### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsᵉʻîyrâh**, represented by `{{H6812}}`, refers to **youth** or juvenility. As the feminine form of `{{H6810}}` (tsâʻîyr), meaning "young," it pinpoints the quality of "smallness (of age)." This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in a single verse in the Bible. Its singular use highlights a specific moment of astonishment related to age and divine order.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H6812}}` is in [[Genesis 43:33]], during the dramatic encounter between Joseph and his brothers in Egypt. Unaware of his identity, they are seated for a meal. The text states they sat{H3427} before{H6440} him in perfect order, "the firstborn{H1060} according to his birthright{H1062}, and the youngest{H6810} according to his **youth**{H6812}." This inexplicably accurate arrangement of the brothers, from oldest to youngest, caused the men{H582} to marvel{H8539}. The term **tsᵉʻîyrâh** is used here to define the status of the youngest brother, contrasting directly with the birthright of the firstborn.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the immediate context of [[Genesis 43:33]] help clarify the meaning of `{{H6812}}`:
* `{{H6810}}` **tsâʻîyr**: This word means **least, little (one), small (one), young(-er, -est)**. It is the masculine counterpart to **tsᵉʻîyrâh** and is used in the same verse to identify the "youngest" brother.
* `{{H1060}}` **bᵉkôwr**: Defined as **firstborn; hence, chief; eldest (son), firstborn(-ling)**. This term is set in direct opposition to the youngest, establishing the full spectrum of age among the brothers.
* `{{H1062}}` **bᵉkôwrâh**: Meaning **birthright, firstborn(-ling)**. It is used in parallel with "youth" (tsᵉʻîyrâh) to signify the status and rights associated with the firstborn, just as youth defines the status of the youngest.
* `{{H8539}}` **tâmahh**: Meaning **to be in consternation; be amazed, be astonished, marvel(-lously), wonder**. This describes the brothers' reaction to being seated in an order that perfectly recognized both the birthright of the eldest and the youth of the youngest.
### Theological Significance
While appearing only once, `{{H6812}}` contributes to significant narrative themes:
* **Supernatural Order:** The use of **tsᵉʻîyrâh** to define the youngest's position, in parallel with the firstborn's birthright, highlights the impossibly correct ordering of the brothers. This points to a knowledge beyond human capacity, hinting at the divine orchestration of events in Joseph's story.
* **Juxtaposition of Age and Status:** The passage [[Genesis 43:33]] sets up a clear contrast between the firstborn (bᵉkôwr) with his birthright (bᵉkôwrâh) and the youngest (tsâʻîyr) defined by his **youth** (tsᵉʻîyrâh). This focus on the hierarchy of age is a significant theme throughout Genesis.
* **Human Astonishment:** The precision indicated by the term causes the brothers to **marvel** `{{H8539}}`. The recognition of the youngest brother's specific state of **youth** is a crucial detail that fuels their confusion and awe, serving as a prelude to the greater revelation of Joseph's identity.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6812}}` **tsᵉʻîyrâh** is a highly specific term for **youth** whose significance comes from its singular, impactful use in scripture. Within the narrative of [[Genesis 43:33]], it serves to complete the perfect, mirrored description of Joseph's brothers being seated from the eldest by his birthright to the youngest by his **youth**. This detail is not incidental; it is the very thing that causes the men to be astonished, underscoring the supernatural knowledge at play and advancing the dramatic tension of the story.
TRV