from the same as צַפַּחַת; a flat thin cake; wafer.
Transliteration:tsappîychith
Pronunciation:tsap-pee-kheeth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6838 (צַפִּיחִת, *tsappîychith*) denotes a "flat thin cake" or "wafer." Its etymological root is traced to the same source as H6835 (צַפַּחַת, *tsappachath*), which refers to a "flask," "jar," or "cruse." This connection suggests a potential semantic link to something that is spread out, thin, or perhaps even brittle, akin to a piece broken from a vessel. The core meaning emphasizes a specific form of food: a thin, flat, and likely crispy or delicate edible item, often associated with sweetness or richness, as evidenced by its biblical contexts. It is distinct from thicker breads or loaves, highlighting its particular consistency and shape.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H6838 occurs exclusively in the Pentateuch, specifically within the narratives concerning the miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness.
* **[[Exodus 16:31]]**: "And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey." Here, *tsappîychith* is used as a comparative descriptor for the taste of manna. The phrase "wafers made with honey" (*tsappîychith bidvash*) paints a picture of a sweet and palatable substance, elevating the manna beyond mere sustenance to a delightful provision. This description underscores God's generous and loving care, providing not just what was necessary, but also what was pleasant.
* **[[Numbers 11:8]]**: "The people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in mortars, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil." While the KJV translates the latter part as "cakes," the Hebrew here is again *tsappîychith*. This verse elaborates on the preparation of manna, indicating that after being ground or beaten, it could be fashioned into these flat cakes or wafers. The comparison to "fresh oil" (or "rich pastry" in some translations) further reinforces the idea of a rich, satisfying, and perhaps unctuous taste, contrasting sharply with the Israelites' complaints about the monotony of the manna. The versatility of manna, capable of being prepared in various forms, including these wafers, suggests its adaptability as a staple food.
In both instances, *tsappîychith* describes the physical form and delightful taste of the manna, emphasizing its divine origin and the miraculous nature of its provision.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H6838 naturally connects to several related terms and theological concepts:
* **H6835 (צַפַּחַת, *tsappachath*):** As noted, this is the root word for H6838, meaning "flask" or "jar." The semantic link could be either the thinness of a vessel's wall, or the idea of something poured out and flattened.
* **H4478 (מָן, *man*):** Manna itself, the miraculous food provided by God. H6838 is crucial in describing the manna's form and taste.
* **H1706 (דְּבַשׁ, *devash*):** Honey, with which the wafers are compared in [[Exodus 16:31]]. This highlights the sweetness and desirability of the manna.
* **H8081 (שֶׁמֶן, *shemen*):** Oil, to which the taste of the manna-wafers is compared in [[Numbers 11:8]]. This suggests a rich, satisfying, and perhaps even nourishing quality.
* **H7529 (רָקִיק, *raqiq*):** Another Hebrew term for a "thin cake" or "wafer," often used in the context of offerings (e.g., [[Leviticus 2:4]]). While H7529 may refer to a broader category of thin cakes, H6838 specifically denotes the form of the manna.
* **Divine Provision:** The overarching theme in which H6838 is embedded. It speaks to God's faithful and detailed care for His people in the wilderness.
* **Wilderness Journey:** The context of Israel's forty years in the wilderness, during which manna was their sole sustenance.
* **Grumbling/Contentment:** The contrast between the delightful nature of the manna (as described by H6838) and the Israelites' complaints about it.
### Theological Significance
The word H6838 contributes significantly to the theological understanding of God's character and provision.
* **God's Gracious Provision:** The description of manna as "wafers with honey" or having the "taste of fresh oil" underscores God's generosity. He did not merely provide bland sustenance but food that was palatable and even delightful. This speaks to His desire not just to meet basic needs but to bless His people abundantly.
* **Divine Condescension:** The miraculous appearance of manna, in a form as delicate as a wafer, highlights God's intimate involvement in the daily lives of His people. He provided a food that was easily gathered and prepared, suitable for all, from the strongest to the weakest.
* **Symbol of Simplicity and Sustenance:** The wafer form suggests a simple, unadulterated food, yet one that was perfectly sufficient for forty years. It taught Israel dependence on God for daily bread, rather than relying on their own efforts or the produce of the land.
* **Foreshadowing of Christ:** The manna itself is a powerful type of Christ, the "Bread of Life" ([[John 6:31-35]]). Just as the manna sustained Israel in the wilderness, Christ sustains believers spiritually. The delicate wafer form might subtly point to the humility and "brokenness" of Christ's body, given for the life of the world. The sweetness and richness of the manna, described by H6838, can also be seen as a foretaste of the spiritual delight found in Christ.
* **Test of Obedience:** The gathering and preparation of manna, including its transformation into wafers, required daily obedience to God's instructions, serving as a constant reminder of His covenant.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6838 (צַפִּיחִת, *tsappîychith*) specifically denotes a "flat thin cake" or "wafer." Its primary biblical occurrences are found in the Pentateuch, where it consistently describes the physical form and delightful taste of the manna divinely provided to Israel in the wilderness ([[Exodus 16:31]], [[Numbers 11:8]]). The word emphasizes the delicate, sweet, and rich qualities of this miraculous food, likening it to wafers made with honey or having the taste of fresh oil. Theologically, H6838 underscores God's abundant and gracious provision, His attention to detail in caring for His people, and the simplicity yet profound sufficiency of His sustenance. As a descriptor of manna, it subtly points to the spiritual nourishment found in Christ, the true Bread of Life, highlighting God's desire not only to meet needs but to bless with delight.
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