צָֽרְתָן (tsa.re.tan)
tsa.re.tan
Zarethan
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew name Tzartan, or Zarethan, identifies a specific location in the Jordan Valley near a ford. Its meaning is rendered as "their distress," a title that likely reflects the difficult terrain or the challenges faced by travelers crossing this part of the river.
This place appears in three biblical passages, most notably in 1 Kings 7:46 and Joshua 3:16. In these texts, it serves as a geographical marker for where the waters of the Jordan stood still while Israel crossed into the Promised Land, or later, where King Solomon had bronze castings made.
Though brief in its scriptural presence, Tzartan anchors the narrative of Israel’s entry into Canaan. The name’s connection to distress contrasts with the miraculous provision of dry ground, highlighting the tension between natural obstacles and divine intervention during the conquest.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Zarethan appears in Scripture as a place name, often translated as "their distress." It marks a specific spot along the Jordan River where the waters were held back so Israel could cross into the Promised Land. This location reminds us that God can make a way even when the path seems blocked by natural obstacles.
In later history, the same area became known for its bronze workshops under King Solomon. The metal cast there was so abundant it could not be weighed. This shows how God provides resources for His work, turning difficult terrain into a place of strength and beauty.
When you face your own "distress" or barriers, remember that the same God who parted the Jordan is with you. He turns challenges into opportunities for His glory. Trust in His provision, knowing He guides your steps through every valley.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zarethan2×
- Zarethan/ <towards>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צָרְתָֽן\׃1×
- צָרְתַ֜נָ/ה1×
- צָֽרְתָ֔ן1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 3:16
the waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap a great way off, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people passed over near Jericho.
This verse identifies Zarethan as the landmark where the Jordan's upstream waters piled up, allowing Israel to cross on dry ground.
-
I Kings 7:46
The king cast them in the plain of the Jordan, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarethan.
Here Zarethan marks the boundary of the clay ground in the Jordan Valley where Solomon cast the massive bronze temple furnishings.
-
I Kings 4:12
Baana the son of Ahilud, in Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth Shean which is beside Zarethan, beneath Jezreel, from Beth Shean to Abel Meholah, as far as beyond Jokmeam;
This passage lists Zarethan as a reference point for Baana's district, showing its role as a known geographical marker in northern Israel.