or צָנוֹף; or (feminine) צָנִיפָה; from צָנַף; a head-dress (i.e. piece of cloth wrapped around); diadem, hood, mitre.
Transliteration:tsânîyph
Pronunciation:tsaw-neef'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma צָנִיף (tsânîyph, `{{H6797}}`) originates from the verb צָנַף (tsânaph), which conveys the action of "to wrap around" or "to wind." This etymological root directly informs the primary meaning of צָנִיף as a "head-dress" or "turban"—a piece of cloth specifically wrapped or wound around the head. The semantic range of צָנִיף is broad, encompassing various types of head coverings, from general attire to highly symbolic garments. Its definition includes "diadem," suggesting a royal or authoritative head-covering; "hood," indicating a more utilitarian or protective covering; and "mitre," specifically pointing to the ceremonial headwear of the priesthood. The variations noted in the lemma, such as צָנוֹף and the feminine צָנִיפָה, indicate slight morphological differences or specific applications, but the core concept of a wrapped head covering remains consistent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word צָנִיף appears in several significant contexts within the Hebrew Bible, each shedding light on its varied symbolic and practical uses:
* **[[Job 29:14]]**: "I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; my justice was like a robe and a turban (צָנִיף)." Here, צָנִיף is presented as an emblem of dignity, honor, and the outward manifestation of Job's integrity and righteous character, paralleling the imagery of a noble robe.
* **[[Isaiah 3:23]]**: In a list detailing the luxurious adornments of the daughters of Zion that will be stripped away as a sign of judgment, צָנִיף is mentioned among "the turbans, the ankle chains, the sashes..." This context indicates that the צָנִיף was a common, perhaps fashionable, item of attire, signifying status or beauty in everyday life.
* **[[Isaiah 62:3]]**: "You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem (צָנִיף) in the hand of your God." In this prophetic passage concerning the restoration and exaltation of Zion, צָנִיף unequivocally refers to a majestic or royal head-covering. It is parallel to "crown of beauty" (עֲטֶרֶת תִּפְאָרָה, `{{H5850}}`), symbolizing glory, honor, and divine favor bestowed upon God's people.
* **[[Ezekiel 21:26]] (21:31 in Hebrew)**: "Thus says the Lord GOD: Remove the turban (צָנִיף), take off the crown; things shall not remain as they are. Exalt that which is low, and abase that which is high." This is a powerful prophetic utterance directed at the king of Judah (Zedekiah), foretelling the overturning of his kingdom. The removal of the צָנִיף (alongside the crown, `{{H5850}}`) symbolizes the stripping away of royal authority, sovereignty, and the transient nature of human power under divine judgment.
* **[[Zechariah 3:5]]**: "And I said, 'Let them put a clean turban (צָנִיף) on his head.' So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by." This is a pivotal scene in the vision of Joshua the High Priest. The "clean צָנִיף" is placed upon his head after his filthy garments (symbolizing sin) are removed. This act signifies divine cleansing, the removal of iniquity, and his re-consecration for priestly service. While the specific priestly headwear is often called מִצְנֶפֶת (mitsnepheth, `{{H4701}}`), צָנִיף is used here to denote the purified mitre, emphasizing the restoration of holiness essential for priestly function.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of צָנִיף is enriched by examining its relationship with other Hebrew words and theological concepts:
* **צָנַף (tsânaph)**: The verbal root from which צָנִיף derives, meaning "to wrap" or "to wind." This root underscores the physical construction of the head-covering.
* **מִצְנֶפֶת (mitsnepheth, `{{H4701}}`)**: This term specifically designates the turban or mitre of the High Priest, as described in Exodus. While צָנִיף is a more general term for a wrapped head-covering, מִצְנֶפֶת is its specialized priestly form. The usage in [[Zechariah 3:5]] demonstrates the close conceptual link, where צָנִיף likely refers to this specific priestly mitre.
* **עֲטָרָה (atarah, `{{H5850}}`)**: Meaning "crown" or "diadem." This word frequently appears in parallel with צָנִיף (e.g., [[Isaiah 62:3]], [[Ezekiel 21:26]]), highlighting their shared symbolic meaning of royalty, authority, and honor. While עֲטָרָה is typically a rigid circlet, צָנִיף is a wrapped cloth, yet both convey similar status.
* **צִיץ (tsiyts, `{{H6731}}`)**: The gold plate inscribed "Holy to the LORD" that was affixed to the front of the High Priest's mitre (מִצְנֶפֶת). This element further emphasizes the sanctity and consecration associated with the priestly headwear.
* **Garments of Righteousness/Salvation**: The imagery of צָנִיף in [[Job 29:14]] as a symbol of righteousness resonates with broader biblical themes where clothing represents spiritual states, such as the "garments of salvation" and "robe of righteousness" in [[Isaiah 61:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of צָנִיף is multifaceted, reflecting its various symbolic uses:
* **Symbol of Personal Dignity and Righteousness**: In Job's lament, the צָנִיף epitomizes the outward expression of his inner integrity and justice. It signifies a life lived in accordance with divine principles, demonstrating that righteousness can adorn an individual.
* **Symbol of Royal Authority and Divine Favor**: As a royal diadem in [[Isaiah 62:3]], צָNצָנִיף signifies the glory, honor, and majestic status bestowed by God upon His chosen people, Zion. Conversely, its removal in [[Ezekiel 21:26]] vividly illustrates the withdrawal of divinely granted authority and the judgment upon human kingship, underscoring God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers.
* **Symbol of Priestly Purity and Consecration**: The most profound theological application of צָנִיף is found in [[Zechariah 3:5]]. The placement of a "clean צָנִיף" on Joshua the High Priest's head, after his sin has been removed, is a powerful act of divine grace and restoration. It symbolizes the necessary purity and consecration for those who serve in God's presence and mediate on behalf of His people. This act points to the divine provision for cleansing and the enablement of holy service, foreshadowing the perfect High Priesthood of Christ.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**: The ability of the Lord to bestow or remove the צָנִיף (as a symbol of honor, power, or purity) unequivocally demonstrates His ultimate control over human institutions, leadership, and the spiritual condition of His servants.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צָנִיף (tsânîyph, `{{H6797}}`), derived from the root "to wrap," denotes a head-dress, turban, diadem, or mitre. Its semantic range covers both common adornment and deeply symbolic headwear. Biblically, צָנִיף serves as a rich and multifaceted symbol. In [[Job 29:14]], it represents personal dignity and righteousness. In [[Isaiah 3:23]], it is an item of everyday adornment. More significantly, it functions as a royal diadem in [[Isaiah 62:3]], signifying glory and honor bestowed by God, and its removal in [[Ezekiel 21:26]] symbolizes the stripping of royal authority due to divine judgment. Most profoundly, in [[Zechariah 3:5]], the "clean צָנִיף" placed on the High Priest Joshua signifies divine cleansing, purification, and re-consecration for holy service, underscoring the necessity of purity for those who approach God. Thus, צָנִיף encapsulates themes of status, honor, authority, and, critically, the divine provision for holiness and restoration within God's covenant, revealing His sovereignty over both human and spiritual realms.
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