צָחַח
𐤑𐤇𐤇
tsâchach
H6705 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be dazzlingly bright or white, to emit a brilliant glare. Primarily used to denote an intense or blinding whiteness, typically from the reflection of light, particularly sunlight. Emphasizes visual impact rather than mere color or cleanliness.
Semantic Range
to be dazzlingly bright, to glare (from sunlight), to be intensely or blindingly white, to shine brilliantly
Root / Etymology
The root is צחח (צ-ח-ח), likely related to brightness and shining. It is an intensified or onomatopoeic form, expressing gleam, glare, or a sharp shining quality. The connection to other roots expressing brilliance (such as צָחַק meaning 'to laugh,' as related to brightness or shining expression) is uncertain but possible.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, צָחַח is a very rare verb, attested only in poetic or metaphorical contexts (e.g., Isaiah 18:4). The term's usage is restricted to describing dazzling brightness, commonly associated with sunlight or a reflective surface. It differs from common words for 'white' such as לָבָן (lavan), which denote color without the aspect of brilliance or glare. Later usage of the root does not significantly expand its semantic range. English translations (e.g., 'glare,' 'be dazzling white') may miss the forceful visual impact of the original term, which highlights the intensity of reflected light rather than simple whiteness. The term is not associated with ritual purity but is descriptive of observable phenomenon. No significant theological or ritual connotations are attached to this root in the biblical text.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to glare, i.e. be dazzling white; be whiter.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צחח (ts-ḥ-ḥ) — to shine, to glare, to be dazzlingly bright
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6703 | צַח | radiant |
| H6706 | צְחִיחַ | in the sunlit heights |
| H6707 | צְחִיחָה | parched land |
| H6708 | צְחִיחִי | in parched exposures |
| H6710 | צַחְצָחָה | in parched places |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6705-01 |
צַח֖וּ | tsachu | HVqp3cp |
were whiter | they blazed white | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6705-01 |
Lamentations 4:7 | צַח֖וּ | tsachu | HVqp3cp |
were whiter | they blazed white |