from an unused root perhaps meaning to be hollow; a culvert; gutter, water-spout.
Transliteration:tsinnûwr
Pronunciation:tsin-noor'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6794 (צִנּוּר, tsinnûwr) is derived from an unused root, which is often conjectured to mean "to be hollow." This etymological understanding strongly informs its semantic range, which primarily encompasses structures designed to channel or convey water. The base definition points to "a culvert," "gutter," or "water-spout." It describes an artificial conduit, implying human construction or modification for the purpose of managing water flow. Unlike natural streams or springs, tsinnûwr refers to an engineered passage. Its semantic scope is remarkably narrow, focusing specifically on such water-related conduits.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H6794 (צִנּוּר, tsinnûwr) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly significant for its interpretation:
* **[[2 Samuel 5:8]]**: "And David said on that day, 'Whoever strikes the Jebusites, let him reach the *tsinnûwr* and strike down the lame and the blind, who are hated by David's soul.' Therefore it is said, 'The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.'"
* The context is David's capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites. The city was a formidable fortress, and its capture was a pivotal moment in the establishment of David's kingdom. The tsinnûwr is presented as a critical point of access.
* Scholarly consensus, supported by archaeological findings (such as Warren's Shaft in ancient Jerusalem), interprets tsinnûwr in this verse as the "water shaft" or "water tunnel" that provided the city with a protected water supply from the Gihon Spring. This shaft allowed inhabitants to draw water from within the city walls, making it highly defensible.
* David's command indicates that successful infiltration of the city would come through this strategic, albeit difficult, water conduit. Joab, David's commander, is credited with successfully entering the city via this route, leading to Jerusalem's capture and its subsequent establishment as David's capital, "the City of David."
* The singular usage underscores the word's technical specificity, referring to a vital piece of infrastructure in ancient siege warfare and urban defense.
### Related Words & Concepts
While H6794 (צִנּוּר) is unique in its specific application, it relates to broader categories of words concerning water, channels, and military strategy:
* **Root Connection:** The proposed unused root for tsinnûwr suggests "hollowness" or a "pipe-like" structure. Some scholars also link it to concepts of "sharpness" or "penetration," which would align with its role as a point of entry.
* **General Water Channels:**
* תְּעָלָה (t'alah, `{{H8585}}`): A more general term for a "channel," "conduit," or "aqueduct," which can be natural or artificial. Examples include the channel for Elijah's sacrifice in [[1 Kings 18:32]] or the conduit of the upper pool in [[Isaiah 7:3]].
* יוּבַל (yuval, `{{H3104}}`): Refers to a "stream" or "watercourse," often implying a natural flow.
* מַעְיָן (ma'yan, `{{H4599}}`): Denotes a "spring" or "fountain," a natural source of water.
* בּוֹר (bor, `{{H953}}`): A "cistern," "well," or "pit," typically dug for water storage.
* **Military and Siege Terminology:** The context of [[2 Samuel 5:8]] places tsinnûwr firmly within the vocabulary of ancient warfare. It represents a strategic vulnerability or a hidden path for infiltration into a fortified city, highlighting the ingenuity and desperation involved in siege tactics.
### Theological Significance
Though H6794 (צִנּוּר) is a technical term with a single occurrence, its theological significance is profound due to its specific historical context:
* **Divine Providence in Kingdom Establishment:** The capture of Jerusalem via the tsinnûwr is a critical event in the narrative of God's covenant with David. It enabled David to establish his capital in a neutral, central location, unifying the tribes of Israel under his rule. This strategic victory, often seen as divinely enabled, was instrumental in fulfilling God's promises regarding the Davidic dynasty and the future of Israel. The tsinnûwr thus becomes a physical point through which God's purposes for His people were advanced.
* **Importance of Water as Provision:** The very existence of a tsinnûwr highlights the crucial role of water in ancient urban survival and defense. Cities were built around or fiercely protected their water sources. This implicitly points to human dependence on God's provision of essential resources, a recurring theological theme throughout Scripture.
* **Hidden Paths and God's Ways:** The tsinnûwr represents a hidden, non-obvious, and challenging path to a significant outcome. In a broader sense, this can subtly reflect God's often unexpected or unconventional methods in achieving His divine will. What appears to be a mere "water shaft" becomes the key to unlocking a major historical and theological development.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6794 (צִנּוּר, tsinnûwr) refers to a "culvert," "gutter," or "water-spout," rooted in the concept of a hollow conduit. Its singular yet highly significant appearance in [[2 Samuel 5:8]] describes the critical "water shaft" or "tunnel" through which David's forces, led by Joab, infiltrated and captured the formidable Jebusite city of Jerusalem. This strategic point, widely identified with Warren's Shaft, underscores the vital role of water access and management in ancient urban defense and siege warfare. While a technical term, its context is foundational to the establishment of the Davidic capital, illustrating divine providence in the unfolding of Israel's history and the strategic realities of the ancient world. It serves as a powerful reminder that even through seemingly small or hidden means, God works to accomplish His grand purposes.
TRV