or צוֹר; the same as צֹר; a rock; Tsor, a place in Palestine; Tyre, Tyrus.
Transliteration:Tsôr
Pronunciation:tsore
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma צֹר (Tsôr, `{{H6865}}`) primarily denotes "rock" or "stone." Its root meaning is connected to concepts of hardness, cutting, or sharpness, often implying something solid, unyielding, or fortified. In its geographical application, צֹר refers to the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre, a name that itself likely derives from the city's original foundation on a rocky island or its formidable fortifications. Thus, the semantic range extends from a literal geological feature to a proper noun for a significant geopolitical entity, with the underlying sense of strength and resilience. The alternative spelling צוֹר (Tsôr) reinforces this core meaning, indicating a consistent understanding of the term.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word Tsôr (Tyre) appears numerous times in the Hebrew Bible, predominantly in its geographical sense as the city of Tyre. It is frequently mentioned in conjunction with Sidon, another prominent Phoenician city, forming the phrase "Tyre and Sidon" (e.g., [[Isaiah 23:1]], [[Jeremiah 25:22]], [[Joel 3:4]]).
In the historical books, Tyre is presented as a powerful maritime nation with whom Israel had complex relations. King Hiram of Tyre famously supplied King David and King Solomon with cedar and fir timber, as well as skilled craftsmen, for the construction of the Temple and royal palace (e.g., [[2 Samuel 5:11]], [[1 Kings 5:1-12]], [[1 Kings 9:11-14]]). This alliance highlights Tyre's reputation for wealth, craftsmanship, and naval prowess.
However, the prophets frequently pronounce judgment against Tyre for its pride, its commercial exploitation, and its role in the slave trade, particularly involving the people of Judah (e.g., [[Isaiah 23:1-18]], [[Ezekiel 26:1-28:19]], [[Joel 3:4-8]], [[Amos 1:9-10]], [[Zechariah 9:2-4]]). Ezekiel's prophecy against Tyre is particularly detailed, describing its immense wealth and influence, its fall, and its ultimate desolation, often using imagery related to its maritime strength and its perceived invincibility as a "rock" (e.g., [[Ezekiel 26:4]], [[Ezekiel 26:12]], [[Ezekiel 27:3]], [[Ezekiel 28:2]]). These prophetic denunciations serve as reminders of God's sovereignty over all nations, even those seemingly impregnable.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary meaning of צֹר (Tsôr, `{{H6865}}`) as "rock" connects it to several related Hebrew terms.
* **`{{H6697}}` צֻר (Tsur)**: This is a very close cognate, also meaning "rock," "cliff," or "stronghold." It is frequently used metaphorically for God as a "Rock" of refuge, strength, and salvation (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 32:4]], [[Psalm 18:2]], [[Psalm 62:7]]). The close relationship between צֹר (Tsôr) and צֻר (Tsur) underscores the inherent strength and stability implied by the name of the city Tyre.
* **`{{H6864}}` צֹר (Tsor)**: This is the same word, referring to "flint" or "sharp stone," further emphasizing the hardness and cutting quality. This is the more general noun form from which the proper noun Tyre likely derives its name.
* **`{{H6696}}` צָרַר (Tsarar)**: This verb means "to bind," "to tie up," or "to be narrow/distressed." While seemingly distinct, there's a conceptual link through the idea of hardness or pressure, leading to "distress" or "adversary" (צַר, `{{H6862}}`). The fortified nature of Tyre (a "rock") could be seen as "binding" or "confining" its inhabitants or making it difficult for enemies to penetrate.
* **`{{H5553}}` סֶלַע (Sela)**: Another common word for "rock" or "crag," often referring to a large, imposing rock formation (e.g., [[Numbers 20:8]], [[Judges 6:20]]). While distinct from צֹר, it shares the semantic field of geological solidity and often serves as a place of refuge or a natural stronghold.
The city of Tyre, as a geopolitical entity, relates to concepts of maritime trade, wealth, pride, idolatry, and divine judgment, as seen in the prophetic literature.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Tsôr (Tyre) is multifaceted.
Firstly, its very name, derived from "rock," serves as a powerful symbol of human strength, resilience, and self-reliance. Tyre's formidable fortifications, its immense wealth generated through extensive trade networks, and its perceived impregnability often led to an attitude of pride and self-sufficiency, beautifully captured in Ezekiel's lament (e.g., [[Ezekiel 28:2]], "Because your heart is proud, and you have said, 'I am a god, I sit in the seat of gods, in the heart of the seas,' yet you are but a man, and no god, though you make your heart like the heart of a god"). This hubris stands in stark contrast to the divine "Rock" (צֻר, `{{H6697}}`) that is Yahweh, the true source of strength and salvation.
Secondly, Tyre's interactions with Israel highlight the tension between divine covenant and worldly alliances. While Tyre provided essential resources for the Temple, symbolizing a period of cooperation (e.g., [[1 Kings 5:1-12]]), its later actions, particularly its involvement in the slave trade and its general disregard for God's people, drew severe prophetic condemnation. This illustrates that even powerful and seemingly beneficial worldly connections can become instruments of injustice and objects of divine judgment when they violate God's moral order.
Finally, the prophecies against Tyre underscore God's universal sovereignty. Despite its strength and perceived invulnerability, Tyre ultimately falls under divine judgment (e.g., [[Ezekiel 26:3-14]]). This demonstrates that no nation, no matter how powerful or "rock-solid" it appears, is beyond God's reach or accountability. The fall of Tyre serves as a dramatic example of God's justice and His ultimate control over human history, reminding believers that true security is found not in earthly fortresses but in the Lord God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צֹר (Tsôr, `{{H6865}}`) fundamentally means "rock" and is most prominently known as the name of the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre. This naming reflects the city's location on a rocky island and its formidable fortifications, embodying strength and resilience. Biblically, Tyre appears as both an ally and an adversary of Israel, supplying materials for the Temple but later facing severe prophetic judgments for its pride, wealth, and exploitation, particularly from Isaiah and Ezekiel. Semantically, it is closely related to צֻר (Tsur, `{{H6697}}`), another term for "rock," often used metaphorically for God. Theologically, Tyre symbolizes human self-reliance and pride, contrasting sharply with God as the true "Rock." Its eventual downfall, as prophesied, powerfully illustrates God's universal sovereignty and His righteous judgment against all nations, regardless of their perceived impregnability.
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