English · KJV
H6760

צָלַע

tsâlaʻ /tsaw-lah'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningprobably to curve; used only as denominative from צֵלָע,; to limp (as if one-sided)
KJV usagehalt.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of tsâlaʻ — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word tsâlaʻ, represented by H6760, refers to the act of limping or halting. Its base definition is a primitive root meaning to curve, and it is used to describe being one-sided or lame. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, encompassing both a literal physical ailment and a powerful metaphor for a state of affliction.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The use of H6760 is split between a literal and a figurative context. In Genesis, the word describes a physical event after Jacob wrestled at Penuel, where "he halted upon his thigh" Genesis 32:31. In the prophetic books, this physical imagery is used to represent the weakened and afflicted state of God's people. Both Micah and Zephaniah refer to "her that halteth" as a representation of those who are downtrodden, driven out, and put to shame but are promised salvation and restoration by God (Micah 4:6, Zephaniah 3:19).

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide context for the condition of "halting" and God's response to it:

  • H3467 yâshaʻ (to free or succor): This word highlights God's direct intervention. He promises to save "her that halteth," showing that the state of limping is not final Zephaniah 3:19.
  • H5080 nâdach (to push off): This term often appears alongside H6760 to describe the state of being an outcast. God promises to gather "her that was driven out," linking the condition of being scattered with the weakness of halting Micah 4:6.
  • H6031 ʻânâh (to depress literally or figuratively): This word signifies the source of the "halting." God promises to undo all that afflict His people, directly addressing the cause of their weakness Zephaniah 3:19.
  • H6908 qâbats (to grasp, i.e. collect): This describes God's restorative action. He will not only save the one who halts but also gather her, promising restoration and community Zephaniah 3:19.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H6760 lies in its transformation from a physical state to a spiritual metaphor.

  • A Mark of Transformation: The first use of the word marks a pivotal moment for Jacob, whose physical limp serves as a permanent reminder of his encounter with God Genesis 32:31.
  • A Symbol of Affliction: In the prophets, "halting" symbolizes the state of Israel when it is broken, scattered, and afflicted Micah 4:6. It represents a people weakened by their circumstances and shame.
  • The Object of Divine Salvation: The one who "halteth" is specifically identified as the recipient of God's salvation and restoration. God vows to make "her that halted a remnant" and a "strong nation" Micah 4:7, demonstrating His power through the renewal of the weak.

Summary

In summary, H6760 is a term that powerfully illustrates the biblical theme of strength coming from weakness. From Jacob's literal limp to the metaphorical "halting" of an afflicted nation, the word identifies a state of being broken. However, it is never presented as a final condition, but rather as the very state that God promises to save, gather, and ultimately transform into a source of praise and fame Zephaniah 3:19.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 4 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • צֹּלֵעָה
  • צֹלֵעַ

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H3467 יָשַׁע a primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor; H5080 נָדַח a primitive root; to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, s H6031 עָנָה a primitive root (possibly rather identical with עָנָה through the idea of looking down or browbeating); to depress lite H6908 קָבַץ a primitive root; to grasp, i.e. collect; assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resor

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 4 verses across 3 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Micah (2 verses); never once in the other 36.

1
Genesis
2
Micah
1
Zephaniah

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.