צְדָא
𐤑𐤃𐤀
tsᵉdâʼ
H6656 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Design, plan—especially with an element of plotting or intent (often malign). Used in reference to a scheme, strategy, or purpose, frequently in contexts where an intent or design is directed toward a person or group, sometimes with negative connotations such as a plot or a device against someone.
Semantic Range
design, scheme, plot, plan, pretext, device, intent (especially hostile or cunning)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root צדה (Aramaic), which corresponds to the Hebrew root צָדָה meaning 'to hunt, lay a snare, stalk, lie in wait.' The root conveys the sense of pursuing or devising with intent, and in Aramaic usage, the derived noun צְדָא emphasizes the aspect of purposeful design. The relationship to the Hebrew is semantic and conceptual, sharing the notion of intentional action, often with undertones of ambush or subterfuge.
Historical & Contextual Notes
צְדָא appears only in the Aramaic portions of the Hebrew Bible (notably in Daniel 6:5, rendered as 'occasion' or 'pretext' in English translations). The term conveys not just any plan, but one executed with determination, often malicious or targeted—contrasting with more neutral Aramaic words for purpose or thought. In biblical context, it specifically refers to the hostile 'designs' of officials seeking an accusation or ground against Daniel. Its usage is rare and always situated in adversarial schemes. Later Jewish Aramaic texts use similar terms for plots or schemes. English translations tend to flatten the nuance, offering 'occasion,' 'pretext,' or 'charge,' yet the original carries more of a sense of a calculated plan with intent. The Hebrew cognate root also emphasizes predatory intent, suggesting that the word denotes more than mere intention: it involves deliberate plotting.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) from an unused root corresponding to צָדָה in the sense of intentness; a (sinister) design; true.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צדה (ṣ-d-h) — to hunt, to lay a trap, to devise
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6656-01 |
הַ/צְדָּ֕א | hatseda | ATi/Ncmsa |
the-purpose | the plotting design | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6656-01 |
Daniel 3:14 | הַ/צְדָּ֕א | hatseda | ATi/Ncmsa |
the-purpose | the plotting design |