Strong's Lexicon
tsirah: Hornet
Original Word:צִרְעָה
Part of Speech:Noun Feminine
Transliteration:tsir`ah
Pronunciation:tseer-ah'
Phonetic Spelling:(tsir-aw')
Definition:Hornet
Meaning:a wasp
Word Origin:Derived from the root צָרַע (tsara), which means to strike or to sting.
Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries:There is no direct Greek equivalent for "tsirah" in the Strong's Greek Dictionary, as the concept of the hornet as a divine instrument is unique to the Hebrew Scriptures.
Usage:The term "tsirah" refers to a hornet, a type of stinging insect. In the biblical context, it is used metaphorically to describe a divine instrument of fear and panic sent by God to drive out the enemies of Israel. The hornet symbolizes God's power to instill terror and facilitate the conquest of the Promised Land by the Israelites.
Cultural and Historical Background:In ancient Near Eastern cultures, hornets were known for their painful stings and aggressive behavior. They were often seen as symbols of fear and divine retribution. The use of hornets in the biblical narrative underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and His ability to use natural elements to achieve His purposes. The imagery of hornets would have been a powerful reminder to the Israelites of God's active role in their victories.
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom the same as
tsaraathDefinitionhornets
NASB Translationhornet (2), hornets (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
(? as
wounding, prostrating; Late Hebrew = Biblical Hebrew); — allies of Israel; —
Exodus 23:28;
Joshua 24:12 (both E),
Deuteronomy 7:20.
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
hornet
Fromtsara'; a wasp (as stinging) -- hornet.
see HEBREWtsara'
Forms and Transliterations
הַצִּרְעָ֔ה הַצִּרְעָ֖ה הצרעה haṣ·ṣir·‘āh haṣṣir‘āh hatztzirAh
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