from צָמֵא; a thirsty place, i.e. desert; drought, dry ground, thirsty land.
Transliteration:tsimmâʼôwn
Pronunciation:tsim-maw-one'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun צִמָּאוֹן (tsimmâʼôwn), Strong's `{{H6774}}`, derives directly from the verb צָמֵא (tsâmêʼ), Strong's `{{H6770}}`, meaning "to be thirsty" or "to thirst." As such, its core meaning relates to a state or place characterized by an acute lack of water, leading to thirst. Its semantic range encompasses "a thirsty place," "desert," "drought," "dry ground," and "thirsty land." It describes the environmental condition of extreme aridity, often to the point of desolation. Unlike a general term for "desert" (e.g., מִדְבָּר, `{{H4057}}`), צִמָּאוֹן emphasizes the *quality* of being parched and waterless, directly evoking the sensation of thirst.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term צִמָּאוֹן (tsimmâʼôwn) appears in only two significant biblical contexts, both of which powerfully illustrate its meaning:
1. **[[Deuteronomy 8:15]]**: "who led you through the great and terrifying wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions, a land of drought (צִמָּאוֹן) and no water; who brought you water out of the flinty rock."
* Here, צִמָּאוֹן describes the literal wilderness through which Israel journeyed after the Exodus. It highlights the extreme and life-threatening conditions of the desert, emphasizing the miraculous nature of God's provision. The phrase "a land of drought and no water" is a hendiadys, intensifying the description of utter aridity. The word underscores the Israelites' complete dependence on Yahweh for survival in an otherwise uninhabitable environment.
2. **[[Psalm 107:33]]**: "He turns rivers into a desert, and springs of water into thirsty ground (צִמָּאוֹן),"
* In this poetic context, צִמָּאוֹן depicts the desolate outcome of divine judgment. The psalm speaks of God's sovereign power to transform landscapes – turning fertility into barrenness and abundance into scarcity. The turning of "springs of water into thirsty ground" vividly portrays a reversal of natural order, a consequence often associated with human rebellion or God's disciplinary actions. Here, צִמָּאוֹן is not merely a description of an existing desert but of land *becoming* parched and waterless due to divine decree.
In both instances, צִמָּאוֹן denotes a place utterly devoid of water, whether as an inherent characteristic of the wilderness or as a result of divine judgment, thereby magnifying God's power in either sustaining life within it or bringing about its desolation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root from which צִמָּאוֹן is derived: צָמֵא (tsâmêʼ) `{{H6770}}`, "to be thirsty." This connection reinforces the direct link between the state of the land and the sensation of thirst.
Other Hebrew words that share semantic space with צִמָּאוֹן in describing dry or desolate conditions include:
* מִדְבָּר (midbār) `{{H4057}}`: The general term for "wilderness" or "desert," often a geographical designation.
* חֹרֶב (ḥōreb) `{{H2721}}`: "Dryness," "desolation," "waste," often referring to the condition of a place.
* צִיָּה (tsiyyâ) `{{H6723}}`: "Dry ground," "parched land," "desert," frequently appearing in parallel with צִמָּאוֹן or similar terms to emphasize aridity.
Theological concepts closely associated with צִמָּאוֹן include:
* **Divine Providence**: God's miraculous provision of water in a land of צִמָּאוֹן ([[Deuteronomy 8:15]]) demonstrates His faithfulness and ability to sustain life in the most extreme circumstances.
* **Divine Judgment**: The transformation of fertile land into צִמָּאוֹן ([[Psalm 107:33]]) illustrates God's power to bring about desolation as a consequence of sin or rebellion.
* **The Wilderness Experience**: The wilderness, characterized by צִמָּאוֹן, serves as a crucible for testing faith and fostering dependence on God.
* **Spiritual Thirst**: While צִמָּאוֹן describes a physical condition, the broader biblical motif of "thirst" often extends to a spiritual longing for God and His righteousness (e.g., [[Psalm 42:2]], [[Isaiah 55:1]]). The physical drought can thus serve as a powerful metaphor for spiritual barrenness or the absence of divine blessing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of צִמָּאוֹן lies in its portrayal of extreme physical desolation, which serves as a potent backdrop for highlighting God's character and actions.
Firstly, צִמָּאוֹן underscores God's **sovereignty over creation and His providential care**. He is the one who can lead His people through such a land and miraculously provide for them, demonstrating that human sustenance comes not from natural resources alone, but from "every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord" ([[Deuteronomy 8:3]]). The very existence of צִמָּאוֹן serves to magnify the wonder of His provision.
Secondly, the concept of צִמָּאוֹן is intrinsically linked to **divine judgment and the consequences of sin**. In [[Psalm 107]], the turning of fertile land into "thirsty ground" is a direct result of human wickedness and a powerful demonstration of God's disciplinary power. This transformation serves as a stark reminder that blessings can be withdrawn and prosperity can turn to desolation when humanity rebels against its Creator.
Lastly, צִמָּאוֹן contributes to the rich biblical symbolism of the **wilderness as a place of testing, purification, and learning dependence**. The harshness of a "land of drought" forced Israel to rely entirely on God, teaching them humility and obedience. It contrasts sharply with the promised land, a land "flowing with milk and honey," thus emphasizing the preciousness of God's covenant blessings and the contrast between a cursed, dry existence and a blessed, fruitful one.
### Summary
צִמָּאוֹן (tsimmâʼôwn), Strong's `{{H6774}}`, is a Hebrew noun derived from the verb "to thirst," describing a place or condition of extreme dryness, a "thirsty land" or "drought." Its rare biblical occurrences in [[Deuteronomy 8:15]] and [[Psalm 107:33]] powerfully illustrate its meaning. In Deuteronomy, it characterizes the desolate wilderness through which God miraculously led and sustained Israel, highlighting His divine providence. In Psalm 107, it denotes land turned barren by divine judgment, showcasing God's sovereign power to transform landscapes as a consequence of human sin. Theologically, צִמָּאוֹן serves to magnify God's power in both sustaining life in impossible conditions and executing judgment. It underscores the themes of divine provision, the consequences of disobedience, and the wilderness as a crucible for faith, ultimately pointing to God as the sole source of life and blessing.
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