צֶאֱצָא (tse.e.tsa)

tse.e.tsa

offspring

H6631 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 11 verses

H:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 11 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun tse’etsa refers to the direct result or product of a source, most commonly translated as offspring, produce, or issue. It captures the tangible outcome of generation, whether that be human descendants or the yield of the earth. The word emphasizes the connection between the origin and what springs forth from it.

Its usage spans both biological and agricultural contexts. In Job 39:1, for instance, God asks if the wild donkey will choose to multiply its offspring, highlighting natural reproduction. Similarly, in Isaiah 65:23, the "offspring" of God’s servants are described as those who labor without futility, linking human lineage to divine blessing and purpose.

This term distinguishes itself by focusing on the concrete result rather than the act of birthing itself. It appears frequently in poetic texts where the continuity of life is a central theme. The word underscores that what comes after is intrinsically tied to what came before, serving as a marker of legacy and fruitfulness in biblical literature.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word tse’etsa points to the tangible result of a source, whether that is human descendants or the yield of the earth. It connects the origin directly to what springs forth from it. This connection reminds us that our lives are part of a larger story, where what we produce reflects where we come from.

In Isaiah 65:23, the offspring of God’s servants are described as those who labor without futility. This offers hope that our efforts are not in vain when they align with divine purpose. The term emphasizes legacy and fruitfulness, showing that continuity of life is a central theme in biblical literature.

Whether considering biological reproduction or agricultural yield, tse’etsa underscores the intrinsic tie between what came before and what comes after. It serves as a marker of blessing, inviting us to reflect on how our actions contribute to a lasting impact for those who follow.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.

and/ descendants/ their3×
the/ descendants1×
produce<s>/ its1×
descendants/ your1×
and/ produce<s>/ my1×
and/ produce<s>/ its1×
and/ descendants/ your1×
and/ descendants/ his1×
and/ [the] descendants of1×

Forms in the text

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

וְ/צֶאֱצָאֵי/הֶ֖ם2×
צֶאֱצָאֶֽי/ךָ\׃1×
צֶאֱצָאֶֽי/הָ\׃1×
וְֽ/צֶאֱצָאַ֥/י1×
וְ֝/צֶאֱצָאָ֗י/ו1×
וְ֝/צֶאֱצָאֶ֗י/ךָ1×
וְ֝/צֶאֱצָאֵי/הֶ֗ם1×
וְ/צֶאֱצָאֶ֑י/הָ1×
וְ/צֶאֱצָאֵ֥י1×
הַ/צֶּֽאֱצָאִים֙1×

Key Verses

Isaiah 65:23
They will not labor in vain nor give birth for calamity; for they are the offspring of Yahweh’s blessed and their descendants with them.

This verse links human lineage directly to divine blessing by describing the offspring of God’s servants as those who do not labor in vain.
Job 5:25
You will know also that your offspring will be great, your offspring as the grass of the earth.

Here the word promises that one's offspring will be great, comparing their abundance to the grass of the earth.
Isaiah 48:19
Your offspring also would have been as the sand and the descendants of your body like its grains. His name would not be cut off nor destroyed from before me.”

The text uses this term to express a wish that Israel’s descendants would have been as numerous as sand, had they heeded God's commands.
Isaiah 61:9
Their offspring will be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge them, that they are the offspring which Yahweh has blessed.”

It highlights that the offspring of the people will be recognized among nations as those specifically blessed by Yahweh.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word tse’etsa mean?

Tse’etsa refers to offspring, produce, or issue. It denotes the direct result or product of a source, such as human descendants or agricultural yield.

How is tse’etsa different from other words for children?

While other terms may focus on the act of birthing, tse’etsa emphasizes the concrete result that springs forth. It highlights the tangible outcome and legacy of generation.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears in 11 verses, primarily in Job and Isaiah. Notable examples include Job 5:25 and Isaiah 65:23, where it describes descendants and their blessing.

Every Occurrence (11 verses across 2 books)

Job 4 verses

Job 5:25

You will know also that your offspring will be great, your offspring as the grass of the earth.

Job 21:8

Their child is established with them in their sight, their offspring before their eyes.

Job 27:14

If his children are multiplied, it is for the sword. His offspring will not be satisfied with bread.

Job 31:8

then let me sow, and let another eat. Yes, let the produce of my field be rooted out.

Isaiah 7 verses