צוּף (tsuph)
tsuph
honeycomb
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tsuph refers specifically to a honeycomb, the natural structure where bees store their harvest. Unlike general terms for honey itself, this word highlights the vessel or the comb-like matrix that holds the sweet substance. It appears only once in the Bible, in Proverbs 24:13, where it serves as a tangible image for wisdom.
In that verse, the writer urges the reader to eat tsuph, noting that honey is good and knowledge of wisdom will be sweet to the soul. The physical sweetness of the comb’s contents becomes a metaphor for the internal delight found in understanding. This single usage anchors the word’s meaning in sensory experience, linking the pleasure of eating directly to the pleasure of learning.
Translators typically render tsuph as "honeycomb" to preserve this specific imagery. While some versions might simplify it to just "honey," retaining the comb emphasizes the source and the effort involved in gathering it. The word reminds readers that wisdom, like honey, is a valuable resource that requires seeking and consuming to be fully appreciated.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tsuph describes a honeycomb, the natural structure where bees store their harvest. It appears in Proverbs 16:24, where pleasant words are compared to this sweet treat. The image connects the physical delight of eating honey with the spiritual nourishment found in kind speech. Just as the comb holds the valuable nectar, our words can hold life and healing for those who hear them.
This comparison invites us to consider how our conversations affect others. Sweet words are not just polite; they bring health to the soul and strength to the spirit. When we choose encouragement over criticism, we offer something precious that sustains relationships. May your speech be a source of comfort and joy to everyone you meet.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [are] a honeycomb of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צוּף\־1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
This verse uniquely applies the honeycomb metaphor to pleasant words, linking their sweetness to physical and spiritual health.