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צִיָּה (tsiy.yah)

tsiy.yah

dryness

H6723 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 13 verses

H:N-F

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
13 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-F

Definition

Definition

dryness, drought, desert

Brown-Driver-Briggs

צִיָּה n.f. dryness, drought

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

dryness, drought, desert

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word tsiyah describes a landscape stripped of moisture, where the earth is hard and life seems suspended. In the ancient world, this was not just an environmental fact but a spiritual reality. It represents a place of trial, where natural resources fail and human strength is insufficient. Yet, Scripture does not leave us in this barren state. Instead, it points to a God who brings water to the dry places.

For your faith, this word offers a profound comfort. When you feel spiritually parched or surrounded by circumstances that seem dead, remember that God is the source of living water. Isaiah 35:1 promises that even the wilderness and dry land will rejoice. This is not a promise that the difficulty disappears instantly, but that God’s presence transforms the landscape of your soul. You are never abandoned in your drought.

This truth invites you to look beyond your current surroundings. Just as springs appeared in the valleys of Isaiah 41:18, God can bring renewal where you see only dust. Trust in His ability to sustain you when resources run out. His grace is sufficient, turning desolation into a place where hope can bloom again.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • dry6×
  • a dry region2×
  • in the/ dry regions1×
  • in the/ dry region1×
  • drought1×
  • and/ [the] dry region1×
  • a desert1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • צִיָּ֣ה3×
  • צִיָּ֖ה2×
  • צִיָּ֥ה1×
  • צִיָּ֤ה1×
  • צִיָּ֔ה1×
  • צִיָּ֑ה1×
  • צִ֝יָּ֗ה1×
  • וְ/צִיָּ֑ה1×
  • בַּ/צִּיָּֽה\׃1×
  • בַּ/צִּיּ֥וֹת1×

Key Verses

  • Isaiah 35:1
    The wilderness and the dry land will be glad. The desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose.

    This verse uses the word to describe a landscape that will actively rejoice and blossom, showing God's power to bring life to barren places.

  • Psalms 107:35
    He turns a desert into a pool of water, and a dry land into water springs.

    Here the word highlights the dramatic transformation God performs, turning arid land into a place of abundant water springs.

  • Isaiah 41:18
    I will open rivers on the bare heights, and springs in the middle of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

    The term appears in a promise where God opens rivers on bare heights, demonstrating His sovereignty over nature to provide for His people.

  • Job 30:3
    They are gaunt from lack and famine. They gnaw the dry ground, in the gloom of waste and desolation.

    This occurrence illustrates the harsh reality of survival, where desperation leads people to gnaw at the dry ground in waste and desolation.

  • Isaiah 53:2
    For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no good looks or majesty. When we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

    The word describes the humble origin of the Servant, who grew up like a root out of dry ground, emphasizing His lack of earthly majesty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word tsiyah mean?

Tsiyah (Strong's H6723) translates to 'dryness' or 'dry land.' It is used in the Old Testament to describe arid regions, deserts, and places lacking water. The term often carries connotations of barrenness, hardship, and spiritual thirst.

How is tsiyah different from chophshi?

While both words relate to dry or barren places, tsiyah specifically emphasizes the state of being dry or parched. Chophshi (H2723) often refers to a wilderness or desolate place in a broader geographical sense. Tsiyah focuses more on the lack of moisture and vitality.

Where does tsiyah appear most significantly?

It appears notably in Isaiah 35:1, where the dry land is promised to rejoice and blossom. It also features in Psalms 107:35, describing God turning dry land into water springs. These passages highlight God's power to bring life and renewal.

What spiritual lesson can be learned from this word?

The word reminds believers that God is the source of living water in times of spiritual drought. It encourages trust in His provision when natural resources fail. The transformation of dry land into flourishing places points to hope and restoration in Christ.

Every Occurrence (13 verses across 6 books)