צָלַח (tsa.lach)
tsa.lach
to rush; to prosper
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 56 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb tsalach carries a dynamic sense of forward motion, meaning to rush ahead or advance with speed and energy. In its basic Qal stem, it describes physical movement that is swift and purposeful, capturing the image of something charging into action without hesitation.
This sense of rapid progress naturally extends to the abstract realm of success. The word frequently appears in contexts where prosperity is not static but active, such as when Jeremiah speaks of God’s plans or when Chronicles records the military campaigns of kings. It implies that true advancement leads to a successful outcome, making it a fitting term for describing how efforts bear fruit.
Translators often render tsalach as "prosper" or "succeed," reflecting its use in narratives where divine favor results in tangible progress. The Hiphil stem intensifies this by indicating that one party causes another to prosper or brings an endeavor to a successful conclusion. This dual focus on speed and positive result highlights a worldview where effective action is closely tied to favorable outcomes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word tsalach paints a picture of life moving forward with energy and purpose. It is not about sitting still, but about rushing ahead into the work God has set before you. When Scripture speaks of prosperity in this sense, it describes an active success where your efforts bear fruit because divine favor is present.
This concept reminds us that true advancement comes from alignment with God’s will. Just as Joseph found favor in Potiphar’s house because Yahweh was with him, our own paths become prosperous when we walk in obedience. It is a promise that God does not leave us to struggle alone; He actively causes our faithful actions to succeed.
Whether you are facing a new challenge or continuing a long journey, this word offers hope. It suggests that your steps are not random but guided by a power that ensures progress. Trust in His presence, and let your life reflect the dynamic success that comes from walking with Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 56 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ it rushed7×
- and/ succeed5×
- it will succeed3×
- he will prosper3×
- and/ he will make successful3×
- you will succeed2×
- you will prosper2×
- you will make successful2×
- and/ he will succeed2×
- [was] making successful2×
- ¿/ will it succeed1×
- ¿/ had he made successful1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/תִּצְלַ֨ח3×
- וַ/תִּצְלַ֤ח3×
- וְ/הַצְלַ֔ח3×
- יִצְלַ֖ח2×
- וְ/הִצְלִ֣יחַ2×
- תַּצְלִ֥יחַ1×
- תַּצְלִ֔יחַ1×
- תַצְלִֽיחוּ\׃\ \פ1×
- תַצְלִֽיחוּ\׃1×
- תַצְלִ֖יחַ1×
- תַצְלִ֖יחִי1×
- תַצְלִ֔יחוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 24:21
The man looked steadfastly at her, remaining silent, to know whether Yahweh had made his journey prosperous or not.
Abraham’s servant uses this word to discern if God is actively guiding his mission, showing that prosperity is a sign of divine approval.
-
Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.
This verse links the meditation on God’s law directly to making one’s way prosperous, establishing obedience as the path to success.
-
Genesis 39:23
The keeper of the prison didn’t look after anything that was under his hand, because Yahweh was with him; and that which he did, Yahweh made it prosper.
Joseph’s success in prison demonstrates that God’s presence causes even difficult circumstances to yield positive results.
-
I Chronicles 22:13
Then you will prosper, if you observe to do the statutes and the ordinances which Yahweh gave Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid and don’t be dismayed.
Solomon is told he will prosper specifically if he observes God’s statutes, highlighting the conditional nature of this active success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word tsalach mean?
Is prosperity in the Bible always about money?
How is tsalach different from other words for success?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (56 verses across 16 books)
Genesis 7 verses
The man looked steadfastly at her, remaining silent, to know whether Yahweh had made his journey prosperous or not.
Genesis 24:40He said to me, ‘Yahweh, before whom I walk, will send his angel with you, and prosper your way. You shall take a wife…
Genesis 24:42I came today to the spring, and said, ‘Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, if now you do prosper my way which I go—
Genesis 24:56He said to them, “Don’t hinder me, since Yahweh has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.”
Genesis 39:2Yahweh was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
Genesis 39:3His master saw that Yahweh was with him, and that Yahweh made all that he did prosper in his hand.
Genesis 39:23The keeper of the prison didn’t look after anything that was under his hand, because Yahweh was with him; and that…