צַמִּים
𐤑𐤌𐤉𐤌
tsammîym
H6782 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A device for tying or binding, specifically a noose or snare; by extension, a means of entrapment or destruction. In poetic or metaphorical use, it can refer more generally to that which ensnares, destroys, or acts as an agent of ruin or violence (e.g., a band of destroyers or attackers).
Semantic Range
noose, snare, that which binds or entraps, instrument of destruction, band of destroyers, robbers
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root צמה (ts-m-h), meaning 'to bind, tie, or fasten'; צַמִּים is a masculine plural noun formation from this root, retaining the sense of 'binding' but applied specifically to an object (noose, snare) or, by extension, to a group engaged in destructive action.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible (e.g., Job 5:5; Psalm 35:25), צַמִּים occurs in contexts where the imagery of being bound or ensnared is prominent, often connected with the fate of the wicked or the outcome for those who oppress others. The term is rare and somewhat ambiguous, leading to interpretive variation in translations—sometimes understood concretely as 'nooses,' 'snares,' or 'cords,' and at other times abstractly as 'those who bring destruction' or 'robbers.' Medieval Jewish commentators and early translators occasionally render it as 'robbers' due to contextual parallels with groups who plunder or cause ruin, but this is a figurative development not demanded by the root. In later periods, standard translations may obscure the original imagery by favoring generalized terms like 'destroyers' or 'bands.' The primary lexical sense remains anchored in the physical imagery of binding or ensnaring, whether literal or metaphorical.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as צַמָּה; a noose (as fastening); figuratively, destruction; robber.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צמה (ts-m-h) — bind, tie, fasten
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6782-01 |
צַמִּ֣ים | tsamim | HNcmpa |
a snare | binding snares | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences