### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsânîyn**, represented by `{{H6796}}`, means **thorn**. It appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses**, yet it serves as a powerful metaphor for a source of persistent pain and trouble. It describes the consequences that arise from incomplete obedience to God's commands.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word is used in the context of God's warnings to Israel regarding the inhabitants of the Promised Land. In Numbers, the people are told that if they fail to **drive out** `{{H3423}}` the inhabitants, those who **remain** `{{H3498}}` will become "pricks in your eyes, and **thorns** `{{H6796}}` in your sides, and shall **vex** `{{H6887}}` you in the land" [[Numbers 33:55]]. This warning is echoed in Joshua, where the consequences of disobedience are expanded: the remaining **nations** `{{H1471}}` will become "snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and **thorns** `{{H6796}}` in your eyes, until ye **perish** `{{H6}}` from off this **good** `{{H2896}}` **land** `{{H127}}`" [[Joshua 23:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words highlight the escalating danger represented by **tsânîyn**:
* `{{H7899}}` **sêk** (prick): Used in parallel with **tsânîyn**, this word for a brier or prick reinforces the idea of constant, sharp irritation caused by the remaining inhabitants [[Numbers 33:55]].
* `{{H4170}}` **môwqêsh** (trap): This word expands the metaphor from mere irritation to active danger. The nations that are like thorns will also become a **trap** `{{H4170}}`, a noose that ensnares God's people [[Joshua 23:13]].
* `{{H6887}}` **tsârar** (vex): This verb describes the action that the thorns will take against Israel. It means to cramp, afflict, or beseige, illustrating the active hostility and distress that will result from compromising with the foreign nations [[Numbers 33:55]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6796}}` is centered on the principle of cause and effect in the life of faith.
* **The Consequence of Compromise:** The primary lesson is that tolerating what God has commanded to be removed will result in pain. Failure to **drive out** `{{H3423}}` the nations would lead directly to Israel being vexed and ultimately perishing from the land God had **given** `{{H5414}}` them ([[Numbers 33:55]], [[Joshua 23:13]]).
* **A Metaphor for Vexation:** A thorn is a fitting symbol for a persistent, irritating source of pain. The presence of these nations would not be neutral but would actively **vex** `{{H6887}}` Israel, causing continual affliction and trouble.
* **From Irritation to Entrapment:** The imagery progresses from a simple thorn to a **snare** `{{H6341}}` and a **trap** `{{H4170}}`. This shows that small compromises and lingering disobedience can lead to larger spiritual dangers that threaten the covenant relationship with God [[Joshua 23:13]].
### Summary
In summary, **tsânîyn** `{{H6796}}` is a biblically rich term that, despite its infrequent use, delivers a crucial warning. As a **thorn**, it vividly portrays how disobedience and spiritual compromise become a persistent source of affliction and a dangerous snare. It stands as a reminder that what God commands to be removed will, if allowed to remain, inevitably cause injury and distress.
TRV