or צְמִתֻת; from צָמַת; excision, i.e. destruction; used only (adverbially) with prepositional prefix to extinction, i.e. perpetually; ever.
Transliteration:tsᵉmîythuth
Pronunciation:tsem-ee-thooth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H6783 (צְמִיתֻת, tsᵉmîythuth), also transliterated as צְמִתֻת, derives from the verb צָמַת (tsâmath, `{{H6789}}`), which carries the core meaning of "to cut off," "to destroy," or "to exterminate." Thus, the noun form tsᵉmîythuth inherently suggests "excision" or "destruction."
However, its semantic range in biblical usage is uniquely specialized. It is never used to describe the act of destruction itself, but rather the *duration* or *permanence* that results from such a "cutting off." Specifically, it is always found with a prepositional prefix (most commonly לְ, "to" or "for"), forming an adverbial phrase that conveys the sense of "to extinction," "perpetually," or "ever." This adverbial usage transforms the idea of a decisive cutting off into a state of lasting, unalterable permanence. Therefore, while its etymology points to an end, its functional meaning in scripture emphasizes a state of unending duration or finality within a specific legal or theological context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H6783 (צְמִיתֻת) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the legal framework of Leviticus 25, which outlines the laws concerning land and property in Israel, particularly in relation to the Jubilee year.
1. **[[Leviticus 25:23]]**: "The land shall not be sold *in perpetuity* (לַצְּמִיתֻת), for the land is mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with me."
In this foundational verse, לַצְּמִיתֻת explicitly prohibits the permanent alienation of ancestral land. The phrase underscores God's ultimate ownership of the land of Israel. Human ownership is presented as temporary stewardship, not absolute possession. The "perpetuity" here refers to an enduring state of being cut off from the original family, which is forbidden under divine law. This injunction protects the tribal inheritance system and prevents the perpetual impoverishment of families.
2. **[[Leviticus 25:30]]**: "And if it is not redeemed within a full year, then the house that is in the walled city shall belong *in perpetuity* (לַצְּמִיתֻת) to him who bought it, throughout his generations. It shall not go out in the Jubilee."
This verse presents a striking contrast to the previous one. Here, לַצְּמִיתֻת allows for the *permanent* sale of houses located within walled cities. Unlike agricultural land, these urban properties were not subject to redemption in the Jubilee year. This distinction likely reflects the different economic and social functions of urban dwellings versus agricultural land, or perhaps the nature of their construction (man-made vs. divinely given). In this context, "in perpetuity" signifies a legitimate and lasting transfer of ownership, an exception to the general rule for land.
In both instances, tsᵉmîythuth consistently denotes a state of *permanence* or *perpetuity*, either forbidden or permitted, within the specific legal parameters set by God for His covenant people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb צָמַת (tsâmath, `{{H6789}}`), meaning "to cut off," "to destroy," or "to exterminate." While the noun tsᵉmîythuth derives from this meaning of decisive cutting off, its adverbial usage shifts the focus from the *act* of destruction to the *resulting permanent state*.
Other related concepts and words include:
* **עוֹלָם (ʿôlām, `{{H5769}}`)**: This broadly signifies "eternity," "forever," or "ancient time." While tsᵉmîythuth denotes a permanent state, it is narrower in scope, specifically referring to a state of being "cut off" or alienated permanently within a legal context, rather than the general concept of eternal duration.
* **Laws of Inheritance, Redemption, and Jubilee**: The context of Leviticus 25 is paramount. tsᵉmîythuth defines the *duration* of ownership or alienation within the divinely established legal framework designed to maintain social equity and the tribal structure.
* **כָּרַת (kārat, `{{H3772}}`)**: "To cut off." This verb is frequently used for making covenants ("cutting a covenant") or for judicial execution/excommunication ("cutting off from the people"). While kārat implies a decisive separation, tsᵉmîythuth speaks to the *permanence* of such a separation or state.
### Theological Significance
The rare but precise usage of tsᵉmîythuth carries significant theological weight within the Old Testament's legal and covenantal framework:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Creation and Property**: The prohibition in [[Leviticus 25:23]]—"The land shall not be sold *in perpetuity*, for the land is mine"—is a profound theological statement. It asserts God's ultimate, unchallengeable ownership of the Promised Land. Human inhabitants are merely "strangers and sojourners," temporary stewards of God's property. This prevents the permanent alienation of land from its original tribal and familial inheritance, underscoring that all possessions ultimately belong to the Creator.
2. **Justice and Redemption in the Jubilee System**: The very existence of the Jubilee laws, in which tsᵉmîythuth is embedded, reflects God's commitment to social justice and the prevention of economic oppression. By forbidding the permanent sale of land, God ensured that even those who fell into poverty could, in the Jubilee year, return to their ancestral inheritance. This system was designed to prevent the formation of a permanent landless class and to maintain the social and economic fabric of Israel, reflecting God's redemptive character and His desire for equity among His people.
3. **Nuance in Divine Law**: The contrasting allowances for land versus houses in walled cities (compare [[Leviticus 25:23]] with [[Leviticus 25:30]]) demonstrate the nuanced and practical nature of God's law. While the principle of divine ownership over the land was absolute, the law allowed for different applications based on the nature of the property and its societal function. This shows that God's ordinances are not monolithic but are carefully crafted to address various aspects of human life within His covenant.
4. **Theological Meaning of "Perpetuity"**: The word, though rooted in the concept of "destruction" or "cutting off," is repurposed to denote a *permanent state* or *finality* within God's ordered creation and covenant. It speaks to the enduring nature of certain divine decrees and the fixed consequences of human actions within a divinely ordained system.
### Summary
H6783 (צְמִיתֻת, tsᵉmîythuth) is a rare but highly significant Hebrew noun derived from צָמַת (tsâmath, `{{H6789}}`), meaning "to cut off." Despite its root, its biblical usage is exclusively adverbial (לַצְּמִיתֻת), signifying "in perpetuity" or "forever." Appearing only twice in [[Leviticus 25]], it defines the duration of property ownership within the laws of Israel. In [[Leviticus 25:23]], it prohibits the permanent sale of land, asserting God's ultimate ownership and mandating the land's return in the Jubilee. Conversely, [[Leviticus 25:30]] permits the permanent sale of houses in walled cities. Theologically, tsᵉmîythuth underscores God's sovereignty over the land, His provision for social justice through the Jubilee system, and the precise, nuanced nature of His covenant laws. It highlights that "perpetuity" in the Israelite context is not an absolute human right but a duration defined and regulated by divine decree, reflecting God's enduring order and redemptive purposes for His people.
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