צְמִיתֻת (tse.mi.tut)
tse.mi.tut
finality
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun tsemîthûth conveys a sense of absolute finality or permanent completion. It appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within Leviticus, to describe the enduring nature of specific covenantal obligations. Rather than indicating a momentary event, the word points to a state that is established to last indefinitely.
In Leviticus 16:31 and 23:41, it modifies the observance of the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles respectively. The text uses this term to emphasize that these rituals are not temporary measures but perpetual statutes for Israel. The word underscores the weight and permanence of the divine command, marking these practices as fixed elements of worship.
Its root relates to concepts of cutting off or finishing, which gives it a sharp, decisive tone. By using tsemîthûth, the biblical writer signals that the ordinance is settled and unchangeable. This lexical choice helps readers understand the seriousness with which these festivals were to be regarded in ancient Israelite religious life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word tsemîthûth carries a heavy sense of finality and permanent completion. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both within the book of Leviticus. In these contexts, it describes obligations that are not temporary measures but enduring statutes for Israel. The term underscores the weight and permanence of divine commands, marking specific practices as fixed elements of worship.
While this word is rare, its meaning resonates with the Christian understanding of God's covenantal faithfulness. Just as the ancient rituals were established to last indefinitely, believers find assurance in the unchangeable nature of God’s promises. This finality offers comfort, reminding us that what God establishes remains secure and enduring through all generations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ perpetuity1×
- to <the>/ perpetuity1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַ/צְּמִיתֻ֛ת1×
- לִ/צְמִתֻ֔ת1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 25:23
“‘The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine; for you are strangers and live as foreigners with me.
This verse uses the concept of perpetuity to clarify that land ownership is temporary, emphasizing God's ultimate sovereignty over the earth.
-
Leviticus 25:30
If it isn’t redeemed within the space of a full year, then the house that is in the walled city shall be made sure in perpetuity to him who bought it, throughout his generations. It shall not be released in the Jubilee.
Here the term specifies that a house in a walled city becomes permanently fixed to the buyer if not redeemed within a year, highlighting legal finality.