from צָלַל reduplicated; a clatter, i.e. (abstractly) whirring (of wings); (concretely) a cricket; also a harpoon (as rattling), a cymbal (as clanging); cymbal, locust, shadowing, spear.
Transliteration:tsᵉlâtsal
Pronunciation:tsel-aw-tsal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word צְלָצַל (tsᵉlâtsal, `{{H6767}}`) is derived from the reduplicated root צָלַל (tsalal, `{{H6750}}`). The base root צָלַל carries meanings related to "tinkling," "rustling," "quivering," and also "being dark." The reduplication in צְלָצַל intensifies or reiterates the core concept, primarily focusing on a repeated or continuous sound.
Its semantic range is remarkably diverse, encompassing:
* **Auditory Phenomena:** The primary meaning revolves around a "clatter," "whirring," or "clanging" sound.
* **Musical Instruments:** Concretely, it refers to "cymbals," instruments known for their loud, percussive clang.
* **Insects:** It describes "crickets" or "locusts," likely due to the distinct whirring sound of their wings or their stridulation.
* **Weapons/Tools:** In one instance, it denotes a "harpoon" or "spear." This usage might relate to the rattling sound of such implements, or perhaps a less direct connection to the root's "shadowing" aspect, though the sound-related interpretation is more consistent with other uses.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term צְלָצַל (tsᵉlâtsal, `{{H6767}}`) appears in various biblical contexts, each highlighting a different facet of its meaning:
* **Musical Instrument (Cymbals):**
* [[2 Samuel 6:5]]: "And David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, with all sorts of instruments made of fir wood, with lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals (צְלָצַל)." Here, צְלָצַל is clearly a percussive musical instrument, contributing to the joyful noise of worship.
* [[Psalm 150:5]]: "Praise him with loud cymbals (צִלְצְלֵי שָׁמַע); praise him with clashing cymbals (צִלְצְלֵי תְרוּעָה)!" This verse emphasizes the powerful, resounding nature of these instruments in the context of exuberant praise to God.
* **Insect (Locust):**
* [[Deuteronomy 28:42]]: "All your trees and the fruit of your ground the locust (צְלָצַל) shall possess." In this passage, צְלָצַל refers to a destructive insect, likely a locust, known for its swarming nature and the characteristic whirring sound of its wings as it devours crops.
* [[Isaiah 18:1]]: "Ah, land of whirring wings (צְלָצַל כְּנָפַיִם), which is beyond the rivers of Cush..." This poetic description evokes a land characterized by the pervasive sound of insects, possibly locusts or cicadas, or perhaps a more general sense of bustling activity. The emphasis is on the "whirring" sound.
* **Weapon (Harpoon/Spear):**
* [[Job 41:7]] (Hebrew Bible: [[Job 40:31]]): "Can you fill his skin with harpoons (צְלָצַל) or his head with fishing spears?" In this unique instance, צְלָצַל refers to a weapon, specifically a harpoon or spear, used in the context of describing Leviathan's impenetrable hide. The connection here might be to the rattling sound of metal weapons or a more obscure link to the root's "shadowing" aspect.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding צְלָצַל (tsᵉlâtsal, `{{H6767}}`) is enhanced by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **Root צָלַל (tsalal, `{{H6750}}`):** This foundational root signifies "to tinkle, rustle, quiver," and also "to be dark." The reduplicated form צְלָצַל intensifies the sound aspect, making it more pronounced or continuous.
* **Other Musical Instruments:** The Bible mentions various instruments for praise, such as מְנַעַנְעִים (mena'an'im, castanets/sistrums, [[2 Samuel 6:5]]), נֵבֶל (nevel, harp, [[2 Samuel 6:5]]), and כִּנּוֹר (kinnor, lyre, [[2 Samuel 6:5]]). צְלָצַל stands out as a distinctly loud, percussive instrument.
* **Other Insects:** Terms like אַרְבֶּה (arbeh, general locust, e.g., [[Exodus 10:4]]) and חָגָב (chagav, locust/grasshopper, e.g., [[Numbers 13:33]]) also describe locusts. However, צְלָצַל specifically highlights the audible characteristic of these insects – their whirring sound.
* **Weapons:** Other Hebrew words for spears include חֲנִית (chanit, e.g., [[1 Samuel 18:10]]) and רֹמַח (romach, e.g., [[Numbers 25:7]]). The use of צְלָצַל for a weapon in Job is singular and may emphasize a particular quality, such as its metallic sound or piercing nature.
### Theological Significance
The diverse applications of צְלָצַל (tsᵉlâtsal, `{{H6767}}`) contribute to several theological themes:
* **Exuberant Worship and Praise:** The most prominent theological use of צְלָצַל is in the context of worship. As "cymbals" in [[2 Samuel 6:5]] and [[Psalm 150:5]], it signifies loud, unreserved, and joyful praise to God. The clashing sound of the cymbals represents a powerful, unmistakable declaration of adoration, emphasizing that worship should be offered with enthusiasm and all available means. It speaks to the freedom and exuberance permissible in praising the Creator.
* **Divine Judgment and Consequences:** In [[Deuteronomy 28:42]], the "locust" (צְלָצַל) functions as an instrument of divine curse and judgment for disobedience. The devastating power of locust swarms, characterized by their overwhelming numbers and the whirring sound of their approach, symbolizes the dire and comprehensive consequences of straying from God's covenant. This highlights God's sovereign control over nature as a means of discipline.
* **Descriptive Imagery and Prophetic Symbolism:** In [[Isaiah 18:1]], the "whirring of wings" (צְלָצַל כְּנָפַיִם) contributes to a vivid, often mysterious or ominous, description of a distant land. This imagery can evoke a sense of teeming life, impending movement, or even a foreboding atmosphere, potentially hinting at future events or characteristics of the land under prophetic scrutiny.
* **God's Sovereignty Over Creation:** The description of Leviathan in [[Job 41:7]] (Hebrew 40:31), where צְלָצַל refers to "harpoons," underscores the creature's formidable nature and, by extension, God's unmatched power in creating such an invulnerable being. It emphasizes the futility of human attempts to subdue what God has created, reinforcing God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צְלָצַל (tsᵉlâtsal, `{{H6767}}`) is a rich and polysemous term derived from the reduplicated root צָלַל (tsalal, `{{H6750}}`), primarily conveying the sense of a repeated or intense sound. Its semantic breadth is remarkable, encompassing:
1. **Musical Instruments:** Most notably, it refers to "cymbals," used in contexts of vibrant and loud praise to God, as seen in [[2 Samuel 6:5]] and [[Psalm 150:5]], symbolizing exuberant worship.
2. **Insects:** It denotes "locusts" or the "whirring of wings," as found in [[Deuteronomy 28:42]] and [[Isaiah 18:1]], capturing the characteristic sound of these creatures, often associated with natural phenomena or divine judgment.
3. **Weapons:** In a singular instance in [[Job 41:7]], it describes "harpoons" or "spears," possibly alluding to their rattling sound or destructive capability.
Across its diverse applications, צְלָצַל consistently highlights an audible, often intense, characteristic of the object it describes. Theologically, it illuminates themes of unreserved worship, the consequences of human disobedience, and the awe-inspiring power and sovereignty of God over all creation. Its multifaceted meaning enriches the biblical narrative, providing vivid sensory details and profound theological insights.
TRV