צְפַרְדֵּעַ (tse.phar.de.a)
tse.phar.de.a
frog
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tsephardea simply means "frog." It appears only twice in the entire Old Testament, both times within the narrative of the plagues in Exodus (7:28 and 8:3). In these contexts, the word describes the second plague sent upon Egypt, where the land was overrun by these amphibians. The term is straightforward, referring to the animal itself without additional metaphorical weight in its immediate usage.
Although the prompt mentions Psalms, the lexical data confirms its occurrences are in Exodus. This scarcity highlights that the word functions primarily as a concrete noun in historical narrative rather than a poetic symbol. Translators consistently render it as "frog," capturing the literal nature of the judgment described in the text.
The word’s significance lies in its stark realism. It evokes the discomfort and chaos of the Egyptian landscape, serving as a tangible sign of divine power against the gods associated with the Nile. Its brevity in Scripture underscores the specific, historical nature of the event rather than inviting abstract theological speculation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tsephardea appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times describing the second plague upon Egypt. In Exodus, this swarm was a direct challenge to Egyptian deities associated with the Nile, showing that the God of Israel holds authority over all creation, even the smallest creatures.
When we read about frogs invading homes and beds, we see a vivid picture of divine judgment. It reminds us that no part of life is outside God’s control. This concrete imagery helps us understand the seriousness of rebellion against God and the reality of His power to act in history.
For your faith, this word grounds us in the historical reality of Scripture. It shows that God uses tangible events to reveal His character. We can trust in a God who is powerful enough to judge and just enough to save those who turn to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- frogs1×
- and/ frog[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צְפַרְדְּעִ֑ים1×
- וּ֝/צְפַרְדֵּ֗עַ1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 78:45
He sent among them swarms of flies, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them.
This verse recalls the plague as part of a broader pattern of judgment, highlighting how God used frogs to bring affliction upon Egypt.
-
Psalms 105:30
Their land swarmed with frogs, even in the rooms of their kings.
Here the text emphasizes the thoroughness of the judgment by noting that even the king’s private rooms were invaded by frogs.