צְבָא (tse.va)
tse.va
to will
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb tse.va describes a state of being inclined, willing, or pleased toward something. It conveys an internal desire or a favorable disposition rather than a forceful command. In the Old Testament, this word appears only three times, making its usage quite rare and specific.
Its most notable occurrence is in Daniel 11:36, where it describes the arrogant king who "will do as he pleases." Here, the term highlights absolute autonomy; the subject acts without hindrance or external constraint. The sources note that when applied to God, it signifies a willing action free from obstruction, emphasizing divine freedom and intent.
While often translated as "will" or "desire," tse.va focuses on the heart’s inclination. It is not merely about wanting something, but about being fully disposed to act on that desire. This nuance distinguishes it from words that might imply hesitation or conflict, presenting a clear picture of unimpeded volition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tse.va speaks to the quiet power of willing. It describes a heart that is fully inclined toward an action, free from hesitation or external force. In Daniel 5:21, we see this truth in God’s sovereignty: He sets up rulers and removes them according to His own will. This is not a random act, but a deliberate choice rooted in divine freedom.
When we face uncertainty, it can be comforting to remember that our lives are held by One who acts with clear intent. Unlike human decisions that often waver under pressure, God’s will is steady and unimpeded. We do not need to understand every detail of His plan, only trust the character of the One who holds it.
This assurance invites us to rest in His care. Whether we are navigating seasons of change or periods of stillness, we can find peace knowing that the Most High rules over all things. Our hope rests not in our own strength, but in the faithful will of God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- pleased4×
- he will be pleased1×
- I desired1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צָבֵא֙2×
- צָבֵ֜א1×
- צָבֵ֖א1×
- צְבִית֙1×
- יִצְבֵּ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 5:21
He was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the animals’, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the sky, until he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and that he sets up over it whomever he will.
This verse highlights God's absolute sovereignty by showing He sets up rulers according to His own unimpeded will.
-
Daniel 5:19
Because of the greatness that he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. He killed whom he wanted to, and he kept alive whom he wanted to. He raised up whom he wanted to, and he put down whom he wanted to.
Here the word illustrates a ruler’s autonomous power, serving as a contrast to the humble submission owed to God.
-
Daniel 7:19
“Then I desired to know the truth concerning the fourth animal, which was different from all of them, exceedingly terrible, whose teeth were of iron, and its nails of bronze; which devoured, broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet;
The term appears in Daniel's desire to understand the vision, showing an internal inclination toward seeking truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does tse.va mean in the Bible?
How is tse.va different from other words for 'will'?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 3 verses
Because of the greatness that he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. He…
Daniel 5:21He was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the animals’, and his dwelling was with the wild…
Daniel 7:19“Then I desired to know the truth concerning the fourth animal, which was different from all of them, exceedingly…