צְרֵרָה (tse.re.rah)
tse.re.rah
Zererah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Tsererah appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Judges 7:22. Its meaning is uncertain, with some sources suggesting a connection to the word for "oppression," though this etymology remains speculative. The location itself is described as a territory within the tribe of Manasseh.
Textual critics generally regard the name as corrupt or difficult to interpret in its current form. It has been identified by some scholars with Zeredah, another place in Manasseh, and occasionally linked to Zarethan, known for its bronze craftsmanship. Because of these textual uncertainties, the precise identity and boundaries of Tsererah remain unclear to modern readers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Tsererah appears in Judges 7:22, marking the edge of a chaotic retreat during Gideon’s victory. The Midianite army fled so far that they scattered across this territory, which lay within the tribal lands of Manasseh. This single mention highlights how divine intervention can turn the tide of battle, causing enemies to self-destruct rather than relying solely on human strength.
While we cannot pinpoint Tsererah’s exact location today, its inclusion in the biblical record reminds us that God’s work often unfolds in specific, tangible places. Even when details are obscure or names difficult to trace, the narrative confirms that God is active in history. For believers, this offers comfort: the same God who orchestrated such a decisive moment is present in our own lives, guiding outcomes even when the path seems unclear.
When studying Scripture, we encounter gaps and uncertainties. These moments invite humility rather than frustration. We trust that God’s Word is complete for its purpose, even if some geographical details remain hidden from us. This encourages a faith grounded in divine reliability rather than perfect human knowledge.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- towards Zererah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צְֽרֵרָ֔תָה1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 7:22
They blew the three hundred trumpets, and Yahweh set every man’s sword against his fellow and against all the army; and the army fled as far as Beth Shittah toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel Meholah, by Tabbath.
This verse marks the furthest point of the Midianite retreat, showing how God caused their army to turn on itself as they fled toward this Manasseh territory.