צַו (tsav)
tsav
command
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tsav generally signifies a command or ordinance, yet its usage in Scripture is quite rare, appearing only three times. In these instances, primarily within Isaiah and Hosea, the word carries a specific rhetorical weight that distinguishes it from standard legal terminology. It refers to divine instructions or oracles delivered by God through His prophets.
The most striking feature of this word is its ironic deployment in Isaiah 28:13. Here, the prophet describes how the people will mockingly repeat God’s words—"This is the resting place; let the weary rest"—but they will not actually obey or find peace. In this context, tsav becomes a tool of satire, highlighting the gap between hearing a command and living it out. The sources suggest that in these verses, the "command" is treated with contempt rather than reverence.
This unique usage adds depth to the term. While tsav usually denotes a straightforward decree, its appearance in prophetic critique shows how divine words can be twisted into empty slogans by those who refuse to submit to them. The word thus serves as a warning against superficial religiosity, where the form of obedience is mimicked while the substance is rejected.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tsav appears only three times in Scripture, yet it carries a heavy weight regarding how we handle God’s instructions. It refers to divine commands or oracles delivered through prophets. In most contexts, it simply denotes a decree from the Lord that demands respect and obedience.
However, Isaiah 28:13 reveals a sobering reality. The people mocked these commands, repeating them as empty slogans without true submission. This highlights the danger of superficial religiosity, where we mimic the form of obedience while rejecting its substance. God’s word is not meant to be a trivial mantra but a guide for life.
Let this rare word remind us to listen with humility. When we encounter divine instruction, let us seek understanding rather than dismissing it. True peace comes from submitting to God’s will, not just reciting His words.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ [the] command4×
- command4×
- a command1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צַ֤ו2×
- צַ֣ו2×
- לָ/צָו֙2×
- צָֽו\׃1×
- לָ/צָ֞ו1×
- לָ/צָ֔ו1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 28:13
Therefore Yahweh’s word will be to them precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little; that they may go, fall backward, be broken, be snared, and be taken.
This verse uses tsav ironically to show how the people mocked God's commands as mere repetitive slogans instead of obeying them.
-
Isaiah 28:10
For it is precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little.
Here the term appears in a series describing how God's message was perceived as tedious and fragmented by the rebellious audience.
-
Hosea 5:11
Ephraim is oppressed, he is crushed in judgment, because he is intent in his pursuit of idols.
This occurrence links the rejection of divine authority with the crushing judgment faced by Ephraim due to idolatry.