a primitive root; to thirst (literally or figuratively); (be a-, suffer) thirst(-y).
Transliteration:tsâmêʼ
Pronunciation:tsaw-may'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root צָמֵא (tsâmêʼ, `{{H6770}}`) is a primitive root fundamentally conveying the idea of "to thirst." Its semantic range extends beyond mere physical dryness to encompass a profound sense of yearning or longing, both literally and figuratively. It can describe the state of being thirsty (as an adjective) or the act of thirsting (as a verb). At its core, it speaks to a deep, often urgent, need for satisfaction, whether that be for water, sustenance, or spiritual fulfillment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term צָמֵא (tsâmêʼ) appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, illustrating both its literal and metaphorical applications:
* **Literal Thirst:** This is the most straightforward use, describing the physical need for water. It frequently appears in narratives concerning travel through arid regions or times of drought. For instance, the Israelites' complaints in the wilderness often centered on their thirst: "But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, 'Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?'" [[Exodus 17:3]]. Similarly, Samson's desperate plea after his victory highlights the debilitating nature of physical thirst: "Then he became very thirsty, and he called upon the LORD and said, 'You have granted this great salvation by the hand of Your servant, and now shall I die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?'" [[Judges 15:18]]. The suffering of children during siege is also depicted through their thirst: "The tongue of the infant sticks to the roof of its mouth for thirst; the children beg for food, but no one gives it to them." [[Lamentations 4:4]].
* **Figurative Thirst (Spiritual Longing):** Perhaps the most profound usage of צָמֵא (tsâmêʼ) is its metaphorical application to spiritual yearning. This usage elevates the physical sensation to a deep, soul-level desire for God. The most iconic examples are found in the Psalms: "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" [[Psalm 42:1-2]]. And again, "O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water." [[Psalm 63:1]]. The prophets also employ this metaphor, inviting those with spiritual need to find satisfaction in God: "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." [[Isaiah 55:1]]. A powerful warning of spiritual famine uses the concept of thirst for the Word: "Behold, days are coming," declares the Lord GOD, "when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but rather for hearing the words of the LORD." [[Amos 8:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of צָמֵא (tsâmêʼ, `{{H6770}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship with other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **Related Nouns:** The noun form צָמָא (tsama', `{{H6772}}`) directly means "thirst" or "drought" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:48]]). Another related noun is צִמָּאוֹן (tsimma'on, `{{H6774}}`), which refers to a "thirsty land" or "drought" (e.g., [[Psalm 107:35]]).
* **Concepts of Provision and Satisfaction:** The antithesis to thirst is satisfaction, often through water. Key terms include מַיִם (mayim, `{{H4325}}`, "water"), שָׁתָה (shatah, `{{H8354}}`, "to drink"), and רָוָה (ravah, `{{H7301}}`, "to be saturated," "to drink deeply," "to be refreshed"). God's provision of water in the desert (e.g., [[Isaiah 48:21]]) directly addresses the literal thirst.
* **Concepts of Need and Longing:** Other words expressing deep desire or need include כָּמַהּ (kamah, `{{H3643}}`, "to long for," "to yearn") and בָּקַשׁ (baqash, `{{H1245}}`, "to seek," "to desire"). These terms, while not direct synonyms, often appear in contexts where spiritual thirst is implied or explicitly stated.
### Theological Significance
The concept of צָמֵא (tsâmêʼ, `{{H6770}}`) carries significant theological weight:
* **Human Dependence and Vulnerability:** Thirst, both physical and spiritual, vividly illustrates humanity's inherent dependence on an external source for life and well-being. It underscores our vulnerability and inability to provide for our deepest needs independently. This drives individuals to seek provision, ultimately pointing to God.
* **Divine Provision and Sustenance:** God is consistently portrayed as the ultimate satisfier of thirst. He provides literal water in the wilderness (e.g., [[Exodus 17:6]], [[Isaiah 41:17]]) and, more profoundly, offers spiritual refreshment to the parched soul. His invitation in [[Isaiah 55:1]] is a testament to His character as the source of abundant life and satisfaction.
* **The Nature of Spiritual Longing:** The metaphorical use of צָמֵא (tsâmêʼ) highlights that true human flourishing is not merely physical but deeply spiritual. The "thirst for God" is presented as a righteous and desirable state, indicative of a soul attuned to its Creator and its ultimate purpose. This longing is not to be feared but embraced as a pathway to deeper relationship with the divine.
* **Covenant and Restoration:** God's promise to satisfy the thirsty is often embedded within the context of His covenant faithfulness. Providing for the thirsty is an act of restoration and blessing, signaling His commitment to His people, even in their wanderings or times of judgment. Conversely, a "thirst for the Word" ([[Amos 8:11]]) can be a sign of divine judgment, emphasizing the critical importance of God's revelation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צָמֵא (tsâmêʼ, `{{H6770}}`) encapsulates the fundamental human experience of thirst. While literally denoting the physical need for water, its most profound biblical usage extends to a deep, spiritual longing for God. This "thirst for God," as powerfully expressed in [[Psalm 42:2]] and [[Psalm 63:1]], underscores humanity's inherent dependence on its Creator for life and fulfillment. The consistent portrayal of God as the one who satisfies both literal and spiritual thirst highlights His role as the ultimate provider and sustainer. Thus, צָמֵא (tsâmêʼ) serves as a potent theological motif, illustrating human vulnerability, the divine character of provision, and the essential nature of a soul's yearning for its God.
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