צַוָּאר (tsav.var)
tsav.var
neck; necklace
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 35 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word tsavvar refers primarily to the neck or the back of the neck, serving as the physical connection between the head and the body. It appears thirty-five times in the Old Testament, with significant usage in Jeremiah, Genesis, and Isaiah. The term applies to both humans and animals, grounding its meaning in tangible, bodily reality.
While it denotes the anatomical structure, tsavvar frequently carries symbolic weight regarding submission or resistance. In prophetic literature, a stiff neck describes stubborn defiance against God, whereas being taken by the neck implies captivity or discipline. The sources also note its use for a necklace, as seen in Song of Solomon 4:9, where it represents adornment and value rather than burden.
This dual usage highlights how physical anatomy functions as a metaphor for spiritual posture in Scripture. Translators must carefully distinguish between the literal body part and the idiomatic expressions of pride or subjugation that arise from it. The word remains a concrete anchor for abstract concepts of obedience and rebellion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tsavvar refers to the physical neck, but Scripture uses it to describe our spiritual posture. A stiff neck represents stubborn resistance to God’s guidance, while placing one’s neck under a yoke signifies willing submission. This imagery reminds us that obedience is not about losing freedom, but about finding the right direction for our lives.
When we feel burdened by life’s demands, this word offers hope. Isaiah promises that the heavy yoke of oppression will be removed, replaced by the freedom found in God’s anointing. We are invited to lay down our pride and accept the gentle guidance that leads to peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 35 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- neck/ your8×
- neck<s>/ his4×
- neck/ its4×
- [the] neck of4×
- necks/ your2×
- neck/ his2×
- [were] on/ [the] necks of2×
- [the] neck2×
- with/ a neck1×
- necks/ their1×
- neck/ their1×
- neck/ our1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צַוָּארָֽי/ו\׃2×
- צַוָּארָ֖י/ו2×
- צַוָּארֶֽ/ךָ\׃2×
- צַוָּארֶ֔/ךָ2×
- צַוָּארֵ֔/ךְ2×
- צַוָּ֖אר2×
- צַוַּ֖אר2×
- בְּ/צַוְּארֵ֥י2×
- צַוָּרָ֔/ם1×
- צַוָּארֽ/וֹ\׃1×
- צַוָּארָ֔י/ו1×
- צַוָּארָ֑/הּ1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 10:27
It will happen in that day that his burden will depart from off your shoulder, and his yoke from off your neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing oil.
This verse promises the removal of the oppressive yoke, offering hope for relief from heavy burdens through divine intervention.
-
Jeremiah 27:11
But the nation that brings their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serves him, that nation I will let remain in their own land,’ says Yahweh; ‘and they will till it and dwell in it.’”’”
It highlights the practical wisdom of submission to God’s ordained authority, linking it directly to survival and stability.
-
Genesis 33:4
Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept.
This tender moment shows the neck as a place of reconciliation and affection between estranged brothers.
-
Song of Solomon 1:10
Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels.
Here the neck is adorned with jewels, shifting the focus from burden to beauty and valued adornment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a stiff neck mean in the Bible?
Why is the neck mentioned in Song of Solomon?
What is the significance of the yoke on the neck?
Every Occurrence (35 verses across 13 books)
Genesis 6 verses
She put the skins of the young goats on his hands, and on the smooth of his neck.
Genesis 27:40You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother. It will happen, when you will break loose, that you will…
Genesis 33:4Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept.
Genesis 41:42Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in robes of fine linen,…
Genesis 45:14He fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck.
Genesis 46:29Joseph prepared his chariot, and went up to meet Israel, his father, in Goshen. He presented himself to him, and fell…