a primitive root; to extirpate (literally or figuratively); consume, cut off, destroy, vanish.
Transliteration:tsâmath
Pronunciation:tsaw-math'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H6789 (צָמַת, *tsâmath*) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to extirpate." This signifies a complete and decisive act of removal, eradication, or utter destruction. Its semantic range extends to encompass various nuances of termination and cessation:
* **Consume:** Implies a process of devouring or diminishing until nothing remains.
* **Cut off:** Suggests a severing or separation that results in the termination of existence, lineage, or connection.
* **Destroy:** A broader term indicating the bringing to ruin or an absolute end.
* **Vanish:** Conveys the idea of disappearing entirely, ceasing to be visible or to exist.
The term can be applied both literally to physical destruction and figuratively to the cessation of hope, a name, or a presence. It consistently conveys finality and the absence of recovery.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H6789 appears relatively infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are potent, primarily found in poetic and prophetic literature, underscoring its strong implications of decisive action.
* In contexts of divine judgment and warfare, tsâmath describes the complete defeat and eradication of enemies. For instance, [[Psalm 18:40]] declares, "You have given me the necks of my enemies, and those who hated me You have cut off (צָמַת)." Similarly, [[Psalm 54:5]] is a prayer for divine retribution: "He will repay my enemies for their evil; in Your faithfulness, destroy (צָמַת) them." These uses highlight God's sovereign power to bring about utter ruin upon those who oppose Him or His people. In [[Obadiah 1:9]], the judgment against Edom is depicted as a complete cutting off: "Then your mighty men, O Teman, will be dismayed, so that every man from the mountains of Esau will be cut off (צָמַת) by slaughter."
* In a more personal and agonizing context, tsâmath conveys a profound sense of despair and utter desolation. [[Lamentations 3:53]] poignantly expresses the prophet's feeling of being abandoned and facing imminent death: "They flung me alive into the pit and cast stones on me. Water flowed over my head; I said, 'I am cut off (צָמַת)!'" Here, the word signifies a feeling of complete separation from life, hope, and divine aid, a state akin to being utterly consumed or vanished from existence.
### Related Words & Concepts
H6789 shares semantic territory with several other Hebrew verbs denoting destruction or termination, yet it often carries a unique nuance of finality.
* `{{H3582}}` (kārath): "to cut off," "to make a covenant." While kārath is frequently used for "cutting off" individuals from the covenant community due to sin, implying expulsion or death, tsâmath often emphasizes a more complete and irreversible extirpation, especially of enemies or a lineage.
* `{{H6}}` (abad): "to perish," "to destroy." This is a broader term for destruction, often implying ruin or loss. tsâmath can be seen as a more intense or specific form of abad, focusing on complete eradication.
* `{{H7943}}` (shāmad): "to be annihilated," "exterminated." This verb is very close in meaning to tsâmath and often used in contexts of national or ethnic destruction, particularly in divine judgment. Both convey a sense of leaving no remnant.
* `{{H7722}}` (sûph): "to come to an end," "cease," "be consumed." While similar in outcome, sûph often describes a natural or temporal end, whereas tsâmath more strongly implies a decisive, often violent, act of termination.
The concepts evoked by tsâmath include divine judgment, retribution, despair, annihilation, and the absolute termination of existence or influence.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of H6789 are profound, primarily revolving around God's sovereignty and justice.
* **Divine Justice and Judgment:** The most prominent theological use of tsâmath is to describe God's decisive and irreversible judgment against wickedness, rebellion, and the enemies of His people. It signifies the complete and utter removal of evil, leaving no possibility of resurgence. This underscores God's holiness and His commitment to upholding righteousness by eradicating all that opposes His will.
* **The Consequences of Sin:** While not as directly tied to covenant breaking as `{{H3582}}`, the use of tsâmath in contexts of human suffering (e.g., Lamentations) can implicitly highlight the profound desolation that results from separation from God, whether due to personal sin or the consequences of a fallen world. The feeling of being "cut off" reflects a spiritual and existential crisis.
* **God's Sovereignty:** The ability to "extirpate" or "cut off" rests ultimately with God, demonstrating His absolute control over life, death, and the very existence of nations and individuals. His actions are final and cannot be undone, emphasizing His omnipotence.
* **The Hope of Preservation (by contrast):** The stark reality of being tsâmath for the wicked or those in despair serves to highlight the preciousness of God's preserving grace and covenant faithfulness towards His chosen people. The fact that Israel was not utterly consumed, despite their failings, points to God's enduring mercy, which prevents them from being tsâmath in the ultimate sense.
### Summary
H6789 (צָמַת, *tsâmath*) is a powerful Hebrew verb meaning "to extirpate," "consume," "cut off," "destroy," or "vanish." It conveys a definitive and irreversible act of termination, whether literal or figurative. Biblically, it is primarily used to describe God's decisive judgment and the complete annihilation of His enemies, as well as the profound despair of individuals who feel utterly forsaken and on the brink of extinction. Theologically, tsâmath underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His unyielding justice in eradicating evil. It serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate consequences of opposing divine will, while implicitly magnifying the preserving grace of God that prevents His people from being utterly cut off. It shares strong semantic connections with terms like `{{H3582}}` (kārath) and `{{H7943}}` (shāmad), all pointing to the finality of an end.
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