צֳרִי (tse.ri)
tse.ri
balsam
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word tzori refers to a valuable resinous substance known as balsam or balm. In the ancient world, this sticky extract was prized for its distinct fragrance and therapeutic properties, functioning simultaneously as a luxury commodity and a practical medicine. Its high value made it a significant item of trade and tribute in the economies of the Near East.
Scripture highlights this dual nature by mentioning tzori in contexts of both commerce and healing. It appears among the goods sent as gifts to kings, such as when Judah and Israel send spices and balsam to Egypt (Jeremiah 6:20), and is listed alongside other precious items like frankincense and myrrh (Genesis 37:25). These references underscore its status as a rare, sought-after resource that bridged the gap between everyday remedy and royal offering.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tzori points to a precious resin harvested from balsam trees, valued in the ancient world for its soothing scent and healing properties. It was not merely a commodity but a tangible symbol of care and restoration. When people sought balm, they were looking for relief from physical pain or emotional distress, recognizing that true comfort often comes from sources beyond our own strength.
In Scripture, this substance appears in moments of deep need. Jeremiah’s poignant question about the balm in Gilead reminds us that human remedies alone are insufficient for the deepest wounds of the soul. Yet the very mention of such healing agents points to a God who provides comfort and restoration. We can trust that He offers a peace that surpasses our understanding, even when circumstances seem beyond repair.
This word invites us to look toward the ultimate source of healing. While earthly remedies have their place, they point forward to the divine physician who restores wholeness. In times of sorrow or uncertainty, we are encouraged to seek His presence, knowing that He is faithful to comfort those who mourn and to bring hope where there is despair.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- balm3×
- ¿/ balm1×
- and/ balm1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צֳרִי֙2×
- צֳרִ֔י1×
- וּ/צְרִ֣י1×
- הַ/צֳרִי֙1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 8:22
Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then isn’t the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
This verse uses the metaphor of balm to highlight the insufficiency of human solutions for spiritual brokenness, pointing to the need for divine healing.
-
Genesis 37:25
They sat down to eat bread, and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing spices and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.
Here, balm is listed among valuable trade goods, illustrating its high economic worth and role in ancient commerce as a prized commodity.
-
Jeremiah 46:11
Go up into Gilead, and take balm, virgin daughter of Egypt. You use many medicines in vain. There is no healing for you.
The prophet challenges Egypt to seek balm from Gilead, emphasizing that true healing cannot be found through political alliances or human effort alone.