### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsôr**, represented by `{{H6864}}`, describes a **stone**, specifically one that is hard or sharpened to a point, like a **knife** or **flint**. Based on a root meaning to press hard, it appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses**. Though rare, its uses highlight themes of sharpness, hardness, and unyielding resolve.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two appearances of `{{H6864}}` in scripture illustrate its literal and figurative applications. In a literal sense, it is used as a primitive tool when Zipporah took a **sharp stone** to circumcise her son, fulfilling a covenantal sign in a moment of crisis [[Exodus 4:25]]. Figuratively, it is used by God to describe the resolve He gives to His prophet in [[Ezekiel 3:9]], making his forehead "harder than **flint**" to face a rebellious people without fear.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide additional context for the concepts of hardness and rock:
* `{{H6865}}` **Tsôr**: This word is the same as `{{H6864}}` but is used as a proper name for a place, defined as "a rock; Tsor, a place in Palestine; **Tyre**, Tyrus." It refers to the city of Tyre, which is often the subject of prophecy [[Jeremiah 47:4]].
* `{{H2389}}` **châzâq**: This term for **strong** or **harder** is used directly with flint in [[Ezekiel 3:9]]. It describes God's "mighty hand" in delivering Israel [[Deuteronomy 7:8]] and the strength of a great wind [[1 Kings 19:11]].
* `{{H8068}}` **shâmîyr**: Meaning an **adamant stone** or **diamond**, this word is used to describe a substance even harder than flint in [[Ezekiel 3:9]]. It is also used metaphorically to describe hearts hardened against hearing God's law [[Zechariah 7:12]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H6864}}` is demonstrated in its specific contexts.
* **Instrument of Covenant:** In Exodus, the **sharp stone** is the instrument used to perform a circumcision, linking this simple object directly to the physical sign of God's covenant with His people [[Exodus 4:25]].
* **Symbol of Unyielding Hardness:** The word’s primary quality is its hardness. This is used metaphorically in Ezekiel to represent the divine fortitude given to the prophet, making him spiritually resilient and unmovable in his mission [[Ezekiel 3:9]].
* **Benchmark for Strength:** God promises to make Ezekiel's forehead "As an adamant harder than **flint**" [[Ezekiel 3:9]]. Here, flint serves as a known standard of hardness, which is then surpassed by a divinely imparted strength.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6864}}` is a highly specific term that, despite its infrequent use, carries significant meaning. It functions as both a literal **sharp stone** for a critical, physical act and as a powerful symbol for **flint**-like hardness. Its appearances demonstrate how scripture uses tangible objects from the natural world to communicate profound spiritual truths about covenantal duty and God-given resolve.
TRV