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עֵצָה (e.tsah)

e.tsah

tree

H6097 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-F

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-F

Word Overview

The noun etzah refers to trees or their wood. In the Hebrew Bible, this word appears only once, in Jeremiah 6:6. The context describes a siege where enemies are instructed to cut down the city’s defenses by felling its trees to use as materials for building siegeworks.

This single occurrence highlights the practical value of timber in ancient warfare. The sources identify it as a collective term for trees, emphasizing their role not just as natural features but as resources. In this specific verse, the destruction of the trees symbolizes the dismantling of Jerusalem’s protection, turning nature into an instrument of judgment.

Translators typically render etzah as "trees" or "wood," depending on whether the focus is on the living plant or the harvested material. Its rarity in Scripture means its meaning is defined almost entirely by this one dramatic instance of military strategy and divine warning.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

In Jeremiah 6:6, the word etzah appears in a moment of profound distress. The prophet describes enemies cutting down trees to build siege ramps against Jerusalem. This was not just about removing greenery; it meant stripping away the city's natural barriers and resources. The destruction of these trees symbolized the removal of protection, leaving the people vulnerable to judgment.

For your faith life, this image reminds us that our security does not rest in physical defenses or material strength. When circumstances feel like they are being stripped away, it can be unsettling. Yet, this passage points to a deeper reality: true safety is found in God alone, not in the trees we might rely on for shelter.

Even when external supports fall, you are held by a steadfast Creator. This verse invites you to look beyond visible protections and trust in His enduring presence. May you find peace knowing that your hope is anchored in something unshakable.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • wood1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • עֵצָ֔ה1×

Key Verses

  • Jeremiah 6:6
    For Yahweh of Armies said, “Cut down trees, and cast up a mound against Jerusalem. This is the city to be visited. She is filled with oppression within herself.

    This verse uses the word to describe trees being cut down for siege warfare, symbolizing the removal of Jerusalem's protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does etzah mean in Jeremiah 6:6?

In this verse, etzah refers to trees used as materials for building siege ramps. The enemies cut them down to breach Jerusalem's defenses, highlighting the practical use of timber in ancient warfare.

Why is this word significant if it appears only once?

Its single occurrence makes it highly specific. It anchors the imagery of judgment in Jeremiah 6:6, where the destruction of trees represents the dismantling of the city's safety and God's warning against oppression.

How is etzah different from other words for tree?

While other terms might refer to a single tree or specific types like cedar, etzah often implies a collective group of trees or timber. In this context, it emphasizes the resource aspect rather than individual plants.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Jeremiah 1 verse
Jeremiah 6:6

For Yahweh of Armies said, “Cut down trees, and cast up a mound against Jerusalem. This is the city to be visited. She…