feminine formed like צָפִיר; a crown (as encircling the head); also a turn of affairs (i.e. mishap); diadem, morning.
Transliteration:tsᵉphîyrâh
Pronunciation:tsef-ee-raw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H6843 (צְפִירָה, *tsᵉphîyrâh*) is a rare but semantically rich term. Its base definition points to a feminine form derived from `{{H6842}}` (צָפִיר, *tsaphir*), meaning "he-goat." The connection to the goat is likely due to the encircling nature of its horns, which informs the primary meaning of H6843 as "a crown" or "diadem." This suggests an object that encircles the head, symbolizing royalty, honor, or beauty.
Beyond this concrete meaning, the word possesses a remarkable semantic expansion. It is also defined as "a turn of affairs" or "mishap," and even "morning." This broader range indicates that H6843 can denote not only a physical object but also a temporal state or a significant shift in circumstances, often with negative connotations. The concept of "turning" or "encircling" seems to be the underlying thread connecting these disparate meanings, whether it be a crown encircling a head, the sun circling to bring morning, or events turning into a calamity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H6843 appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance revealing a distinct facet of its semantic range:
1. **[[Isaiah 28:5]]**: "In that day the LORD of hosts will be a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty to the remnant of his people."
* Here, H6843 is used in parallel with `{{H5850}}` (עֲטָרָה, *atarah*), the more common Hebrew word for "crown." The context is one of divine promise and restoration. Amidst the judgment pronounced upon Ephraim, God pledges to be the ultimate source of honor and splendor for His faithful remnant. In this usage, H6843 clearly signifies a literal or metaphorical "diadem" or "crown," embodying glory and beauty.
2. **[[Ezekiel 7:10]]**: "Behold, the day! Behold, it comes! The diadem has gone forth, the rod has blossomed, pride has budded."
* This is the more challenging and debated occurrence. The verse describes the imminent arrival of a day of judgment for Israel. While some translations (e.g., KJV) render H6843 as "morning," aligning with one aspect of its definition, the overwhelming contextual evidence points to a meaning of "calamity," "doom," or "destruction." The phrases "rod has blossomed" (symbolizing punishment) and "pride has budded" (indicating the ripeness for judgment) strongly support a negative "turn of affairs" or "mishap." Many modern translations reflect this understanding (e.g., ESV: "doom"; NIV: "calamity"). This usage powerfully illustrates the "mishap" aspect of H6843's semantic range, denoting an inevitable and devastating turn of events.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H6842}}` (צָפִיר, *tsaphir*)**: The masculine form, meaning "he-goat." This is the direct lexical ancestor, highlighting the "encircling" motion or shape.
* **`{{H5850}}` (עֲטָרָה, *atarah*)**: The most common Hebrew word for "crown" or "diadem," often used in parallel or synonymously with H6843 in contexts of royalty, honor, or beauty, as seen in [[Isaiah 28:5]].
* **`{{H5145}}` (נֵזֶר, *nezer*)**: Another word for "crown," often associated with consecration, separation, or the crown of a Nazirite or king.
* **Concepts of Royalty and Divine Adornment**: In its "crown" meaning, H6843 connects to the broader biblical themes of kingship, divine blessing, and the honor bestowed by God upon His people.
* **Concepts of Judgment and Calamity**: In its "mishap" meaning, H6843 aligns with prophetic warnings of divine retribution, the turning point of judgment, and the inevitable consequences of sin.
### Theological Significance
The dual nature of H6843 (צְפִירָה) carries profound theological significance, embodying the two-edged sword of God's sovereignty:
1. **God as the Source of Ultimate Glory**: In [[Isaiah 28:5]], the Lord Himself is presented as the "crown of glory" and "diadem of beauty." This is a powerful anthropomorphism, signifying that for His faithful remnant, God is their ultimate honor, their true adornment, and the source of their distinction. It speaks to God's covenant faithfulness and His role as the true King who bestows dignity and splendor upon His chosen. Earthly crowns may fade, but God's glory is eternal and sufficient.
2. **God as the Orchestrator of Inevitable Judgment**: In [[Ezekiel 7:10]], H6843 signifies the "doom" or "calamity" that has gone forth, marking the inescapable arrival of divine judgment. This usage underscores God's absolute control over history and His unwavering commitment to righteousness. The "turn of affairs" here is not random chance but a divinely ordained consequence for sin. It highlights the principle that God's justice will inevitably "turn" against the wicked, bringing about their downfall. The ambiguity of the word itself in this context might even serve to amplify the sense of a dramatic and irreversible turning point.
### Summary
H6843 (צְפִירָה, *tsᵉphîyrâh*) is a rare yet impactful Hebrew noun, uniquely encapsulating a bipartite semantic range. Primarily, it denotes a "crown" or "diadem," symbolizing glory and beauty, as seen when the Lord becomes the "diadem of beauty" for His remnant in [[Isaiah 28:5]]. Secondarily, and strikingly, it signifies a "turn of affairs" or "mishap," powerfully conveying the onset of divine judgment or calamity, as in the "doom" that has gone forth in [[Ezekiel 7:10]]. This inherent duality underscores the profound biblical truth that God is both the ultimate source of honor and beauty for the faithful and the sovereign orchestrator of inevitable, devastating judgment for the rebellious. The word itself thus embodies a dramatic and decisive "turning point" in divine-human interaction.
TRV