צֶלְצַח
𐤑𐤋𐤑𐤇
Tseletsach
H6766 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Proper name: Tseltsach – a geographical site with an unclear etymology, mentioned only in 1 Samuel 10:2 as a landmark associated with Saul. The word likely reflects a toponym characterized by its setting or appearance, but the precise meaning and nature of the location remain uncertain. It does not denote a concept or object outside this context.
Semantic Range
proper name of a place; geographical location; marker on a travel route; possibly a toponym describing a feature such as alternating shade and brightness
Root / Etymology
The term appears to be a compound derived from צֵל (tsel, 'shadow, shade') and צַח (tzach, 'bright, dazzling, clear'), but the exact derivation is uncertain and some modern scholars list the etymology as uncertain. The name may refer to a location recognized for a distinctive feature, possibly a place where shade and brightness contrast, but this is conjectural.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Tseltsach is only attested as a toponym in 1 Samuel 10:2 during the monarchic period and is not found elsewhere in biblical literature or extra-biblical sources. Its identification with any known archaeological site remains hypothetical. The meaning is likely descriptive of a physical characteristic, possibly hinting at a locale notable for both shade and brightness, but there is no historical evidence to support details. Standard English translations (e.g., KJV 'Zelzah') simply transliterate the name. There is no basis for theological, ethnic, or religious connotations attached to the term.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from צֵל and צַח; clear shade; Tseltsach, a place in Palestine; Zelzah.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צלח (ṣ-l-ḥ) — uncertain; possibly shade, brightness, clarity
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6743 | צָלַח | in one causing to prosper |
| H6744 | צְלַח | he made prosper |
| H6745 | צֵלָחָה | and in the spread-out platters |
| H6746 | צְלֹחִית | pouring flask |
| H6747 | צַלַּחַת | in the broad dish |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6766-01 |
בְּ/צֶלְצַ֑ח | betseletsach | HR/Np |
at Zelzah | in Tseltsach | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6766-01 |
1 Samuel 10:2 | בְּ/צֶלְצַ֑ח | betseletsach | HR/Np |
at Zelzah | in Tseltsach |