צְדָא (tse.da)
tse.da
intended
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun tse.da appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in Daniel 3:14. In this context, King Nebuchadnezzar uses it to describe his own intent toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The term conveys a sense of firm purpose or determination, reflecting the king’s resolve to enforce his decree without hesitation.
Lexical sources note that the word can also carry the nuance of being "true" or genuine, suggesting an alignment between intention and action. Here, however, it highlights the ruler’s unwavering, albeit misguided, commitment to his command. The usage underscores the tension between human authority and divine fidelity, as the king’s purpose stands in direct opposition to the faithfulness of the three young men.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Aramaic word tse.da appears just once in the Old Testament, found in Daniel chapter three. King Nebuchadnezzar uses it to describe his own firm purpose or intent toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. In that moment, the king’s determination was set against the young men’s faithfulness. His resolve was clear, yet it stood in direct opposition to their loyalty to God.
When we face situations where our convictions clash with surrounding pressures, this brief encounter offers a quiet strength. Human authority may declare its intent with force, but divine fidelity remains steady. We are reminded that our calling does not depend on the alignment of others’ purposes with ours. Instead, it rests in remaining true to God’s call, even when the path is unclear.
This single word invites us to examine our own intentions. Are our actions aligned with truth? Do we hold fast to what matters most, regardless of external demands? The story of the three young men shows that integrity often looks like quiet persistence. It is a faithful stance that trusts God’s sovereignty more than human decree.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ¿/ purpose1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/צְדָּ֕א1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 3:14
Nebuchadnezzar answered them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you don’t serve my gods and you don’t worship the golden image which I have set up?
The king uses this term to express his determined intent to enforce his decree, highlighting the tension between his resolve and the youths' faithfulness.