or צֳרִי; from an unused root meaning to crack (as by pressure), hence, to leak; distillation, i.e. balsam; balm.
Transliteration:tsᵉrîy
Pronunciation:tser-ee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term צְרִי (tsᵉrîy), Strong's H6875, refers to a type of balm or balsam. Its etymology traces back to an unused root suggesting the action of "cracking (as by pressure)" or "leaking," which aptly describes the exudation process by which resinous substances like balsam are collected from trees. Thus, the core meaning denotes a "distillation" or "exuded substance." Semantically, צְרִי (tsᵉrîy) encompasses a precious, aromatic, and often medicinal resin, most famously associated with the region of Gilead. It signifies a substance valued for its healing properties, its pleasant fragrance, and its status as a valuable commodity for trade.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word צְרִי (tsᵉrîy) appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the books of Genesis and Jeremiah.
In the book of Genesis, צְרִי (tsᵉrîy) is presented as a valuable trade good:
* In [[Genesis 37:25]], it is listed among the goods carried by the Ishmaelite caravan en route to Egypt, alongside "spicery" and "myrrh." This context establishes its economic value and its role in ancient Near Eastern commerce, likely sourced from the Transjordanian region.
* Again, in [[Genesis 43:11]], Jacob instructs his sons to take "a little balm" along with other choice products of the land—honey, spices, myrrh, nuts, and almonds—as a gift for the Egyptian ruler. Here, it functions as a diplomatic offering, signifying respect and wealth, underscoring its precious nature.
The prophetic book of Jeremiah employs צְרִי (tsᵉrîy) metaphorically, particularly in relation to healing and restoration:
* Perhaps its most poignant use is in [[Jeremiah 8:22]]: "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?" This rhetorical question laments the spiritual and physical brokenness of Judah, implying that despite the availability of a renowned healing agent (balm from Gilead), and presumably healers, true restoration has not occurred due to the people's persistent sin and rejection of God. The "balm" here symbolizes divine healing and the means of spiritual recovery.
* In [[Jeremiah 46:11]], the prophet addresses Egypt: "Go up to Gilead and take balm, O virgin daughter of Egypt! In vain you have multiplied remedies; there is no healing for you." Here, the balm is again associated with healing, but its application to Egypt highlights the futility of human efforts and remedies in the face of divine judgment. No amount of "balm" or human intervention can truly heal a nation under God's wrath.
* Similarly, in [[Jeremiah 51:8]], concerning Babylon's impending fall: "Babylon has suddenly fallen and been broken; wail over her! Take balm for her pain; perhaps she may be healed." This verse, like the one concerning Egypt, underscores the overwhelming nature of divine judgment, where even the most potent of human remedies (balm) is unlikely to suffice for such catastrophic destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary association of צְרִי (tsᵉrîy) is with **Gilead**, a region famed for its production of this particular balm. This geographical link is so strong that "balm of Gilead" became an idiomatic expression. The concept of **healing** is intrinsically linked to צְרִי (tsᵉrîy), particularly in Jeremiah, where it functions as a metaphor for spiritual and national restoration. This connects it to other Hebrew terms for healing, such as רָפָא (rāp̄ā', `{{H7495}}`), meaning "to heal" or "to restore." Its appearance alongside other precious commodities like myrrh (לֹט, lot, `{{H3910}}`) and spices (נְכֹאת, nĕḵōʾṯ, `{{H5219}}`) in Genesis highlights its status as a **valuable trade item** and an **aromatic substance**. The mention of a "physician" (רֹפֵא, rōp̄ēʾ, `{{H7495}}`) in [[Jeremiah 8:22]] further solidifies its connection to the practice of medicine and the hope of recovery.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of צְרִי (tsᵉrîy) is multifaceted. In Genesis, it represents God's provision and the abundance of the land, a valuable resource that facilitates both sustenance and diplomatic relations. More profoundly, in Jeremiah, the "balm in Gilead" becomes a powerful theological symbol. It embodies the potential for divine healing and restoration for a people suffering from spiritual sickness and the consequences of their sin. The poignant question, "Is there no balm in Gilead?" is a lament over Israel's unresponsiveness to God's gracious offer of healing and repentance. It suggests that while God's power to heal and restore is ever-present (the "balm" is available), the people's hardened hearts prevent them from receiving it.
Furthermore, the ineffectiveness of the "balm" for Egypt and Babylon in Jeremiah's prophecies underscores a crucial theological point: human remedies and efforts are ultimately insufficient to avert divine judgment or to truly heal deep-seated spiritual brokenness. Only God's intervention can bring about ultimate healing and salvation. Thus, צְרִי (tsᵉrîy) serves as a poignant reminder that while earthly resources may offer temporary relief, true and lasting restoration, particularly from the consequences of sin, flows from the sovereign hand of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word צְרִי (tsᵉrîy), Strong's H6875, denotes "balm" or "balsam," a precious resinous substance known for its healing properties and value as a commodity. Derived from a root meaning "to leak" or "distill," it accurately describes the substance's origin. Biblically, צְרִי (tsᵉrîy) functions in two primary ways: first, as a valuable trade good in the patriarchal narratives, signifying wealth and diplomatic offerings; second, and more significantly, as a powerful metaphor in Jeremiah. In the prophetic context, it symbolizes divine healing and restoration, lamenting Israel's failure to embrace God's remedies for their spiritual ailment. Ultimately, the "balm in Gilead" motif highlights the sufficiency of God's power to heal versus the futility of human efforts in the face of divine judgment, pointing to God as the ultimate and indispensable source of true restoration.
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