or צִפֹּר; from צָפַר; a little bird (as hopping); bird, fowl, sparrow.
Transliteration:tsippôwr
Pronunciation:tsip-pore'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term צִפּוֹר (tsippôwr, `{{H6833}}`) derives from the root צָפַר (tsaphar), which likely conveys the idea of chirping, twittering, or a swift, hopping movement characteristic of small birds. Its primary meaning is "bird" in a general sense, but often with the specific nuance of a "little bird" or "sparrow." The base definition provided, "a little bird (as hopping); bird, fowl, sparrow," accurately captures this semantic range. While it can refer to any winged creature, its frequent usage in contexts where size or commonality is implied suggests a preference for smaller, more familiar avian species. It encompasses both wild birds and those that might be kept, though the latter is less common in biblical texts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term צִפּוֹר appears numerous times throughout the Hebrew Bible, offering diverse contextual insights into its usage:
* **General Reference to Birds:** In the flood narrative, צִפּוֹר is used collectively to describe the various kinds of birds that entered Noah's ark ([[Genesis 7:14]]). Similarly, in the Deuteronomic warning against idolatry, it refers to any "winged bird" whose likeness should not be made into an idol ([[Deuteronomy 4:17]]).
* **Sacrificial and Purification Rites:** צִפּוֹר plays a significant role in the Levitical law, particularly in the purification ritual for a person cleansed from defiling skin diseases (often translated as leprosy). Here, two living צִפּוֹר are prescribed, one to be killed over fresh water and the other released into the open field ([[Leviticus 14:4-7]]). This ritual highlights the bird's symbolic role in carrying away defilement. Birds, specifically turtledoves or young pigeons (often a subset of צִפּוֹר in common usage), were also acceptable offerings for the poor who could not afford larger animals ([[Leviticus 5:7]]).
* **Proverbial and Poetic Imagery:** In wisdom literature and psalms, צִפּוֹר often serves as a metaphor. In [[Psalm 11:1]], the psalmist rejects the advice to "flee as a bird to your mountain," illustrating the temptation to escape from trouble. Conversely, [[Psalm 84:3]] beautifully portrays the sparrow (צִפּוֹר) finding a home and nest near God's altars, symbolizing the longing for divine presence and security. [[Proverbs 26:2]] compares a groundless curse to a "wandering bird" or "flying sparrow," implying it will not alight or take effect.
* **Prophetic Contexts:** צִפּוֹר can also appear in prophetic passages, sometimes symbolizing a swift return or divine action. For instance, [[Hosea 11:11]] speaks of the Israelites returning "like a bird from Egypt," highlighting their future restoration.
Across these contexts, צִפּוֹר consistently refers to a bird, often emphasizing its commonality, vulnerability, or its role within the divinely appointed order of creation and ritual.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term צִפּוֹר (`{{H6833}}`) is closely related to other Hebrew words pertaining to avian life and broader categories of living creatures.
* **עוֹף (`{{H5775}}`, 'oph):** This is a more general and comprehensive term for "flying creatures" or "fowl," often used in the creation accounts to denote all winged animals ([[Genesis 1:20-21]]). צִפּוֹר can be considered a specific type or subset of עוֹף, often referring to smaller, common birds, whereas עוֹף encompasses everything from large birds of prey to insects.
* **נֶשֶׁר (`{{H5404}}`, nesher):** "Eagle," a specific and powerful bird of prey, often used metaphorically for strength, swiftness, or divine protection ([[Exodus 19:4]]). This contrasts with the typical smallness of צִפּוֹר.
* **יוֹנָה (`{{H3123}}`, yonah) and תּוֹר (`{{H8449}}`, tor):** "Dove" and "turtledove," respectively. These are specific types of birds frequently mentioned in sacrificial contexts as acceptable offerings, especially for the poor, and thus fall under the broader category that צִפּוֹר can represent in ritual.
Thematically, צִפּוֹר is associated with:
* **Creation:** Part of God's diverse and intricate creation.
* **Providence:** Illustrating God's care for all creatures, even the seemingly insignificant.
* **Purity and Sacrifice:** Its role in the Mosaic Law for purification and atonement.
* **Metaphor and Symbolism:** Representing vulnerability, freedom, swiftness, or the search for refuge.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of צִפּוֹר (`{{H6833}}`) is profound, despite its common and seemingly humble nature.
* **Divine Creation and Sustenance:** The very existence of צִפּוֹר testifies to God's creative power and meticulous design. As part of the living creatures brought forth by divine command ([[Genesis 1:20-21]]), birds exemplify the diversity and beauty of creation. Furthermore, their ability to find food and shelter points to God's ongoing provision for all His creatures, a theme echoed in wisdom literature ([[Job 12:7-9]]).
* **God's Meticulous Providence:** Perhaps the most poignant theological implication of צִפּוֹר is its use to illustrate God's detailed and compassionate care. The psalmist's longing for a dwelling place near God, like the sparrow finding a home in the temple ([[Psalm 84:3]]), speaks to the deep human need for divine refuge and security. This concept is powerfully amplified in the New Testament, where Jesus assures His disciples that not even one sparrow falls to the ground without the Father's knowledge, signifying God's intimate concern for every individual ([[Matthew 10:29-31]], [[Luke 12:6-7]]). While the Greek στρουθίον (`{{G4765}}`) is used there, the theological continuity with צִפּוֹר is unmistakable.
* **Sacrifice and Atonement for All:** The inclusion of צִפּוֹר in the sacrificial system, particularly for purification rites ([[Leviticus 14]]) and as offerings for the poor ([[Leviticus 5:7]]), underscores God's mercy and the accessibility of atonement. It demonstrates that God's covenant provisions extended to all, regardless of their economic status, allowing even the least affluent to participate in the rituals of reconciliation and purification.
* **Symbol of Vulnerability and Trust:** The צִפּוֹר, being small and seemingly defenseless, often symbolizes vulnerability. Its reliance on God's provision and protection becomes a model for human trust in divine care, especially in times of distress ([[Psalm 11:1]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word צִפּוֹר (tsippôwr, `{{H6833}}`) primarily denotes a "bird," often with the specific nuance of a "little bird" or "sparrow," derived from a root suggesting chirping or hopping. Its biblical occurrences range from general references to birds in creation and flood narratives to specific roles in Levitical purification rituals, where two birds are used to symbolize the removal of defilement. Poetically, צִפּוֹר serves as a powerful metaphor for vulnerability, the search for refuge, and the aimlessness of a groundless curse. Theologically, צִפּוֹר profoundly illustrates God's meticulous creation and His intimate, compassionate providence over all living things, even the seemingly insignificant. Furthermore, its inclusion in the sacrificial system highlights the accessibility of atonement and purification for all people. The humble צִפּוֹר thus stands as a testament to God's pervasive care and the intricate design of His divine economy.
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