צַעֲצֻעִים (tsa.tsu.a)
tsa.tsu.a
image
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tsa’at-su-‘im refers to carved or molded figures, specifically decorative elements made of gold. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in 2 Chronicles 3:10, where it describes the two cherubim that stood in the Holy Place of Solomon’s Temple.
Its root suggests something shaped or formed, distinguishing these objects as crafted works rather than natural stones. The text specifies they were overlaid with gold and faced the inner sanctuary, serving as a majestic boundary between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. This single usage highlights the high value placed on artistic craftsmanship in the temple’s design.
Translators typically render this word as "cherubim" or "images," depending on whether they emphasize the identity of the figures or their material nature. The term underscores that even divine symbols in the temple were created by human hands, reflecting a tradition where sacred space was adorned with intricate, valuable artistry.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tsa’at-su‘im appears only once in Scripture, describing the golden cherubim in Solomon’s Temple. These were not idols but crafted symbols of God’s presence, showing that beauty and skill can honor the Creator. When we encounter art or design that points to something greater, it reminds us that our own talents can be offered back to God.
Even though these figures were made by human hands, they served a sacred purpose in guiding worship. This teaches us that material things are not inherently bad; they become meaningful when used to reflect divine glory. Your work, whether in art, service, or daily tasks, carries this same potential to glorify God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- castings1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צַעֲצֻעִ֑ים1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 3:10
In the most holy place he made two cherubim by carving, and they overlaid them with gold.
This verse uniquely uses tsa’at-su‘im to describe the golden cherubim, emphasizing their crafted nature as symbols of divine presence rather than objects of worship.