צִלְצָל (tsil.tsal)
tsil.tsal
buzzing; spear; whirring; banging
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tsiltsal describes a sharp, vibrating noise, whether from an insect’s wings or metal striking metal. Its core sense is that of a buzzing or whirring sound, which explains why it appears in Deuteronomy 28:42 to describe locusts swarming and making their characteristic hum.
This same onomatopoeic root extends to other objects that produce similar vibrations. In Isaiah 18:1, the word refers to a spear, likely named for the whistling or buzzing sound it makes when thrown through the air. The plural form, tsiltsalim, appears in Job 40:31 and Psalms to denote cymbals, highlighting the clashing, percussive noise of these musical instruments.
Though the word occurs only four times in Scripture, its usage reveals a consistent theme: sound defined by vibration. Translators must choose between "locust," "spear," or "cymbals" based on context, but all three meanings share that underlying image of a rapid, buzzing resonance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tsiltsal captures a sharp, vibrating sound, whether from the hum of locusts or the clash of cymbals. It reminds us that noise is not empty; it carries weight and meaning in God’s world.
In Deuteronomy 28:42, the buzzing of locusts signals judgment, a stark warning against turning away from God. Yet in Psalm 150:5, the same kind of sharp sound becomes an invitation to praise. The clashing of cymbals is not noise but celebration.
Whether you hear the whirring wings of insects or the music of worship, tsiltsal shows that every sound can point to God’s presence. Let your life be a clear note in His chorus.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with/ cymbals of2×
- whirring of1×
- the/ locust[s]1×
- and/ on/ cymbals1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צִלְצַ֣ל1×
- וּֽ/בְ/צֶלְצֶלִֽים\׃1×
- הַ/צְּלָצַֽל\׃1×
- בְּֽ/צִלְצְלֵ֥י1×
- בְ/צִלְצְלֵי\־1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 28:42
Locusts will consume all of your trees and the fruit of your ground.
The word describes the buzzing sound of locusts, serving as a vivid image of judgment and loss.
-
II Samuel 6:5
David and all the house of Israel played before Yahweh with all kinds of instruments made of cypress wood, with harps, with stringed instruments, with tambourines, with castanets, and with cymbals.
It refers to cymbals used in joyful worship before Yahweh, highlighting music as an act of devotion.
-
Psalms 150:5
Praise him with loud cymbals! Praise him with resounding cymbals!
The plural form calls for praise with resounding cymbals, emphasizing the volume and joy of worship.