צֹפִים (tso.phim)
tso.phim
Zophim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun tsofim translates to “watchers” and refers to a specific location on or near the summit of Mount Pisgah. This place is most famous as the vantage point from which Balaam delivered his prophetic oracles, looking out over the Israelite camp (Numbers 23:14). The term describes the physical spot itself rather than the people standing there.
Its meaning derives from the verb tzaphah, which means to look out, spy, or keep watch. By using this word for the location, the text emphasizes the act of observation. Balaam stood at tsofim to survey the nation, turning a geographical point into a stage for divine revelation.
With only one occurrence in Scripture, the word anchors the narrative of Numbers 23. It highlights how the setting was chosen for its clear view, allowing the prophet to see the people spread out before him as he spoke.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tsofim points to a high place of observation, where Balaam stood to look out over Israel. It reminds us that God sees His people from a height, beyond our immediate struggles. This location was not just geography but a stage for revelation, showing how divine perspective often rises above human confusion.
When we feel lost in the noise of daily life, this word invites us to seek a higher vantage point. It suggests that clarity comes when we step back and allow God to show us what He sees. His view is not limited by our circumstances or blind spots.
We can trust that He watches over us with care and purpose. Even in moments of uncertainty, His gaze remains steady. This promise offers comfort, knowing we are seen and known by the One who holds all things together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zophim1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צֹפִ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 23:14
He took him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered up a bull and a ram on every altar.
This verse establishes Zophim as the specific summit where Balaam observed Israel, turning a physical location into a moment of prophetic insight.