צֹרִי (tso.ri)
tso.ri
Tyrian
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The adjective tso.ri identifies something as Tyrian, meaning it originates from or belongs to the city of Tyre. This term functions as a gentilic descriptor, linking objects, people, or materials directly to that prominent Phoenician port. It appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily within historical narratives found in Kings and Chronicles, as well as in Nehemiah.
Its meaning is straightforward: it denotes origin rather than quality or action. When used, it specifies provenance, such as identifying cedar wood or artisans as coming from Tyre. The sources note its connection to the root for Tyre itself, which carries an ancient association with distress or oppression, though tso.ri simply marks the geographic and cultural link to that city.
Translators typically render this word as "Tyrian" to preserve the specific historical reference. It serves as a precise label in texts describing Solomon’s temple construction or later restoration efforts, grounding the narrative in real-world trade and political relationships without adding metaphorical weight beyond its geographic identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tso.ri simply means Tyrian, pointing directly to the ancient city of Tyre. In the Bible, this label appears when describing materials like cedar wood or skilled artisans who came from that coastal region. It is a straightforward term of origin, helping us understand the real-world connections between Israel and its neighbors.
Seeing these historical details reminds us that God’s work often involves practical cooperation. When Solomon built the temple, he relied on Tyrian craftsmen for their expertise in bronze. Later, during the restoration, people from Tyre helped bring timber to Jerusalem. These events show how different communities can come together for a common purpose.
This word invites us to appreciate the tangible history of faith. It highlights that building something lasting often requires skill, resources, and relationships across borders. We can find encouragement in knowing that God uses diverse people and places to accomplish His plans, grounding our spiritual journey in real human effort and cooperation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ the/ Tyrians2×
- and/ to the/ Tyrians1×
- Tyrian1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צֹרִי֮1×
- וְ/לַ/צֹּרִ֔ים1×
- וְ/הַ/צֹּרִים֙1×
- וְ/הַ/צֹּרִ֜ים1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 7:14
He was the son of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in bronze; and he was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill to work all works in bronze. He came to King Solomon and performed all his work.
This verse identifies a Tyrian artisan whose specific skill in bronze work was essential for completing the temple's furnishings.
-
I Chronicles 22:4
and cedar trees without number, for the Sidonians and the people of Tyre brought cedar trees in abundance to David.
Here the term highlights the abundance of resources provided by Tyre, showing how neighboring nations supported David's preparations for the temple.
-
Nehemiah 13:16
Some men of Tyre also lived there, who brought in fish and all kinds of wares, and sold on the Sabbath to the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.
This occurrence shows Tyrians living in Jerusalem and engaging in trade, illustrating their ongoing presence and economic role in the community.