צָלַל (tsa.lal)
tsa.lal
to sink
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb tsalal means to sink or become submerged. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Exodus 15:10 during the Song of Moses. This passage celebrates God’s deliverance at the Red Sea, describing how the Egyptian chariots and army were cast into the depths.
In this context, the word paints a vivid picture of total immersion. It is not merely about sinking slowly but being overwhelmed by water. The term emphasizes the completeness of the judgment, as the sea closed over the pursuers with no escape. This single usage highlights God’s power to remove threats entirely through natural forces.
Translators typically render tsalal as "sank" or "were drowned." The rarity of the word makes its occurrence in Exodus particularly significant. It serves as a concrete image of divine intervention, showing how God uses creation to accomplish His purposes. The verb captures the finality of the event, leaving no doubt about the outcome.
Though uncommon, tsalal provides a precise description of submersion. Its presence in the biblical text underscores the theme of salvation through judgment. The word reminds readers that God’s power is both protective for His people and decisive against their enemies. This linguistic detail enriches the understanding of one of Scripture’s most famous miracles.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tsalal appears only once in the Old Testament, in Exodus 15:10. It describes the Egyptian army sinking like lead in the mighty waters of the Red Sea. This single occurrence paints a vivid picture of total immersion and finality. The sea did not merely touch them; it overwhelmed them completely.
For your faith, this image offers comfort. It shows that God’s power is decisive against threats to His people. When you face overwhelming odds, remember that the same God who parted the waters can remove obstacles entirely. You do not need to fight battles alone or worry about hidden dangers.
This verse reminds us that deliverance often comes through unexpected means. The Israelites walked on dry ground while their enemies sank. Trust in God’s ability to protect you and provide a way out, even when the situation seems impossible. His power is both protective for His people and decisive against their enemies.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they sank1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צָֽלֲלוּ֙1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 15:10
You blew with your wind. The sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.
This verse uses tsalal to describe the complete submersion of the Egyptian chariots, emphasizing the finality of God's judgment and deliverance.