צִפּוֹר (tsip.por)
tsip.por
Zippor
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Tzippor identifies a specific figure in the Old Testament narrative: the father of Balak, the king of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers 22:2). The text mentions him only briefly as a lineage marker, yet his identity carries linguistic weight. The Hebrew word tzippor literally means "bird," and many scholars suggest it likely refers specifically to a sparrow.
This naming convention reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice of deriving personal names from nature or animals. While the biblical account does not elaborate on why Balak’s father bore this name, the association with a small, ubiquitous bird provides a concrete image for the reader. The name appears seven times in Scripture, consistently linking Balak to his Moabite heritage during the wilderness period.
Understanding Tzippor as "sparrow" adds a layer of cultural context to the story of Balak. It reminds readers that names in Scripture often carry descriptive or symbolic meanings beyond mere identification. The brief mention serves to ground the political conflict between Israel and Moab in real, historical family lines.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Tzippor appears in Scripture as a lineage marker for Balak, the king of Moab who sought to curse Israel. While it literally means "bird," likely referring to a sparrow, its biblical function is to ground us in the historical reality of ancient family lines. Names in the Old Testament often carried descriptive weight, connecting individuals to their heritage and the natural world around them.
For your faith, this detail reminds us that God’s plans unfold through real people with specific backgrounds. The conflict between Israel and Moab was not abstract; it involved actual families and political tensions. By tracing Balak’s ancestry back to Tzippor, the text emphasizes the tangible nature of these biblical narratives.
When you read about Balak hiring Balaam, remember that this is a story about God’s protection over His people. Even when enemies from specific lineages like that of Tzippor rise up, God remains sovereign. This historical detail invites us to appreciate the depth of Scripture and trust in God’s faithfulness across generations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zippor7×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צִפּוֹר֙1×
- צִפֹּֽר\׃1×
- צִפֹּ֛ר1×
- צִפּ֛וֹר1×
- צִפּ֖וֹר1×
- צִפּ֔וֹר1×
- צִפּ֑וֹר1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 22:2
Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
This verse introduces Balak as the son of Zippor, establishing his royal identity at the start of the conflict with Israel.
-
Numbers 22:10
Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has said to me,
Balaam addresses Balak by name and lineage, highlighting the formal nature of the request to curse Israel.
-
Judges 11:25
Now are you anything better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them?
Jephthah references Balak as the son of Zippor to argue that Moab never truly conquered Israel's land despite their efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Tzippor mean?
Who is Tzippor in the Bible?
Why is Tzippor mentioned so often?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 3 books)
Numbers 5 verses
Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
Numbers 22:4Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this multitude will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass…
Numbers 22:10Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has said to me,
Numbers 22:16They came to Balaam, and said to him, “Balak the son of Zippor says, ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me,
Numbers 23:18He took up his parable, and said, “Rise up, Balak, and hear! Listen to me, you son of Zippor.