### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tirzâh**, represented by `{{H8645}}`, refers to a species of tree, perhaps the **cypress**. The word appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its definition suggests it is a tree known for its slenderness, and it is mentioned as a type of wood suitable for being worked by man.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H8645}}` is in [[Isaiah 44:14]]. In this passage, it describes a man who "taketh the **cypress** and the oak" from the forest. The **cypress** is listed alongside other trees like the cedar `{{H730}}` and the ash `{{H766}}`. The verse details the process of a man selecting various types of wood, strengthening them for his own purposes, with some trees being planted and nourished by the rain `{{H1653}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its biblical context illuminate its meaning:
* `{{H437}}` **'allôwn** (an oak or other strong tree): This word for a strong tree appears alongside **cypress** in the list of trees a man selects for himself from among the trees `{{H6086}}` of the forest [[Isaiah 44:14]].
* `{{H3772}}` **kârath** (to cut): This verb describes the action of hewing down trees, as when a man "heweth him down cedars" in the same passage as taking the cypress [[Isaiah 44:14]]. It is also used to describe making a covenant [[Genesis 15:18]].
* `{{H5193}}` **nâṭaʻ** (to plant): This action is part of the cycle described in the verse. A man "planteth an ash" [[Isaiah 44:14]], illustrating human cultivation alongside the taking of wild trees. God also speaks of how He will **plant** His people Israel [[2 Samuel 7:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8645}}` is understood entirely through its single context.
* **Component of Creation:** The **cypress** is mentioned as one of God's created resources within the forest `{{H3293}}`, alongside the cedar `{{H730}}` and the oak `{{H437}}`, available for human use [[Isaiah 44:14]].
* **Subject of Human Action:** The verse places the tree in the context of human activity. A man "taketh" `{{H3947}}` the cypress and "strengtheneth" `{{H553}}` it, highlighting the role of human agency in utilizing the natural world.
* **Recipient of Divine Nourishment:** While humans plant and strengthen, the passage concludes by noting that it is the **rain** `{{H1653}}` that ultimately "doth nourish" `{{H1431}}` the trees, pointing to an underlying dependence on divine provision for growth [[Isaiah 44:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8645}}` **tirzâh** is a highly specific term for a tree, likely the **cypress**, that appears only once in scripture. Its significance is derived entirely from its context in [[Isaiah 44:14]], where it is listed among other trees as a natural resource gathered by man. The passage uses the **cypress** as part of a larger illustration of the interplay between human effort in working with creation and the ultimate reliance on divine provision for sustenance and growth.
TRV