### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Tsôʻan**, represented by `{{H6814}}`, refers to **Tsoan, a place in Egypt**. Derived from an Egyptian word, it is the name of a prominent city within the biblical land of Egypt. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible, establishing it as a significant location in both historical and prophetic contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Zoan serves as a key geographical and political landmark in Egypt. Its age is used as a benchmark, with the text noting that **Hebron** `{{H2275}}` was built **seven** `{{H7651}}` **years** `{{H8141}}` before Zoan [[Numbers 13:22]]. The "field of **Zoan**" is identified as the location where God performed **marvellous things** `{{H6382}}` and **wonders** `{{H4159}}` in the sight of the Israelite **fathers** `{{H1}}` ([[Psalms 78:12]], [[Psalms 78:43]]). However, it is also depicted as a center of corrupt leadership, whose **princes** `{{H8269}}` are called **fools** `{{H191}}` and whose counsel is brutish [[Isaiah 19:11]]. It is prophesied to be a target of divine judgment, where God will set **fire** `{{H784}}` and execute **judgments** `{{H8201}}` [[Ezekiel 30:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the role and context of Zoan:
* `{{H2275}}` **Chebrôwn** (seat of association): A major city in Palestine, its founding is directly contrasted with Zoan's, providing a historical anchor connecting a key Israelite location with this notable Egyptian city [[Numbers 13:22]].
* `{{H8269}}` **sar** (a head person): This term for a prince or ruler is used repeatedly to characterize the misguided leadership located in Zoan, whose counsel is deemed foolish and deceptive ([[Isaiah 19:11]], [[Isaiah 19:13]], [[Isaiah 30:4]]).
* `{{H5297}}` **Nôph** (Noph, the capital of Upper Egypt): This city is mentioned in parallel with Zoan as another center of political power in Egypt whose princes are deceived and have led the nation astray [[Isaiah 19:13]].
* `{{H6547}}` **Parʻôh** (Pharaoh): As the king of Egypt, the counsel given to him by the **wise** `{{H2450}}` counsellors and princes of Zoan is judged as brutish and foolish [[Isaiah 19:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6814}}` is multifaceted, representing themes of human pride, divine power, and judgment.
* **Benchmark of Antiquity:** The founding of Zoan is presented as a known historical fact, used to give context to the age of Hebron. This grounds the biblical narrative in a shared ancient history [[Numbers 13:22]].
* **Symbol of Failed Human Wisdom:** Zoan stands as a symbol of worldly power and wisdom that is ultimately foolish. Its princes boast of being sons of **ancient** `{{H6924}}` **kings** `{{H4428}}`, yet they are **deceived** `{{H5377}}` and lead **Egypt** `{{H4714}}` astray ([[Isaiah 19:11]], [[Isaiah 19:13]]).
* **Stage for Divine Intervention:** The "field of Zoan" is remembered as the stage where God demonstrated His supreme power by working his **signs** `{{H226}}` and **wonders** `{{H4159}}` [[Psalms 78:43]]. It is also marked as a future site of God's fiery judgment against Egypt's cities [[Ezekiel 30:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6814}}` **Tsôʻan** is more than just a city in Egypt; it is a place of deep biblical importance. It functions as a historical reference point, a symbol of arrogant human wisdom that fails, and a backdrop for God's mighty acts of both salvation and judgment. The mentions of Zoan weave together history and prophecy to contrast the fleeting power of human princes with the eternal power of God.
TRV