or צָעוֹר; from צָעַר; little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble; least, little (one), small (one), [phrase] young(-er, -est).
Transliteration:tsâʻîyr
Pronunciation:tsaw-eer'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term צָעִיר (tsâʻîyr, `{{H6810}}`) derives from the root צָעַר (tsa'ar), which conveys the fundamental idea of being small, insignificant, or young. Its semantic range is notably broad, encompassing several dimensions of "smallness":
1. **Age:** Most commonly, it refers to being "young," "younger," or "youngest." This is its primary and most frequent application, denoting a lesser number of years compared to others.
2. **Quantity/Number:** It can signify "few" or "a small number," indicating a limited quantity rather than an extensive one.
3. **Size/Extent:** Less frequently, it can describe something as physically "small" in dimension or scope.
4. **Status/Value:** In a qualitative sense, צָעִיר can denote "ignoble," "least," or "insignificant," referring to a low social standing, lack of importance, or a state of weakness.
Thus, צָעִיר functions as an adjective describing a state of being "little" across various contexts, from chronological age to societal standing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of צָעִיר (tsâʻîyr, `{{H6810}}`) in the Hebrew Bible reveal its nuanced applications:
* **Age:** This is the most prominent usage. Benjamin is consistently referred to as the "youngest" of Jacob's sons ([[Genesis 43:23]], [[Genesis 43:34]], [[Genesis 44:20]]). Similarly, David is identified as the "youngest" of Jesse's sons when Samuel is sent to anoint a king ([[1 Samuel 16:11]], [[1 Samuel 17:14]]). In [[Job 30:1]], Job laments being mocked by those "younger" than himself, highlighting a social hierarchy based on age and experience. These instances underscore the chronological aspect of the word, often setting the stage for divine reversals of human expectation.
* **Quantity/Number:** The term can denote a small group or remnant. In [[Isaiah 10:19]], it describes the "few" trees remaining in a forest after a devastating judgment, emphasizing the scarcity of survivors. Similarly, [[Jeremiah 30:19]] speaks of a restored Israel whose numbers will not be "few," implying a shift from a diminished state to abundance. This usage often carries eschatological or redemptive overtones, pointing to God's preservation of a faithful remnant.
* **Status/Importance/Size:** צָעִיר is employed to describe entities that are small in significance or physical stature. Perhaps most famously, [[Micah 5:2]] (5:1 MT) declares, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are "small" (צָעִיר) among the clans of Judah, from you will come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel." Here, Bethlehem's physical smallness and apparent insignificance are contrasted with its pivotal role in redemptive history as the birthplace of the Messiah. In [[Obadiah 1:2]], Edom is told, "Behold, I will make you "small" (צָעִיר) among the nations; you shall be utterly despised," signifying a reduction in power and standing. [[Zechariah 4:10]] asks, "For who has despised the day of "small" (צָעִיר) things?" cautioning against underestimating humble beginnings or seemingly insignificant efforts in God's work.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of צָעִיר (tsâʻîyr, `{{H6810}}`) interacts with several other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **Root צָעַר (tsa'ar):** The verbal root from which צָעִיר derives, meaning "to be small, insignificant, or young." This direct etymological link reinforces the core meaning.
* **Antonyms:**
* גָּדוֹל (gadol, `{{H1419}}`): "great," "large," "important," serving as a direct opposite, highlighting the contrast between the mighty and the humble.
* בָּכֹר (bekor, `{{H1060}}`): "firstborn," "eldest," standing in opposition to the "youngest," particularly in narratives of divine election (e.g., Jacob over Esau, David over his brothers).
* **Synonyms/Related Ideas:**
* מְעַט (me'at, `{{H4592}}`): "little," "few," "a small amount," often interchangeable with צָעִיר when referring to quantity.
* קָטָן (qatan, `{{H6994}}`): "small," "young," "insignificant," sharing significant overlap in meaning, particularly in denoting physical size or age.
* **Theological Concepts:** The term often evokes themes of the remnant, divine election, humility, and God's paradoxical working through the seemingly weak or insignificant.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of צָעִיר (tsâʻîyr, `{{H6810}}`) is profound, revealing a consistent pattern in God's redemptive dealings with humanity.
1. **Divine Preference for the Humble/Weak:** The recurring motif of God choosing the "youngest" or the "least" (e.g., David, Bethlehem) powerfully subverts human expectations based on primogeniture, strength, or prominence. This highlights God's sovereign freedom and His ability to work through those whom the world deems insignificant, thereby magnifying His own power and grace rather than human merit. This principle is deeply echoed in the New Testament (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 1:27-29]]).
2. **The Remnant Motif:** When צָעִיר refers to a "few" or a "small" number, it often relates to the concept of the remnant—a faithful portion of Israel preserved through judgment. This remnant, though numerically small, becomes the vehicle for God's continuing covenant purposes and the seed for future restoration and growth.
3. **Humility and Dependence:** Being "small" can signify a state of vulnerability or humility, prompting a greater reliance on divine intervention. When a nation or individual is made צָעִיר, it can be a consequence of judgment or a necessary condition for receiving God's unmerited favor.
4. **Paradox of God's Kingdom:** The use of צָעִיר in [[Micah 5:2]] regarding Bethlehem is a prophetic microcosm of God's kingdom. From an humble, insignificant origin comes the greatest King. This paradox—that God's greatest works often begin in the smallest and most unlikely places—is a central tenet of biblical theology.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צָעִיר (tsâʻîyr, `{{H6810}}`) is a versatile term signifying "smallness" across various dimensions: age, number, size, and importance. Its most common application describes one who is "young" or "youngest," as seen in the narratives of Benjamin and David. Beyond age, it can denote a "few" in number, often referring to a remnant, or something "small" or "insignificant" in status or physical dimension, such as Bethlehem or Edom. Theologically, צָעִיר powerfully illustrates God's counter-intuitive methodology: He frequently chooses the "least," the "youngest," or the "small" to accomplish His greatest purposes, thereby confounding human wisdom and magnifying His own sovereign grace. This consistent pattern underscores themes of divine election, the significance of the humble, and the paradoxical nature of God's kingdom.
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