from צוּר; a stone (as if pressed hard or to a point); (by implication, of use) a knife; flint, sharp stone.
Transliteration:tsôr
Pronunciation:tsore
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term צֹר (tsôr), transliterated as tsôr, derives from the root צוּר (tsûr), which conveys notions of pressing, binding, or being narrow and constrained. This etymological root informs the primary meaning of tsôr as a hard, compact, and often pointed or sharp stone. Its semantic range extends specifically to "flint," a particularly hard and crystalline form of quartz known for its ability to produce sharp edges when fractured. By implication of its use, especially in ancient contexts, tsôr also refers to a "knife" made from such a sharp stone or flint. The core emphasis is on the material's inherent hardness, its capacity for sharpness, and its practical utility as a cutting implement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term tsôr appears in several significant biblical passages, primarily in contexts related to ritual and divine judgment:
* **Circumcision Rituals:**
* In [[Exodus 4:25]], Zipporah, Moses' wife, takes a tsôr (flint/sharp stone) to circumcise her son, an act that averts divine wrath from Moses. This instance highlights the primitive yet divinely effective nature of the instrument in a crucial covenantal act.
* [[Joshua 5:2-3]] commands Joshua to make "knives of flint" (ḥarebôt tsōrîm) to circumcise the second generation of Israelite males who had not been circumcised in the wilderness. This act, performed at Gilgal, signifies the renewal of the covenant upon entering the Promised Land. The use of flint knives underscores the ancient and foundational nature of the covenant rite, perhaps emphasizing purity and a return to original, divinely ordained practices.
* **Metaphorical Usage for Hardness and Resolve:**
* [[Isaiah 5:28]] describes the swift and destructive advance of an invading army, whose horses' hooves are "counted as flint" (kaṣṣōr neḥšābû). Here, tsôr metaphorically conveys the unyielding hardness, speed, and destructive power of the horses, symbolizing the unstoppable nature of God's judgment.
* In [[Ezekiel 3:9]], the Lord tells Ezekiel, "I will make your forehead like tsôr, harder than flint." This divine empowerment strengthens Ezekiel's resolve and resilience, enabling him to confront the rebellious and hard-hearted house of Israel without being intimidated. Tsôr here symbolizes divine fortitude and an unyielding will in the face of opposition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term tsôr is intrinsically linked to its root צוּר (tsûr) `{{H6697}}`, which can mean "to bind," "to be narrow," or "to be in distress," but also refers to a "rock" or "stronghold." This dual sense of hardness and confinement informs tsôr's meaning as a hard, compact stone.
Other related terms include:
* אֶבֶן (even) `{{H68}}`: A more general term for "stone," whereas tsôr specifically denotes a hard, sharp stone or flint.
* חֶרֶב (ḥereḇ) `{{H2719}}`: A general term for "sword" or "knife." In the context of tsôr, it specifies a "flint knife" (ḥereb tsōrîm).
* Concepts associated with tsôr include:
* **Circumcision:** A foundational covenantal rite.
* **Covenant Renewal:** The re-establishment of the covenant at Gilgal.
* **Ritual Purity:** The use of a simple, natural instrument for sacred acts.
* **Divine Judgment:** The unstoppable force of God's instruments.
* **Prophetic Fortitude:** The strength and resolve granted by God to His messengers.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of tsôr is multifaceted, primarily emerging from its use in covenant rituals and prophetic metaphors.
In the context of circumcision, the tsôr (flint knife) points to the primal and enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel. Its use in [[Exodus 4:25]] and [[Joshua 5:2-3]] suggests that the efficacy of the covenant rite does not depend on sophisticated human technology but on divine command and the simple, yet potent, instruments chosen by God. It may symbolize the raw, unadorned cutting away of impurity and the fundamental, non-negotiable nature of the covenant relationship. The return to flint knives in Joshua's time, after decades in the wilderness, could signify a renewed dedication to ancient, pure forms of worship and covenant fidelity as Israel enters the Promised Land.
Metaphorically, tsôr represents unyielding hardness and divine resolve. When applied to the hooves of judgmental armies in [[Isaiah 5:28]], it conveys the irresistible force of God's punitive actions. When God makes Ezekiel's forehead "like tsôr" in [[Ezekiel 3:9]], it signifies divine empowerment, equipping the prophet with an unshakeable steadfastness and courage to confront a rebellious people. This highlights the divine source of strength necessary for prophetic ministry, enabling the prophet to mirror God's own unwavering purpose. Thus, tsôr embodies not only physical hardness but also spiritual resilience and the unyielding nature of God's will and word.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צֹר (tsôr) refers to a hard, sharp stone, specifically flint, often used as a knife. Its biblical occurrences are pivotal: in the narratives of circumcision ([[Exodus 4:25]], [[Joshua 5:2-3]]), tsôr signifies the primal, divinely sanctioned instrument for a foundational covenant rite, emphasizing its purity and efficacy. Metaphorically, tsôr represents unyielding hardness and steadfastness, whether describing the destructive force of divine judgment ([[Isaiah 5:28]]) or the divinely imparted fortitude of a prophet ([[Ezekiel 3:9]]). Ultimately, tsôr underscores themes of covenant faithfulness, divine power, the simplicity and profundity of sacred rituals, and the unwavering resolve required for God's purposes to be fulfilled.
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