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צִיעֹר (tsi.or)

tsi.or

Zior

H6730 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

N:N--L

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N--L

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun tsi’or, appearing only once in Joshua 15:54, translates roughly to "smallness" or "petite." It serves as the proper name for a specific town located in the mountainous region of Judah.

Lexical sources identify this settlement as part of the same cluster of communities surrounding Hebron. Scholars suggest it likely corresponds to the site known today as Tsai’ir, situated approximately five miles north-northeast of Hebron. Its name highlights a characteristic of modest size within that ancient landscape.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Zior appears in a quiet moment of biblical history, listed among the towns allotted to Judah. Its meaning points to something small or modest, reminding us that significance is not always tied to grandeur. In the ancient landscape of Hebron, this tiny settlement played its part in God’s broader plan for His people.

For your faith today, Zior offers a gentle encouragement. You do not need to be large or famous to matter. God sees and values every corner of His creation, no matter how humble. Whether you feel overlooked or insignificant, remember that even the smallest places have purpose in His story.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • and/ Zior1×

Forms in the text

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

  • וְ/צִיעֹ֑ר1×

Key Verses

  • Joshua 15:54
    Humtah, Kiriath Arba (also called Hebron), and Zior; nine cities with their villages.

    This verse lists Zior as one of nine cities with their villages, highlighting its inclusion in Judah’s territorial inheritance despite its modest size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Zior mean in the Bible?

Zior is a proper name for a town in Judah, meaning 'smallness' or 'petite.' It appears only once in Joshua 15:54 as part of the land allotted to the tribe.

Where was Zior located?

Zior was situated in the mountainous region of Judah, near Hebron. Scholars often identify it with the modern site of Tsai’ir, about five miles north-northeast of Hebron.

Why is Zior mentioned in Scripture?

It is listed to show that even small towns were part of God’s promised inheritance for Judah. This reminds readers that every place and person has value in His plan.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)