from the same as צֶפַע; excrement (as protruded); dung.
Transliteration:tsᵉphûwaʻ
Pronunciation:tsef-oo'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H6832 (צְפוּעַ, *tsᵉphûwaʻ*) is derived from the same root as צֶפַע (tsephaʻ, `{{H6831}}`), which refers to a viper or its venom. This etymological connection suggests something that is expelled or protruded, akin to a viper's venom being ejected. Consequently, tsᵉphûwaʻ carries the base meaning of "excrement" or "dung," specifically implying waste material that is forcefully ejected or protruded from the body. Its semantic range is narrow, focusing exclusively on this foul, expelled matter, often with connotations of defilement or repulsion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H6832 (tsᵉphûwaʻ) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Malachi:
* **[[Malachi 2:3]]**: "Behold, I will rebuke your offspring, and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your feasts, and you shall be taken away with it."
In this sole occurrence, tsᵉphûwaʻ is used in a powerful prophetic declaration against the priests of Israel who had defiled their covenant with the Lord through corrupt and contemptuous worship. The phrase "the dung of your feasts" is particularly poignant. It refers not to general waste, but specifically to the excrement associated with their sacrifices (זֶבַח, *zebach*), which were meant to be holy offerings to God. Instead of being consumed by fire or taken outside the camp as per Levitical law (e.g., [[Leviticus 4:11]]), this "dung" is prophetically described as being spread on their faces. This imagery conveys an extreme level of divine contempt, public humiliation, and utter defilement. It signifies that their offerings, far from being pleasing, had become so abhorrent to God that they were no better than refuse, and the priests themselves would be disgraced by being smeared with the very byproduct of their corrupted rituals.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **צֶפַע (tsephaʻ, `{{H6831}}`)**: The root word, meaning "viper" or "venom." This connection imbues tsᵉphûwaʻ with an added layer of repulsiveness, perhaps suggesting something as loathsome and dangerous as a serpent's venom.
* **פֶּרֶשׁ (peres, `{{H6507}}`)**: Another common Hebrew word for "dung" or "excrement," often referring to the waste of sacrificial animals (e.g., [[Exodus 29:14]], [[Leviticus 4:11]]). While peres describes the physical waste, tsᵉphûwaʻ in [[Malachi 2:3]] is employed with a more specific, visceral, and condemnatory force, emphasizing the repulsive nature of what is expelled and then used as an instrument of divine judgment.
* **Defilement (טָמֵא, *tameʼ*, `{{H2930}}`)**: The concept of impurity is central to the priestly laws. Dung is inherently impure. The act of spreading it on the faces of the priests symbolizes the ultimate state of defilement and ritual unacceptability, contrasting sharply with the purity required for their sacred office.
* **Shame (בּוּשׁ, *bush*, `{{H954}}`) and Contempt (בּוּז, *buz*, `{{H936}}`)**: The prophetic action in [[Malachi 2:3]] is designed to inflict profound shame and public disgrace upon the unfaithful priests, reflecting God's utter contempt for their corrupted worship.
### Theological Significance
The single, potent use of H6832 (tsᵉphûwaʻ) in [[Malachi 2:3]] carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Rejection of Corrupt Worship**: The most striking theological implication is God's absolute rejection of insincere, defiled, and self-serving worship. The "dung of your feasts" vividly illustrates that religious rituals, when performed without a pure heart or in violation of God's covenant, become an abomination to Him. God does not merely ignore such offerings; He actively despises and defiles them.
* **Reversal of Priestly Blessing**: The priests were ordained to mediate God's blessing to the people (cf. [[Numbers 6:24-26]]). Here, God promises to spread dung on their faces, signifying a complete reversal of blessing into a curse, and honor into utter humiliation. It underscores the severity of breaking covenant with the Almighty.
* **Justice and Purification**: While the imagery is one of severe judgment and public disgrace, it also serves as a stark warning and a call for purification within the priesthood and among the people. God's holiness demands purity in worship, and He will not tolerate profanity or hypocrisy among those who claim to serve Him. This act of judgment is a necessary step towards the restoration of true, undefiled worship.
* **The Nature of True Worship**: Implicitly, this passage teaches that true worship is not merely about performing rituals, but about offering oneself and one's sacrifices with sincerity, reverence, and a heart devoted to God's commands. When the heart is far from God, even sacred acts become profane and produce "dung."
### Summary
H6832 (tsᵉphûwaʻ) is a rare but exceptionally powerful Hebrew term denoting "excrement" or "dung," specifically that which is expelled. Its singular appearance in [[Malachi 2:3]] is highly significant, where it refers to "the dung of your feasts." This graphic imagery serves as a divine indictment against the corrupt priests of Israel, symbolizing God's utter contempt and severe judgment for their defiled and insincere worship. The word's connection to `{{H6831}}` (viper/venom) amplifies its repulsive connotations. Theologically, tsᵉphûwaʻ underscores God's absolute rejection of profane worship, the reversal of blessing for covenant breakers, and the necessity of purity and sincerity in all acts of devotion. It stands as a stark reminder that God demands not merely ritual, but a pure heart in worship, lest even sacred offerings become detestable refuse in His sight.
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