צָבוּעַ (tsa.vu.a)
tsa.vu.a
variegated
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective tsa.vu.a describes something that is colored or variegated. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Jeremiah 12:9, where it modifies a noun referring to an animal.
In this specific context, the word paints a picture of speckled plumage or mottled skin. The prophet uses this vivid imagery to describe his inheritance, which has become like a predatory bird with distinctive markings, highlighting the chaos and danger surrounding him.
Because its usage is so limited, the word does not carry broad theological weight across Scripture. Instead, it serves as a precise descriptive term, adding visual texture to Jeremiah’s lament about the state of his people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tsa.vu.a appears just once in Scripture, in Jeremiah 12:9. The prophet uses it to describe his people as a "speckled bird of prey." This vivid image captures the chaos and danger surrounding him at that time.
When life feels unstable or when you face confusion, this passage reminds us that God hears our honest cries. Jeremiah did not hide his fear; he brought it before the Lord. We can do the same, trusting that God sees our struggles with clarity and care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- speckled1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צָב֤וּעַ1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 12:9
Is my heritage to me as a speckled bird of prey? Are the birds of prey against her all around? Go, assemble all the animals of the field. Bring them to devour.
The word describes the heritage as a speckled bird of prey, highlighting the chaotic and dangerous state of the people.