צָהַל (tsa.hal)
tsa.hal
to cry out; to shine
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb tsahal primarily describes a loud, sharp cry, often likened to the neighing of a stallion. In the Psalms and Prophets, this sound captures intense emotion, ranging from the joyous shout of celebration to the shrill cry of distress. It is not a quiet murmur but an explosive vocalization that demands attention, reflecting the raw energy of the human spirit in moments of extreme significance.
While most occurrences depict people or nations crying out with fervor, the word takes on a striking visual dimension in Psalm 104:15. There, God is described as making wine "shine," using a form of tsahal that shifts from auditory to visual. This rare usage suggests that the intensity of divine provision is so vivid it seems to glow, bridging the gap between a loud shout and a brilliant light.
Translators typically render this word as "shout" or "cry out," capturing its suddenness and volume. The imagery of men neighing like horses in Isaiah 5:29 emphasizes power and unstoppable force, while the cries in Jeremiah highlight vulnerability. By using such visceral language, the biblical authors convey that true spiritual experience is rarely silent; it bursts forth with undeniable energy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life brings moments of overwhelming joy or sudden distress, our natural response is often to cry out. This Hebrew word captures that raw, unfiltered expression of the human spirit. It is not a polite whisper but a loud declaration that demands attention. In our daily walk, this reminds us that God invites our honest emotions, whether they are shouts of celebration or cries for help.
There is also a unique visual aspect to this word in Psalm 104:15. Here, it describes how wine makes the face shine. This suggests that divine provision can be so vivid and life-giving that it literally glows. It bridges the gap between sound and sight, showing us that God’s care can transform our inner state into an outer radiance.
We do not need to hide our intensity from God. Whether we are rejoicing like Mordecai in Susa or crying out for deliverance, our voices matter. This word encourages us to bring our full energy to prayer and praise, trusting that He hears the loudest shouts and sees the brightest smiles alike.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- cry aloud2×
- to/ make shine1×
- they will cry aloud1×
- they neigh1×
- so/ you may neigh1×
- it shouted for joy1×
- and/ shout for joy1×
- and/ cry aloud1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צַהֲלִ֥י2×
- צָהֲלָ֖ה1×
- צָהֲל֖וּ1×
- לְ/הַצְהִ֣יל1×
- יִצְהָֽלוּ\׃1×
- וְ/תִצְהֲל֖וּ1×
- וְ/צַהֲלִי֙1×
- וְ/צַהֲל֖וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Esther 8:15
Mordecai went out of the presence of the king in royal clothing of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a robe of fine linen and purple; and the city of Susa shouted and was glad.
This verse shows the word describing a public shout of joy and relief when Mordecai’s deliverance became known.
-
Isaiah 12:6
Cry aloud and shout, you inhabitant of Zion, for the Holy One of Israel is great among you!”
Here the command to cry aloud is tied directly to the realization that God is present among His people.
-
Psalms 104:15
wine that makes the heart of man glad, oil to make his face to shine, and bread that strengthens man’s heart.
This rare usage shifts the meaning from sound to sight, describing how God’s provision makes a person’s face shine with gladness.
-
Jeremiah 31:7
For Yahweh says, “Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout for the chief of the nations. Publish, praise, and say, ‘Yahweh, save your people, the remnant of Israel!’
The word is used alongside singing to describe a communal shout of praise for God’s salvation of Israel.