from an unused root meaning to prick; a crag; Tsin, a part of the Desert; Zin.
Transliteration:Tsin
Pronunciation:tseen
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6790}}` (Tsin), transliterated as "Tsin" or "Zin," derives from an unused root that conveys the sense of "to prick" or "to be sharp." This etymological root suggests a landscape characterized by ruggedness, sharpness, or difficulty, perhaps referring to thorny vegetation or craggy rock formations. Consequently, the base definition points to "a crag" or a rocky, desolate area. In its primary biblical usage, however, `{{H6790}}` functions as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical region: the "Wilderness of Zin" or "Desert of Zin." Thus, its semantic range is primarily geographical, with its underlying etymology hinting at the physical characteristics of this arid wilderness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Wilderness of Zin is a prominent geographical marker in the Pentateuch and Joshua, serving as a critical location in the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Its occurrences consistently place it in the southern part of Canaan, often serving as a boundary.
* **Numbers 13:21**: The wilderness of Zin is mentioned as the starting point for the spies sent by Moses to reconnoiter the land of Canaan, indicating its position as the southern extent of the land.
* **Numbers 20:1**: This verse records the arrival of the entire congregation of Israel in the Wilderness of Zin, specifically at Kadesh, where Miriam, Moses' sister, died and was buried. This establishes Zin as a significant encampment site during the wilderness wanderings.
* **Numbers 27:14** and **Deuteronomy 32:51**: These passages explicitly link the Wilderness of Zin to the incident at the waters of Meribah (strife) in Kadesh, where Moses struck the rock rather than speaking to it, leading to his exclusion from the Promised Land. This highlights Zin as the scene of a pivotal act of disobedience.
* **Numbers 33:36**: This verse further confirms the identification of the Wilderness of Zin with Kadesh, stating, "They departed from Ezion Geber and camped in the Wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh."
* **Numbers 34:3-4** and **Joshua 15:1, 3**: In these passages, the Wilderness of Zin is repeatedly defined as a crucial part of the southern boundary of the land allocated to the tribes of Israel, particularly Judah. It delineates the border extending from the Salt Sea to the Ascent of Akrabbim and Kadesh Barnea.
Contextually, the Wilderness of Zin emerges as a harsh, arid environment, typical of a desert region, yet it is a place where significant events in Israel's history unfolded, particularly those involving divine testing, human rebellion, and consequential divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H6790}}` (Tsin) is enriched by its relationship to several other key biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H4057}}` (midbar)**: This general Hebrew term for "wilderness" or "desert" provides the broader category into which the specific "Wilderness of Zin" falls. Zin is not just any desert, but a specific, named *midbar*.
* **`{{H6946}}` (Qadesh)** / **`{{H6947}}` (Qadesh Barnea)**: These terms refer to the oasis and settlement within the Wilderness of Zin that served as a major Israelite encampment. Kadesh Barnea is inextricably linked with Zin, being the location of the sending of the spies, Miriam's death, and Moses' sin at Meribah.
* **`{{H4809}}` (Meribah)**: Meaning "strife" or "contention," Meribah refers to the specific incident at the "waters of Meribah" in Kadesh within the Wilderness of Zin, where the Israelites contended with God and Moses sinned.
* **`{{H6791}}` (Tsinor)**: While distinct in meaning ("pipe" or "spout"), this word shares the same unused root as `{{H6790}}`, highlighting the root's connection to sharp, narrow, or piercing elements, which could metaphorically describe the "craggy" nature of Zin.
* **Concepts**: The Wilderness of Zin embodies concepts such as divine testing, the consequences of disobedience, the geographical boundaries of the Promised Land, and God's enduring faithfulness even in challenging environments.
### Theological Significance
The Wilderness of Zin holds profound theological significance within the biblical narrative, serving as more than just a geographical waypoint.
* **A Place of Divine Testing and Human Failure**: Zin represents a crucible where Israel's faith was repeatedly tested. It was a place of scarcity and hardship, designed to reveal the people's hearts. Tragically, it became a site of significant rebellion and grumbling against God's provision and leadership.
* **The Consequence of Disobedience**: Most notably, the Wilderness of Zin is forever marked by Moses' sin at the waters of Meribah. His act of striking the rock in anger, rather than speaking to it as commanded, demonstrated a lack of trust and a failure to "hallow" God in the sight of the people. This disobedience led to the severe consequence of Moses being barred from entering the Promised Land, underscoring the gravity of even a seemingly minor transgression against God's explicit commands, especially from those in leadership.
* **God's Enduring Faithfulness**: Despite the Israelites' repeated failures and Moses' personal sin, God's presence and provision were consistently manifest in the Wilderness of Zin. The miraculous provision of water, manna, and quail demonstrated God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in the midst of their unfaithfulness and in the harshest of environments.
* **A Boundary of Promise**: As the southern border of the Promised Land, Zin serves as a symbolic threshold. It marks the transition from the wilderness journey of wandering and judgment to the promise of inheritance and rest. The events in Zin, particularly Moses' exclusion, serve as a stark reminder of the spiritual conditions required to cross that threshold and fully enter into God's blessings.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H6790}}` (Tsin), transliterated as "Tsin" or "Zin," primarily refers to the "Wilderness of Zin," an arid and rugged desert region. Its etymological root, meaning "to prick" or "a crag," aptly describes its challenging terrain. Biblically, the Wilderness of Zin is a crucial geographical location, serving as the southern boundary of the Promised Land and a significant encampment site for the Israelites, notably containing Kadesh Barnea. It is profoundly significant as the place where Miriam died and, most importantly, where Moses sinned at the waters of Meribah, leading to his exclusion from entering Canaan. Theologically, the Wilderness of Zin stands as a powerful symbol of divine testing, human rebellion, and the severe consequences of disobedience, while simultaneously testifying to God's enduring faithfulness and provision even in the most desolate circumstances. It serves as a stark reminder of the threshold between the wilderness journey and the promised inheritance, embodying vital lessons about trust, obedience, and the sanctity of God's name.
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