צָלַל (tsa.lal)
tsa.lal
to tingle
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb tsallal describes a physical trembling or quivering sensation, appearing only four times in the Old Testament. Its primary usage focuses on the ears, depicting them tingling or vibrating with sound. This creates a vivid image of hearing so intense that it causes a bodily reaction, as if the very organs of perception are shaking under the weight of what is being communicated.
In these rare instances, such as in Jeremiah 20:9 and 1 Samuel 3:1, the word captures the involuntary response to divine speech or overwhelming news. The sound is not merely heard; it resonates through the listener’s body. This usage highlights a profound connection between auditory experience and physical sensation, suggesting that certain truths are too powerful to be processed by the mind alone.
While less common than other verbs for hearing, tsallal emphasizes the impact of the message on the receiver. It moves beyond simple perception to describe a state of alertness or shock. The word reminds readers that in biblical narrative, encountering God’s word often brings a tangible, visceral response that leaves no part of the person untouched.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter God’s word, it is not meant to be a quiet background noise. The Hebrew verb tsallal describes a physical trembling or tingling sensation, often linked to the ears. This vivid imagery suggests that divine speech carries such weight and power that it resonates through the listener’s entire being. It moves beyond simple intellectual understanding to create a visceral response.
In passages like 1 Samuel 3:11, this tingling is associated with a profound announcement from Yahweh. The text uses this rare word to show that certain truths are too significant to be processed by the mind alone. They demand our full attention and stir our deepest emotions. This connection between hearing and physical reaction reminds us that encountering God’s message is an embodied experience.
For your faith, this offers a comforting perspective on how Scripture works. It is not merely information to be stored, but a living word that engages the whole person. When you read or hear biblical promises and warnings, allow yourself to feel their weight. This engagement invites a deeper trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that His words are active and impactful in your life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they will tingle3×
- they quivered1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּצַּ֥לְנָה1×
- תִּצַּ֖לְנָה1×
- תְּצִלֶּ֖ינָה1×
- צָלֲל֣וּ1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 3:11
Yahweh said to Samuel, “Behold, I will do a thing in Israel at which both the ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.
This verse links the tingling ears directly to Yahweh’s announcement of a significant action in Israel, highlighting the word's use for divine communication.
-
II Kings 21:12
therefore Yahweh the God of Israel says, ‘Behold, I will bring such evil on Jerusalem and Judah that whoever hears of it, both his ears will tingle.
Here the sensation accompanies a warning of coming evil, showing how the word conveys the gravity of judgment to those who hear it.
-
Jeremiah 19:3
Say, ‘Hear Yahweh’s word, kings of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel says, “Behold, I will bring evil on this place, which whoever hears, his ears will tingle.
The prophet uses this imagery to urge leaders to listen carefully to God’s warning about Jerusalem, emphasizing the urgent nature of the message.