צָבַר (tsa.var)
tsa.var
to heap
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb tsa.var means to heap or pile things together. It appears only five times in the Old Testament, primarily in Genesis, Job, and Zechariah. The word describes the physical act of accumulating materials, such as grain, dust, or silver, into a mound.
In Genesis 41:49, Joseph stores up vast quantities of grain during the seven years of plenty, using this verb to describe how he piled it up like mountains. This usage highlights both abundance and careful preparation for future need. In Job 20:18, the wealthy man is described as building his house like a moth or as one who heaps up silver but does not know who will gather it, suggesting that such accumulation can be futile without divine purpose.
The word carries no inherent moral judgment about hoarding itself. Instead, it focuses on the physical reality of gathering and storing resources. Its rarity in Scripture suggests that when it appears, it serves a specific narrative or theological function rather than offering general wisdom about wealth management.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The verb tsa.var describes the physical act of piling resources together, whether grain, silver, or dust. In Genesis 41, Joseph uses this careful accumulation to prepare for famine, showing that planning for the future is a wise stewardship of God's provision. This image reminds us that gathering what we need today can secure peace for tomorrow.
Yet Scripture also warns when such hoarding becomes an end in itself. In Job and Zechariah, heaping up wealth without regard for God’s purposes leads to emptiness rather than security. The word invites us to examine our own stores: are they built on trust in God, or on the illusion that material abundance guarantees safety?
Ultimately, tsa.var calls us to balance prudence with generosity. We may gather as Joseph did, but always with open hands ready to share. May your preparations reflect both wisdom and a heart aligned with eternal values.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ it heaped up2×
- he will heap up1×
- and/ let them store up1×
- and/ he stored up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִצְבֹּ֣ר1×
- וַ/תִּצְבָּר\־1×
- וַ/יִּצְבֹּ֨ר1×
- וַ/יִּצְבֹּ֥ר1×
- וְ/יִצְבְּרוּ\־1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 41:49
Joseph laid up grain as the sand of the sea, very much, until he stopped counting, for it was without number.
This verse uses the verb to describe Joseph's massive grain storage, illustrating how careful preparation can protect communities during crisis.
-
Job 27:16
Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare clothing as the clay;
Here the word highlights the futility of accumulating wealth when it is disconnected from divine purpose and eternal perspective.
-
Zechariah 9:3
Tyre built herself a stronghold, and heaped up silver like the dust, and fine gold like the mire of the streets.
The verb describes Tyre's self-reliance through hoarded silver, contrasting human pride with God's ultimate sovereignty over nations.