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צָהֹב (tsa.hov)

tsa.hov

yellow

H6669 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

H:A

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:A

Word Overview

The Hebrew word tsaḥov describes a distinct shade of yellow, specifically one that is bright or gleaming rather than dull. In the biblical text, it appears only three times, and its usage is tightly focused on physical appearance. It serves as a precise descriptor for hair that has turned this color, marking a visible change in the body.

This term is most significant in Leviticus 13, where it helps define conditions of skin disease (tzara’at). The sources note that when hair in a lesion turns tsaḥov, it signals a specific stage or type of affliction. This detail matters because the color change indicates that the condition is spreading or active, distinguishing it from static marks or earlier stages.

The emphasis on "gleaming" suggests a light-reflective quality, perhaps white-yellow or pale gold, which would stand out against the surrounding skin. By using this specific word, the text provides clear, observable criteria for priests to follow in their assessments. The focus remains on visible signs that can be identified by the community.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word tsaḥov describes a bright, gleaming shade of yellow, often appearing as pale gold or white-yellow. In Leviticus, this specific color signals that a skin condition is active and spreading. For the ancient Israelites, noticing this change was not just about hygiene but about recognizing when divine health protocols needed to be applied.

Today, this precision reminds us that God cares about the details of our physical lives. Just as the priests looked for clear signs to restore community health, we can trust that God sees our struggles with illness or aging. He provides clarity even in difficult circumstances, guiding us toward healing and wholeness.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • yellow2×
  • <the>/ yellow1×

Forms in the text

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

  • צָהֹ֖ב1×
  • צָהֹ֑ב1×
  • הַ/צָּהֹ֖ב1×

Key Verses

  • Leviticus 13:30
    then the priest shall examine the plague; and behold, if its appearance is deeper than the skin, and the hair in it is yellow and thin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is an itch. It is leprosy of the head or of the beard.

    This verse uses tsaḥov to identify active leprosy of the head or beard, marking a definitive stage where the condition is declared unclean.

  • Leviticus 13:32
    On the seventh day the priest shall examine the plague; and behold, if the itch hasn’t spread, and there is no yellow hair in it, and the appearance of the itch isn’t deeper than the skin,

    Here the absence of yellow hair indicates the itch has not spread, allowing for continued observation rather than immediate condemnation.

  • Leviticus 13:36
    then the priest shall examine him; and behold, if the itch has spread in the skin, the priest shall not look for the yellow hair; he is unclean.

    The priest ignores the presence of yellow hair if the itch has already spread, showing that the progression of the disease takes precedence over specific color markers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does tsaḥov mean in the Bible?

It is a Hebrew adjective describing a bright, gleaming yellow color. In Leviticus, it specifically refers to hair that has turned this shade during a skin affliction, signaling that the condition is active.

Why is this word important in Leviticus 13?

It provides priests with a clear, observable sign to determine if a skin disease is spreading. The presence of tsaḥov hair helped distinguish between static marks and active infections requiring isolation.

How is tsaḥov different from other words for yellow?

While other terms might describe dull or greenish yellows, tsaḥov implies a light-reflective, bright quality. This distinction helped priests identify the specific stage of affliction more accurately.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Leviticus 3 verses
Leviticus 13:30

then the priest shall examine the plague; and behold, if its appearance is deeper than the skin, and the hair in it is…

Leviticus 13:32

On the seventh day the priest shall examine the plague; and behold, if the itch hasn’t spread, and there is no yellow…

Leviticus 13:36

then the priest shall examine him; and behold, if the itch has spread in the skin, the priest shall not look for the…