צָמַת

tsâmath /tsaw-math'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto extirpate (literally or figuratively)
KJV usageconsume, cut off, destroy, vanish.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word tsâmath, represented by H6789, is a primitive root meaning to extirpate. It appears 15 times across 14 unique verses in the Bible. Its core meaning involves complete removal, whether literally or figuratively, and is translated as consume, cut off, destroy, or vanish.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H6789 is frequently used to describe the definitive and final removal of wickedness and opposition. David declares his intent to destroy all the wicked in the land Psalms 101:8 and to cut off those who slander Psalms 101:5. The psalmist also calls on God to cut off his enemies in His truth Psalms 54:5. The term is also used in contexts of personal suffering, such as the lament that enemies have cut off the speaker's life in a dungeon Lamentations 3:53 or that God's terrors have cut me off Psalms 88:16. Figuratively, it can describe things that vanish completely, like streams that disappear in the heat Job 6:17.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand upon the concept of destruction and its targets:

  • H341 ʼôyêb (enemy, foe): This term identifies the adversary who is the target of destruction. It is often the object of the verb H6789, as seen in the plea to "cut off mine enemies" Psalms 143:12 and the declaration of victory over those who are hated 2 Samuel 22:41.
  • H7563 râshâʻ (wicked man): This describes those who are morally wrong and are subject to judgment. The psalmist expresses a commitment to destroy all the wicked of the land, linking the action of H6789 directly to the moral state of the person Psalms 101:8.
  • H3772 kârath (to cut off, destroy): This word is used in parallel with H6789 to intensify the idea of complete eradication. In Psalms 101:8, the goal is to destroy (tsâmath) the wicked so that all wicked doers may be cut off (kârath) from the city of the LORD.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H6789 centers on the finality of divine judgment and the complete removal of opposition to God.

  • Divine Judgment: The word is used to describe God's definitive action against those who turn away from Him. He is the one who has destroyed all who are unfaithful Psalms 73:27 and who will cut off the wicked in their own iniquity Psalms 94:23. This highlights God's sovereignty in executing justice.
  • Purging Evil: The term is employed by God's servant, the king, to express his commitment to establishing righteousness. This involves actively destroying the wicked from the land and cutting off slanderers to purify the community and the city of the LORD (Psalms 101:8, Psalms 101:5).
  • A Cry for Vindication: In the Psalms, H6789 is often part of a plea for God to intervene on behalf of the afflicted. The psalmist asks God to cut off his enemies out of His mercy, trusting that God will act for His servant Psalms 143:12. This shows a reliance on God's truth and faithfulness to resolve injustice.

Summary

In summary, H6789 tsâmath is a powerful verb denoting utter destruction and finality. It is used to describe God's judgment against the wicked, the king's duty to purge evil from the land, and the personal anguish of one who feels their life has been cut off. From the permanent removal of enemies to the consuming fire of zeal, the word consistently conveys a sense of complete and irreversible extirpation, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of wickedness and the finality of God's justice.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 15 occurrences, inflected in 12 grammatical forms.

  • Hiphil Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 3×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Hiphil Consecutive Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Hiphil Imperative 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Participle Plural Masculine Construct 1×
  • Hiphil Perfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Piel Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Piel Perfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Qal Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 14 verses across 4 books. Most frequent in Psalms (10 verses).

1
2 Samuel
2
Job
10
Psalms
1
Lamentations

Verse Explorer

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