צְפַת
𐤑𐤐𐤕
Tsefat
H6857 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Tsphath refers to an ancient town, specifically a settlement or locality, whose name derives from a root meaning 'watch, look out, observe.' In biblical context, the term functions as a toponym rather than a common noun, denoting a particular place associated with elevated geography and strategic observation. The semantic range includes the specific place-name as well as connotations of high ground suitable for watching or guarding.
Semantic Range
(proper name) an ancient settlement, place characterized by elevation or outlook, possibly functioning as a lookout or vantage point, place-name only
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew root צפה (ts-f-h), which means 'to look out, watch, keep watch, observe.' The form צְפַת is a toponym—an instance of the feminine form used as a place name, likely due to association with a geographic height or lookout point. The root meaning ('to watch') is thematically tied to the semantic field of outlook, vigilance, and monitoring, but the word here serves exclusively as a proper noun.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Tsphath is mentioned in Judges 1:17 as a Canaanite town defeated and renamed Hormah ('Destruction'). Its association with a root meaning 'look out' suggests it may have been situated on an elevated, strategically advantageous site, making it suitable as a lookout or watch-post. While some later traditions link the name to the Galilean town of Safed (modern Tsfat), the biblical identification is uncertain and likely unrelated. In the Hebrew Bible, the term does not appear as a common noun for 'watchtower'; such senses are represented elsewhere (e.g., מִגְדָּל for 'tower'). English translations (e.g., 'Zephath') simply render the toponym without conveying its etymological resonances. The term is otherwise unattested as a common noun in biblical Hebrew.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from צָפָה; watch-tower; Tsephath, a place in Palestine; Zephath.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צפה (ts-p-h) — to watch, to look out, to observe
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6857-01 |
צְפַ֑ת | tsefat | HNp |
Zephath | Watch-Height | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6857-01 |
Judges 1:17 | צְפַ֑ת | tsefat | HNp |
Zephath | Watch-Height |