צָנַם (tsa.nam)
tsa.nam
to dry
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb tsanam describes the process of drying up or becoming hard. It appears only once in the Bible, in Genesis 41:23, where Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream about seven thin cows eating seven fat ones. In this context, the word conveys a sense of withering or losing vitality, as the seemingly healthy state is consumed and left depleted.
Its meaning extends beyond simple dehydration to include hardening or becoming brittle, suggesting a loss of flexibility and life. This specific usage highlights a dramatic reversal, where abundance is suddenly overtaken by emptiness. The word’s singular occurrence underscores the severity of the famine Joseph predicts, marking a definitive end to prosperity.
Translators often render tsanam as "wither" or "dry up," capturing the visual image of crops failing and livestock weakening. Its rarity in Scripture makes this instance particularly notable, serving as a vivid metaphor for sudden economic collapse. The term emphasizes the fragility of natural resources when faced with divine judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tsanam appears only once in Scripture, found in Genesis 41:23. Joseph uses it to describe grain that has withered and become brittle after being blasted by the east wind. This vivid image captures a sudden loss of vitality, where abundance is consumed and left depleted. It serves as a stark warning about the fragility of prosperity when faced with divine judgment.
While this specific term describes physical drying up, it reminds us that our security does not rest in temporary wealth or favorable seasons. God alone sustains life through all circumstances. When resources seem to vanish, we can trust that He remains sovereign over both plenty and scarcity. His provision endures beyond any earthly famine.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- withered1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צְנֻמ֥וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 41:23
and behold, seven heads of grain, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them.
This verse uses the word to depict grain withered by the east wind, illustrating how quickly abundance can turn to emptiness in Pharaoh's dream.