a primitive root; to be clear (in tone, i.e. shrill), i.e. to whoop; cry, roar.
Transliteration:tsârach
Pronunciation:tsaw-rakh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H6873}}` (צָרַח, *tsârach*) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of producing a loud, clear, and often piercing sound. Its semantic range extends from a "shrill" cry to a "whoop," "cry," or "roar." Unlike a mere utterance, *tsârach* implies a sound that is distinct, forceful, and designed to cut through ambient noise or convey an urgent message. The "shrill" aspect suggests a high-pitched, penetrating quality, while "whoop" points to an exclamatory or signaling sound. The terms "cry" and "roar" indicate the sheer volume and intensity. Thus, `{{H6873}}` describes a vocalization that is not only loud but also emphatic and often carries significant import, whether in battle, distress, or proclamation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H6873}}` in the Hebrew Bible consistently highlight its association with intense, purposeful vocalizations, particularly in military and public contexts. A prominent example is found in the account of the fall of Jericho, where the people of Israel are commanded to "shout" (`{{H6873}}`) after the trumpets are blown:
* [[Joshua 6:5]]: "And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall **shout** with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat..."
* [[Joshua 6:10]]: "And Joshua commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not **shout**, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you **shout**; then shall ye **shout**."
* [[Joshua 6:16]]: "And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, **Shout**; for the LORD hath given you the city."
* [[Joshua 6:20]]: "So the people **shouted** when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people **shouted** with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat..."
In these instances, the "shout" is not random noise but a commanded act of faith, a collective declaration accompanying divine action. It is a signal of obedience and a catalyst for miraculous intervention.
Other contexts further illuminate its usage:
* [[1 Samuel 17:20]]: David arrives at the battlefield as the army is "shouting for the battle," indicating a customary war cry or a preparatory vocalization before engagement.
* [[1 Kings 22:36]]: After King Ahab's death, a "proclamation" (using `{{H6873}}`) went throughout the army, signaling the end of the battle and ordering the soldiers home. Here, it denotes a loud, public announcement or command.
* [[Isaiah 42:13]]: Describing the LORD as a warrior, the prophet declares, "The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall **cry**, yea, **roar**; he shall prevail against his enemies." This powerful imagery attributes to God a forceful, decisive vocalization, indicative of His active intervention and triumph over adversaries.
Across these contexts, `{{H6873}}` consistently conveys a loud, often collective, and highly significant vocal act, whether as a battle cry, a divine declaration, or a binding public announcement.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate the nuance of `{{H6873}}`, it is helpful to compare it with other Hebrew words for "cry" or "shout":
* `{{H7121}}` (קָרָא, *qara*): A very general term meaning "to call," "cry out," or "proclaim." It can refer to any kind of vocalization, from calling a name to crying for help or reading aloud. While *qara* is broad, *tsârach* specifies a particular *kind* of loud, piercing cry.
* `{{H2199}}` (זָעַק, *za'aq*): To "cry out," often in distress, for help, or in lament. This word typically emphasizes the emotional urgency and often the desperate nature of the cry. While *tsârach* can imply urgency, its primary focus is on the sound's intensity and purpose rather than the emotional state of the crier.
* `{{H7442}}` (רָנַן, *ranan*): To "shout for joy," "sing aloud," or "rejoice." This word carries a positive connotation, often associated with exultation or triumph. While *tsârach* can be part of a triumphant shout (as in Jericho), its core meaning does not inherently carry the joyful aspect of *ranan*.
* `{{H6963}}` (קוֹל, *qol*): A noun meaning "voice" or "sound." While *qol* refers to the auditory phenomenon itself, *tsârach* describes the active production of a specific, intense sound.
`{{H6873}}` stands out for its emphasis on the *penetrating* and *forceful* nature of the sound, often in a context of collective action, battle, or a decisive moment. It is less about the internal emotion (like *za'aq*) or general vocalization (like *qara*) and more about the external impact and purpose of the loud cry.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6873}}` is profound, particularly in its association with divine power and human obedience.
1. **Divine Authority and Action**: When God is depicted as "crying" or "roaring" with `{{H6873}}` (e.g., [[Isaiah 42:13]]), it signifies His active, sovereign intervention in history. This is not a cry of weakness but a powerful, decisive declaration of His intent to act, to judge, and to deliver. It portrays God as a formidable warrior who brings about His will through overwhelming might.
2. **Faith and Obedience**: The most striking theological use of `{{H6873}}` is in the Jericho narrative. The Israelites' "shout" was not a military tactic but an act of faith commanded by God. The sound itself became an instrument through which God demonstrated His power and fulfilled His promise. It underscores that obedience to God's specific, even seemingly illogical, commands can unleash divine power and bring about miraculous results. The collective shout became a corporate act of worship and trust.
3. **Decisive Moments and Proclamation**: The use of `{{H6873}}` often marks a turning point or a significant public declaration. Whether signaling the start of a battle, the end of a conflict, or a divine pronouncement, the loud, clear cry ensures that the message is heard and understood, demanding attention and often a response. It highlights the importance of clear, unambiguous communication in God's dealings with humanity and in human response to divine commands.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H6873}}` (צָרַח, *tsârach*) denotes a loud, clear, and often piercing vocalization, ranging from a shrill cry to a whoop or roar. It emphasizes the intensity and penetrating quality of the sound, often used in contexts of battle, urgent proclamation, or decisive action. Unlike more general terms for "crying," *tsârach* highlights a purposeful, forceful vocal act designed to command attention or signal a significant event. Theologically, its usage underscores God's powerful and decisive intervention, as well as the importance of human faith and obedience in responding to divine commands, particularly evidenced in the miraculous fall of Jericho. It signifies moments of divine initiative and human response that shape biblical history.
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