צִינֹק (tsi.noq)
tsi.noq
stocks
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 tsi.noq refers to a wooden device used for public restraint, commonly translated as "stocks" or a "pillory." It denotes a structure designed to immobilize an individual’s head and hands, exposing them to the view of others. This term appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, located in Jeremiah 29:26.
In that specific instance, the prophet Jeremiah is instructed by God to send a letter to the exiles in Babylon. The text describes how the priest Shemaiah sent this message to Zephaniah, the official keeper of the temple, commanding him to put Jeremiah into these stocks. The act was intended to publicly humiliate and silence the prophet for his warnings about the duration of the exile.
The rarity of the word highlights its specific function as an instrument of shame and control rather than a general term for imprisonment. By restricting movement in a public space, it served as a visible sign of disgrace. The occurrence in Jeremiah underscores the tension between prophetic truth-telling and political authority during a time of national crisis.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tsi.noq describes a wooden device used to restrain a person’s head and hands, leaving them exposed for others to see. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Jeremiah 29:26. There, the priest Zephaniah was commanded to place the prophet Jeremiah in these stocks. This act was meant to publicly shame him and silence his warnings about the length of the exile.
When you read this, remember that truth often faces resistance. Jeremiah stood firm in his message despite the pressure to be quiet. His experience shows that speaking what is right can bring opposition, but it does not mean God has abandoned you. Even when others try to restrict your voice or dignity, your calling remains secure.
This brief glimpse into ancient punishment reminds us that our worth comes from God, not public approval. If you feel misunderstood or restricted today, take comfort in the fact that Jeremiah’s message ultimately reached those who needed it. Your integrity is preserved by Him who sees all things.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ iron collar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/צִּינֹֽק\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 29:26
“Yahweh has made you priest in the place of Jehoiada the priest, that there may be officers in Yahweh’s house, for every man who is crazy and makes himself a prophet, that you should put him in the stocks and in shackles.
This verse uniquely illustrates the word's function as a tool of public humiliation intended to silence prophetic truth.