צַחְצָחָה (tsach.tsa.chah)
tsach.tsa.chah
scorched
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun tsachtschah describes a scorched or parched landscape, evoking an image of earth baked dry by intense heat. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Isaiah 58:11, where it characterizes the condition of land that has been stripped of moisture and vitality.
In this specific context, the word serves as a stark contrast to the promise of restoration. The prophet uses the term to depict a state of desolation, highlighting what is lost when justice and care for the vulnerable are neglected. It is not merely dry soil, but ground that has been actively damaged by scorching forces.
Translators typically render this rare word as "scorched region" or "parched land," preserving the sense of irreversible damage rather than simple thirst. Its solitary occurrence underscores the severity of the spiritual and social conditions Isaiah is addressing, marking a clear boundary between barrenness and the life-giving springs God promises to provide.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tsachtschah describes land that has been scorched by intense heat, leaving the earth dry and stripped of vitality. It appears only once in Scripture, in Isaiah 58:11, where it highlights a state of desolation caused by neglecting justice and care for others. This imagery shows how spiritual and social brokenness can leave us feeling parched and empty, much like soil baked by harsh sun.
Yet the promise surrounding this word is one of restoration. God assures us that He will guide us continually and satisfy our souls even in these dry places. He transforms our scorched circumstances into a watered garden, where springs of water never fail. This reminds us that no matter how barren our situation seems, God’s presence brings life and strength to what was once broken.
When you face seasons of hardship or emotional exhaustion, remember that God does not leave you in the dry places. He renews your spirit and provides for your needs. His guidance is steady, and His care turns desolation into flourishing. Trust in His promise that He will sustain you through every trial.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ arid regions1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/צַחְצָחוֹת֙1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 58:11
and Yahweh will guide you continually, satisfy your soul in dry places, and make your bones strong. You will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters don’t fail.
This verse uses the word to contrast the scorched state of neglect with God’s promise to restore and satisfy the soul like a watered garden.