a primitive root; to tip over (for the purpose of spilling or pouring out), i.e. (figuratively) depopulate; by implication, to imprison or conquer; (reflexive) to lie down (for coitus); captive exile, travelling, (cause to) wander(-er).
Transliteration:tsâʻâh
Pronunciation:tsaw-aw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H6808 (צָעָה, *tsâʻâh*) is a primitive root carrying a rich and multifaceted semantic range. At its most literal, it conveys the idea of "to tip over," "to spill," or "to pour out." This fundamental meaning forms the basis for its various figurative extensions.
Figuratively, H6808 expands to describe:
1. **Depopulation or Emptying:** Building on the idea of "spilling out," it can refer to the emptying of a land or city, often through conquest or judgment, leading to exile or desolation. This implies a forceful removal or displacement of inhabitants.
2. **Imprisonment or Conquest:** By implication of depopulation, the word can signify the act of conquering a people or nation, leading to their captivity or subjugation.
3. **Wandering or Exile:** The state of being "poured out" from one's land naturally leads to a condition of wandering or exile. This can describe an individual or a collective forced to travel aimlessly or without a settled home.
4. **Turning or Looking:** In a specific usage (often in the Hiphil stem), it can denote the act of "turning" one's gaze or attention, implying a careful observation or looking around.
5. **Lying Down (for coitus) or Going Astray:** In a reflexive or intensive sense, the word can refer to the act of lying down, particularly in a sexual context, or more broadly, to "going astray" or "prostituting oneself," often with strong moral or spiritual connotations of infidelity. This meaning connects to a "spilling" of moral boundaries or a deviation from the right path.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H6808 in the Hebrew Bible, though few, powerfully illustrate its diverse semantic range:
* **[[Exodus 2:12]]**: "And he looked this way and that way (וַיִּפֶן כֹּה וָכֹה) and saw that there was no one, and he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand." Here, the Hiphil form of H6808 (*wayyipen*) is used to describe Moses "turning" or "looking around" carefully before acting. This highlights the root's connection to physical movement and observation, specifically a turning of the head or body.
* **[[Jeremiah 2:20]]**: "For long ago I broke your yoke and tore off your bonds, and you said, 'I will not transgress!' But on every high hill and under every green tree you bowed down, a prostitute (אַתְּ צֹעָה זוֹנָה)." In this verse, H6808 (*tso'ah*) is used to describe Israel's spiritual harlotry, depicting them as "lying down" or "going astray" in idolatry. This powerfully conveys the sense of moral deviation and spiritual infidelity, aligning with the "lying down for coitus" or "going astray" aspect of the definition.
* **[[Jeremiah 48:12]]**: "Therefore, behold, days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will send to him those who pour out (צֹעִים), and they shall pour him out (וְצֵעֻהוּ) and empty his vessels and break his jars in pieces." This passage, concerning God's judgment on Moab, directly employs the core meaning of "to pour out" or "to empty." The "pourers" are agents of divine judgment who will "empty" Moab, signifying its utter destruction and depopulation. This illustrates the root's use in the context of divine judgment leading to desolation.
These occurrences demonstrate how H6808 moves from a concrete physical action (turning, pouring out) to profound abstract and theological concepts (spiritual harlotry, divine judgment, observation).
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H6808 intersects with several other Hebrew words and biblical concepts:
* **Wandering/Exile:** The concept of being cast out or forced to wander is central. Related words include `{{H5128}}` (נוּעַ, *nua'*) "to wander, shake," and `{{H5074}}` (נָדַד, *nadad*) "to flee, wander." The judgment of exile, a prominent theme in the prophets, is a direct outcome implied by H6808's "depopulate" meaning.
* **Emptying/Desolation:** The act of "pouring out" or "emptying" is often linked to divine judgment and the desolation of a land. Words like `{{H7324}}` (רִיק, *riyq*) "to empty" or `{{H1238}}` (בָּקַק, *baqaq*) "to empty, lay waste" share this thematic connection.
* **Prostitution/Apostasy:** The use of H6808 in [[Jeremiah 2:20]] places it in the semantic sphere of spiritual unfaithfulness. It strongly relates to `{{H2181}}` (זָנָה, *zanah*) "to commit fornication, to be a harlot," which is frequently used metaphorically for Israel's idolatry and turning away from God.
* **Turning/Looking:** The meaning of "turning" or "looking" in [[Exodus 2:12]] connects to verbs of perception and movement, such as `{{H6437}}` (פָּנָה, *panah*) "to turn, face" or `{{H7200}}` (רָאָה, *ra'ah*) "to see."
### Theological Significance
The word H6808 contributes significantly to biblical theology by illustrating God's sovereignty, the consequences of human sin, and the nature of divine judgment.
1. **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty:** In [[Jeremiah 48:12]], God is depicted as the one who sends "those who pour out" to "empty" Moab. This portrays God as the ultimate agent of judgment, sovereign over nations and capable of bringing about their utter desolation. The act of "pouring out" signifies a complete and irreversible emptying, a powerful metaphor for divine wrath and the consequences of rebellion.
2. **Human Sin and Spiritual Infidelity:** The usage in [[Jeremiah 2:20]] is profoundly theological. Israel's "going astray" or "prostituting" herself underscores the gravity of spiritual infidelity against the covenant God. It highlights the intimate and exclusive nature of the relationship God desired with His people, where any deviation or "lying down" with other gods constituted a profound betrayal. This usage emphasizes the moral dimension of human action and its impact on the divine-human relationship.
3. **The Human Condition and Divine Awareness:** Moses' "turning" in [[Exodus 2:12]] suggests a moment of critical observation and decision, a human response to a challenging situation. While not directly theological in the sense of judgment or sin, it subtly points to human agency and the need for discernment, often in the face of momentous choices that have theological implications. The broader semantic range of "wanderer" also touches on the human condition of displacement, often a consequence of sin or divine decree, reflecting themes of exile and longing for a settled home.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H6808 (צָעָה, *tsâʻâh*) is a concise yet potent word, deriving its core meaning from "to tip over," "spill," or "pour out." This foundational sense expands into significant theological concepts: the forceful **depopulation** and **judgment** of nations by God (as seen in [[Jeremiah 48:12]]), the **spiritual harlotry** and **going astray** of God's people ([[Jeremiah 2:20]]), and the more literal act of **turning** or careful observation ([[Exodus 2:12]]). While its occurrences are limited, each usage of H6808 illuminates crucial aspects of God's sovereign justice, the severity of human sin and spiritual infidelity, and the profound consequences of straying from His path. It serves as a vivid reminder of divine agency in bringing about desolation and the moral imperative for humanity to remain faithful.
TRV