צֶלְצַח (tsel.tsach)
tsel.tsach
Zelzah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun tseltsach refers to a specific location in the territory of Benjamin, identified as "shadow" or "shade." It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, marking a geographical point where Saul’s encounter with prophets concludes before he proceeds to Gibeah (1 Samuel 10:2). The name likely reflects a physical characteristic of the site, perhaps a shaded grove or a cool spot near Rachel’s tomb.
While the word itself is not used metaphorically in this context, its meaning connects to the broader biblical imagery of divine protection and rest found in the shade of God. Translators typically render it as "Zelzah," preserving the proper name rather than translating the descriptive element. This single occurrence anchors the narrative geography of Saul’s early kingship, placing his transformation within a tangible landscape.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zelzah appears in a single verse of Scripture, marking a quiet stop on Saul’s journey to becoming king. It means "shade" or "shadow," suggesting a place where travelers might rest under the cover of trees. This small detail grounds the biblical narrative in real geography, reminding us that God often meets people in ordinary, tangible moments.
While the word itself is not used metaphorically here, its meaning resonates with the broader biblical theme of finding refuge and peace in God's presence. Just as a shaded spot offers relief from the heat, believers find comfort in trusting that God provides shelter and care during times of transition or uncertainty.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- at/ Zelzah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/צֶלְצַ֑ח1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 10:2
When you have departed from me today, then you will find two men by Rachel’s tomb, on the border of Benjamin at Zelzah. They will tell you, ‘The donkeys which you went to look for have been found; and behold, your father has stopped caring about the donkeys and is anxious for you, saying, “What shall I do for my son?”’
This verse identifies Zelzah as a landmark near Rachel’s tomb, anchoring Saul’s prophetic encounter in a specific physical location.