צוּת (tsut)
tsut
to burn
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb tsut appears only once in the Old Testament, found within Isaiah 5:24. It functions as a Hiphil form of the root yatsat, carrying the active meaning to kindle, burn, or set something on fire. In this specific context, it describes the divine judgment where God’s word acts as the flame that consumes those who have rejected His instruction.
While the base verb yatsat can describe literal fires or be used metaphorically for anger, tsut in its Hiphil stem emphasizes the act of initiating combustion. The sources note that the root generally relates to setting things ablaze, whether physically or figuratively, as seen when wickedness is described as being kindled. Here, the imagery shifts from the spark of sin to the consuming fire of judgment.
This rare usage highlights the power of Scripture in Isaiah’s prophecy. The word does not describe a slow smolder but an active, decisive ignition. Translators typically render it as "burn" or "consume," capturing the finality of the action where the rejected word becomes the agent of destruction for the proud.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tsut appears only once in the Old Testament, tucked inside Isaiah 5:24. It describes a sudden, decisive ignition rather than a slow burn. In this rare instance, God’s spoken word acts as the spark that consumes those who have rejected His instruction. This vivid imagery reminds us that divine truth is never passive; it carries weight and power.
For your daily life, this offers both warning and comfort. The same fire that judges pride also purifies faith. When we align our hearts with Scripture, we find stability in a world that often feels chaotic. God’s word does not merely suggest; it transforms. Trusting in this active truth helps us navigate seasons of uncertainty with quiet confidence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- I will burn/ it1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲצִיתֶ֥/נָּה1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 27:4
Wrath is not in me, but if I should find briers and thorns, I would do battle! I would march on them and I would burn them together.
This verse contrasts the destructive fire of judgment with God's protective wrath, showing that He does not delight in burning but acts only when necessary to remove what hinders His peace.