צָפִית
𐤑𐤐𐤉𐤕
tsâphîyth
H6844 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A structure or elevated place appointed for observing and guarding; specifically, a watchtower or lookout post used for surveillance and the early detection of potential threats or visitors, often in a military or defensive context. The term can refer to both permanent and temporary structures designated for sentries to keep watch.
Semantic Range
watchtower, sentry post, lookout structure, place of vigilance, military observation point
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root צפה (ts-p-h), meaning 'to look out, observe, keep watch.' The formation of צָפִית (tsâphîyth) is a feminine noun form signifying the place or structure where watching is done, i.e., a watchtower. The root meaning emphasizes observation from a height or vantage point.
Historical & Contextual Notes
צָפִית appears in a few biblical contexts (e.g., 2 Kings 17:9, Isaiah 21:8), designating a literal raised structure intended for vigilance—often military, but also for protecting agricultural land or settlements. The word is closely related to צָפָה (to look out), underscoring the function of vigilance and surveillance. Other Hebrew words such as מִגְדָּל (migdal) can denote broader types of towers or fortifications; however, צָפִית is specific to the function of watchfulness. English translations commonly render it as 'watchtower' or 'sentry post.' In post-biblical Hebrew, the root and its derivatives continue to convey the sense of observant guarding, and the term holds symbolic value for alertness and preparedness in prophetic literature.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from צָפָה; a sentry; watchtower.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צפה (ts-p-h) — to look out, observe, keep watch
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4707 | מִצְפֶּה | the lookout-post |
| H4708 | מִצְפֶּה | to the Watchtower |
| H4709 | מִצְפָּה | in the Watchtower |
| H6822 | צָפָה | I will keep vigilant watch |
| H6823 | צָפָה | overlaid |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6844-01 |
הַ/צָּפִ֖ית | hatsafit | HTd/Ncfsa |
the watchtower | the lookout tower | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6844-01 |
Isaiah 21:5 | הַ/צָּפִ֖ית | hatsafit | HTd/Ncfsa |
the watchtower | the lookout tower |