service in a pivotal moment of Israelite history.
3. **The Importance of Every Part:** The rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall was a monumental task requiring the efforts of many. The inclusion of Tsalaph's son underscores the theological truth that the success of God's kingdom work often depends on the collective, diligent efforts of many individuals, each contributing their part. No contribution is too small in the grand tapestry of divine providence.
4. **Practical Piety:** The act of repairing the wall was not merely a civic duty but an act of worship and obedience. Tsalaph's family was part of this practical piety, demonstrating their faith through concrete action in service to God and His people.
### Summary
Tsâlâph (צָלָף, `{{H6764}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name whose etymological root and meaning are unknown. It appears only once in the biblical text, in [[Nehemiah 3:30]], where Tsalaph is identified as the father of Hanun, one of the individuals who participated in the crucial work of repairing the wall of Jerusalem during the post-exilic period under Nehemiah. Despite the obscurity of the name's meaning and its single occurrence, its presence in Scripture is theologically significant. It underscores God's meticulous remembrance of all who contribute to His purposes, highlights the intergenerational nature of faithfulness and service, and emphasizes the vital role of communal effort in accomplishing God's work. Tsalaph, through his son, is part of the biblical record of those who faithfully engaged in the restoration of God's people and city.
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