or (shorter) צְרֹר; from צָרַר; a parcel (as packed up); also a kernel or particle (as if a package); bag, [idiom] bendeth, bundle, least grain, small stone.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsᵉrôwr**, represented by `{{H6872}}`, refers primarily to a parcel or something packed up. Originating from the verb meaning to bind or cramp, its definitions include **bag**, **bundle**, the **least grain**, or a **small stone**. It appears 11 times across 10 unique verses, illustrating how a common object can carry diverse literal and symbolic meanings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H6872}}` denotes both literal containers and small particles. It is frequently used to mean a **bag** or **bundle** of money, as when Joseph's brothers discover their money in their sacks [[Genesis 42:35]] or when a person takes a "bag of money" on a journey [[Proverbs 7:20]]. The word also signifies something very small, such as a "small stone" that might be overlooked [[2 Samuel 17:13]] or "the least grain" that will not fall to the earth during sifting [[Amos 9:9]]. Figuratively, it is used to describe transgression being "sealed up in a bag" [[Job 14:17]] and, most notably, the soul being kept safe in "the bundle of life" [[1 Samuel 25:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H6872}}` by providing context for binding, containing, and contrasting actions:
* `{{H6887}}` **tsârar** (to cramp... bind (up)... beseige... distress, enemy): As the root verb, it provides the action that creates a **tsᵉrôwr**. It describes the act of binding things together, such as water in a garment [[Proverbs 30:4]], but is also used for the affliction brought by an enemy [[Psalms 129:1]].
* `{{H8242}}` **saq** (a bag (for grain, etc.)): This term for a larger bag often appears in connection with `{{H6872}}`. In [[Genesis 42:35]], the "bundles" `{{H6872}}` of money are found inside the larger "sacks" `{{H8242}}`, illustrating a container within a container.
* `{{H7050}}` **qelaʻ** (a sling): This word offers a stark contrast. In [[1 Samuel 25:29]], the security of being in the "bundle" `{{H6872}}` of life is contrasted with the fate of enemies, who will be thrown out from a "sling" `{{H7050}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological and metaphorical weight of `{{H6872}}` is significant, often used to convey concepts of security, judgment, and futility.
* **Divine Preservation:** The image of the soul being "bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God" is a powerful metaphor for divine protection and security [[1 Samuel 25:29]]. It suggests being treasured and kept safe by God himself.
* **The Accounting of Sin:** Job uses the term to describe his transgression as being "sealed up in a bag" [[Job 14:17]]. This implies that sin is contained, remembered, and held securely for future judgment.
* **Fruitless Labor:** In [[Haggai 1:6]], earning wages only to put them "into a bag with holes" serves as a vivid illustration of futile effort and the consequences of spiritual neglect. Similarly, giving honor to a fool is compared to the nonsensical act of binding a stone in a sling [[Proverbs 26:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6872}}` is a versatile word that moves from the tangible to the theological. It can be a simple **bag** for money [[Genesis 42:35]], a tiny **grain** [[Amos 9:9]], or a **small stone** [[2 Samuel 17:13]]. More profoundly, it becomes a vessel for key spiritual concepts, representing the ultimate security found in God's "bundle of life" [[1 Samuel 25:29]] or the utter futility of a "bag with holes" [[Haggai 1:6]]. The word powerfully illustrates how scripture uses everyday objects to teach about divine protection, judgment, and the nature of a life lived with or without God's favor.
TRV