צַחֲנָה
𐤑𐤇𐤍𐤄
tsachănâh
H6709 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A foul or offensive smell; an odor resulting from decay or corruption, often associated with the aftermath of destruction or desecration. The word denotes not merely a generic bad smell, but an intense stench resulting from decomposition, particularly of organic material.
Semantic Range
stench, offensive odor, putrid smell, odor of decay, ill savour
Root / Etymology
The word צַחֲנָה (tsachănâh) is derived from a root צחן that is not otherwise attested in Biblical Hebrew. The form suggests a noun of state or quality. It is thought to be related to the notion of putrefaction or decaying matter, though the connection to an extant root is uncertain. Etymology uncertain beyond this.
Historical & Contextual Notes
צַחֲנָה occurs in poetic and literary contexts to describe pronounced physical decay, often as a metaphor for spiritual or societal corruption (Isaiah 34:3). The term is rare and vividly dramatic, used to depict the aftermath of massive destruction, such as the unburied dead following judgement or catastrophe. The usage context is typically solemn or prophetic, contributing to imagery of revulsion and impurity. There are related terms for 'stench' in Biblical Hebrew, such as רֵיחַ רַע (re'ach ra‘, 'bad smell') but צַחֲנָה is more intense and linked particularly to putrefaction. Later translations sometimes render the term as 'ill savour,' but this can obscure the intensity of the original Hebrew, which evokes a sense of sickness and corruption. In post-biblical Hebrew and other Semitic languages, similar roots refer to stench or offensiveness, showing continuity of this semantic field.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to putrefy; stench; ill savour.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צחן (ts-ḥ-n) — to be rancid, to emit a foul odor, to putrefy
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6709-01 |
צַחֲנָת֔/וֹ | tsachanato | HNcfsc/Sp3ms |
his-foul-odor | his putrid stench | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6709-01 |
Joel 2:20 | צַחֲנָת֔/וֹ | tsachanato | HNcfsc/Sp3ms |
his-foul-odor | his putrid stench |