Lexical Summary
tsaba: hosts, army, war
Original Word:צָבָא
Part of Speech:Noun Masculine
Transliteration:tsaba'
Pronunciation:tsaw-BAH
Phonetic Spelling:(tsaw-baw')
KJV: appointed time, (+) army, (+) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare)
NASB:hosts, army, war, host, armies, service, battle
Word Origin:[fromH6633 (צָּבָא - wage war)]
1. a mass of persons
2. (figuratively) a mass of things
3. (especially) regularly organized for war (an army)
4. (by implication, literally or figuratively) a campaign
5. (specifically) hardship, worship
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
appointed time, army, battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon,
Or (feminine) tsbadah {tseb-aw-aw'}; fromtsaba'; a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. Organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (specifically, hardship, worship) -- appointed time, (+) army, (+) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare).
see HEBREWtsaba'
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
tsabaDefinitionarmy, war, warfare
NASB Translationarmies (23), army (79), army* (1), battle (1), combat (1), conflict (1), forced to labor (1), hardship (1), host (30), hosts (292), hosts is the army (1), most (1), service (10), struggle (1), trained (1), war (35), warfare (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
:485
2Chronicles 28:9 (possibly
Isaiah 10:2;
Isaiah 40:2;
Daniel 8:12, but see Albr
ZAW xv (1895), 319; Bev
Dn) ; — absolute
Numbers 1:3 + (
Zechariah 9:8); construct
Numbers 10:15 +; suffix
Job 14:14;
Judges 8:9;
Judges 9:29;
Psalm 103:21;
Psalm 148:2 (Kt ; so read probably in both), etc.; plural
Numbers 20:9 278t.; construct
Exodus 12:41 2t.; suffix
Exodus 7:4;
Exodus 6:26 +, etc.; —
army, host:
Judges 8:6;Judges 9:29 (J)Isaiah 34:2;Jeremiah 51:3; 2Chronicles 28:9;his hostNumbers 2:4,6 10t. 2 (P),Numbers 1:3,52;Numbers 2:3,9 11t.Numbers 2:10;Numbers 33:1 (P);Numbers 31:48 (P); 2Chronicles 25:7;1 Chronicles 20:1; 2Chronicles 26:13;1 Chronicles 7:4;2 Samuel 3:23;2 Samuel 10:7;1 Chronicles 19:8; 2Chronicles 26:14;captain of (the)hostGenesis 21:22,32 (E)Genesis 26:26 (J)Judges 4:2,7;1 Samuel 12:9 21t.;1 Kings 1:25 (but read ),1 Chronicles 25:1;1 Chronicles 26:26; 2Chronicles 33:11;1 Chronicles 12:22;Deuteronomy 20:9;1 Kings 2:5;1 Chronicles 27:3;1 Chronicles 12:14;Psalm 68:13;over the host (as captain)Numbers 10:14,15 10t.Numbers 10 (P),2 Samuel 8:16 =1 Chronicles 18:15;2 Samuel 17:25;1 Kings 2:35;1 Kings 4:4;2 Samuel 20:23 ( for );Exodus 6:26;Exodus 12:51 (P);lead out armiesExodus 7:4;Exodus 12:17 (P);army goes forth (to war)Exodus 12:41;1 Chronicles 7:11;Psalm 44:10, of goingwith our armies =Psalm 60:12 =Psalm 108:12; figurative of great number,Psalm 68:12. — OnJob 10:17 see Di; Bu proposes i.e.thou dost renew (thine)army against me.
host (organized body) of angels (compare Luke 2:13), ()all the host of heaven1 Kings 22:19 2Chronicles 18:18;Nehemiah 9:6;Psalm 103:21;Psalm 148:2;Isaiah 24:21host of the high (angle-princes; "" earthly monarchs);Daniel 8:10,Daniel 8:10 (al. vb figurative of Israel);captain of the host ofJoshua 5:14,15 (theophanic angel);Daniel 8:11 (angel-prince of Israel, others, God).
,Deuteronomy 4:19;Deuteronomy 17:3;2 Kings 17:16;2 Kings 21:3,5 2Chronicles 33:3,5;2 Kings 23:4,5;Jeremiah 8:2;Jeremiah 19:13 (all as objects of worship),Isaiah 34:4;Jeremiah 33:22;Zephaniah 1:5;Nehemiah 9:6;Psalm 33:6;Isaiah 34:4;Isaiah 45:12;Isaiah 40:26. —Jeremiah 3:19 see I. .
,Genesis 2:1.
war, warfare, service:go out to warNumbers 1:3,20 12t.Numbers 1;Numbers 26:2 (P)1 Chronicles 5:18;1 Chronicles 7:11;1 Chronicles 12:33;1 Chronicles 12:36; 2Chronicles 25:5; 26:11;Numbers 31:36 (P)Deuteronomy 24:5;Numbers 31:27,28 (P);go up to warJoshua 22:12,33 (P);come from warNumbers 31:14; 2Chronicles 28:12;1 Samuel 28:1;Numbers 31:4,6 (twice in verse) (P)1 Chronicles 7:40;Daniel 8:12;men of warNumbers 31:21,53 (P)1 Chronicles 12:8, compareNumbers 31:32(P); see also II. ;1 Chronicles 12:25;1 Chronicles 12:37instruments of war.
service:
Numbers 4:3,23,30,35,39,43;Numbers 8:24,25;Daniel 8:13 (al. asDaniel 8:11, ).
ofhard service of troubled lifeJob 7:1;Job 14:14;Isaiah 40:2;Daniel 10:1.
, in name of as God of war, probably first in time of warlike David (some connect with sacred ark, but ark older), explained1 Samuel 17:45Sebaoth God of the battle array of Israel (the thought of angels and stars as army of God is later);
Amos 3:13;Amos 6:14;Amos 9:5 ( omitted by error, compare We),Hosea 12:6.
,2 Samuel 5:10;Amos 5:14,15,16;Amos 6:8;1 Kings 19:10,14;Jeremiah 5:14;Jeremiah 15:16;Psalm 89:9;Jeremiah 35:17;Jeremiah 38:17;Jeremiah 44:7;1 Samuel 7:27 =1 Chronicles 17:24;Isaiah 21:10;Isaiah 37:16;Isaiah 1st omittedJeremiah 7:3,21 30t. Jeremiah;Zephaniah 2:9;Psalm 59:6 ( variant of ); ,God of hosts his nameAmos 4:13;Amos 5:27, later reduced toIsaiah 47:4;Isaiah 48:2;Isaiah 51:15;Isaiah 54:5;Jeremiah 10:16;Jeremiah 31:35 6t. Jeremiah
as proper nameSebaoth: ,Sebaoth (Lord of hosts, Vrss, owing to Qr , but this never construct ; al.of hosts, but < names in apposition, since is proper name; for earlier ; compare James 5:4; Romans 9:29):1 Samuel 1:3,11;1 Samuel 4:4;1 Samuel 15:2;1 Samuel 17:45;2 Samuel 6:2,18;2 Samuel 7:8,26;1 Kings 18:15;2 Kings 3:14;2 Kings 19:31;1 Chronicles 11:9;1 Chronicles 17:7;Psalm 24:10 6t. Psalms;Micah 4:4;Nahum 2:14;Nahum 3:5;Habakkuk 2:13;Zephaniah 2:10;Isaiah 1:9;Isaiah 2:12;Isaiah 5:7,9,16,24 35t.Isaiah 6-39; Isa2, onlyIsaiah 44:6;Isaiah 45:13;Jeremiah 6:6,9;Jeremiah 8:3;Jeremiah 9:6;Jeremiah 9:16 26t. Jeremiah;Haggai 1:2,5 12t. Haggai;Zechariah 1:3 (3 t. in verse);Zechariah 1:4 40t.Zechariah 1-8;Zechariah 9:15 8t.Zechariah 10-14;Malachi 1:4,6,8 21t. Malachi;Isaiah 1:24 4t. Isaiah (includingIsaiah 10:16 Baer Gi > van d. H. for );Isaiah 3:15 + (on these phrase see ); ( later Qr for original )Psalm 80:8;Psalm 80:15; (earlier + later [inserted] )Psalm 80:5;Psalm 80:20;Psalm 84:9. — compare DrHastings DB (1900), LORD OF HOSTS and references, LöhrAmos (Beiheftezur ZAW iv (1900), 38-67).
, , see further I, II. .
see .
I. (√ of following; compare Assyrianƒumbu (=*ƒubbu),cart;low, covered wagon).
Topical Lexicon
Scope and Semantic Rangeצָבָא (tsābāʼ) gathers the ideas of organized strength, ordered service, and relentless perseverance. Whether describing Israel’s conscripted fighting forces, the angelic armies of Heaven, or the steady rotations of priestly duty, the term summons the picture of disciplined ranks accomplishing the will of the LORD. Out of roughly 486 occurrences, most cluster around four spheres: military mobilization, heavenly bodies, angelic beings, and tabernacle-temple service. Each sphere reveals dimensions of divine authority and covenant faithfulness.
Military and National Defense
Tsābāʼ first appears corporately in Exodus, where the newly redeemed nation is called “the armies of the LORD” (Exodus 12:41).Numbers 1–4 recounts the census “of all who are able to serve in Israel’s army” (Numbers 1:3), arranging the tribes in battle formation around the tabernacle. Victory and defeat alike are narrated in terms of obedience to the LORD supervising His tsābāʼ (for example,Deuteronomy 20:1;Joshua 11:4-8;Judges 20:1-48). David’s reign further institutionalizes the army; Joab commands the tsābāʼ (2 Samuel 2:13), and loyal companies such as “the mighty men” reflect covenant courage (2 Samuel 23:8-39). Prophets later interpret national collapse in military language: “The LORD has delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon all the people of this city and everything that belongs to it” (Jeremiah 38:3).
Heavenly Host: Sun, Moon, and Stars
Genesis closes the creation narrative by calling the celestial bodies “their host” (Genesis 2:1). Scripture then warns against worshiping “the host of heaven” (Deuteronomy 4:19), a sin later committed by kings such as Manasseh (2 Kings 21:3). Yet the stars obey fixed statutes given by the Creator (Job 38:33), highlighting the theme of ordered service: the cosmos itself forms a tsābāʼ responding to God’s command.
Angelic Hosts and Divine Warfare
Visions unveil a spiritual army behind earthly events. Micaiah sees “the LORD sitting on His throne with all the host of heaven standing by Him” (1 Kings 22:19). Elisha prays, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see,” and the mountains blaze with “horses and chariots of fire” (2 Kings 6:17). Joshua meets the mysterious “Commander of the army of the LORD” (Joshua 5:14), anticipating Revelation’s Rider on the white horse (Revelation 19:11-14). The frequent title “LORD of Hosts” (Yahweh Ṣebaoth) fuses sovereignty and covenant loyalty; He commands both angelic and human forces to accomplish His redemptive plan (Psalm 24:10;Isaiah 6:3).
Cultic and Levitical Service
Tsābāʼ also describes orderly ministry assignments. The Levites “performed the service of the tabernacle” (Numbers 4:23), rotating like military units on tour. Their song services are similarly called “the duties of their service” (1 Chronicles 25:1). Even the daily lighting of lamps and presentation of offerings belong to this sacrificial tsābāʼ (Exodus 38:8). The term thus dignifies worship as disciplined, God-centered labor.
War, Judgment, and Divine Sovereignty
Through tsābāʼ, Scripture ties human conflict to moral accountability. When Israel rebels, God musters hostile armies as instruments of chastening (Isaiah 13:4-5;Habakkuk 1:6-11). Conversely, repentance invites His protective hosts (Haggai 2:4-5). Daniel’s apocalyptic visions portray a little horn that “harassed the host and some of the stars” (Daniel 8:10), yet divine judgment ultimately vindicates the saints (Daniel 12:1).
Messianic Fulfillment
Messianic prophecy intertwines tsābāʼ language with hope. The Branch of Jesse will “assemble the outcasts of Israel” (Isaiah 11:12), forming a redeemed host. The Servant’s obedience contrasts national faithlessness, ensuring final victory. New Testament writers echo military imagery—believers become “good soldiers of Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3) and “share in the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:12), thus entering the true tsābāʼ under the risen Commander (Hebrews 2:10).
Eschatological Outlook
Zechariah foretells a day when “there shall no longer be a trader in the house of the LORD of Hosts” (Zechariah 14:21), signaling purified worship. Revelation culminates with Heaven’s armies following the Word of God (Revelation 19:14), echoing every previous manifestation of tsābāʼ and assuring believers that the final battle is the Lord’s (2 Chronicles 20:15).
Pastoral and Ministry Implications
1. Discipleship as Ordered Service: Just as Levites kept watch in regular rotations, congregations today participate in ongoing, structured ministries (1 Corinthians 14:40).
2. Spiritual Warfare: Awareness of the unseen host fosters sober reliance on prayer and obedience (Ephesians 6:10-18).
3. Hope in Sovereignty: Whether facing national turmoil or personal trials, the “LORD of Hosts is with us” (Psalm 46:7), guaranteeing ultimate deliverance.
In sum, צָבָא weaves together martial valor, celestial order, angelic authority, and consecrated worship, all rallying under the banner of the covenant-keeping God who never loses a battle.
Forms and Transliterations
בְּצִבְאֹתֵֽינוּ׃ בְּצִבְאוֹתֵֽינוּ׃ בַּצָּבָ֑א בַּצָּבָ֔א בַּצָּבָֽא׃ בַּצָּבָא֙ בצבא בצבא׃ בצבאותינו׃ בצבאתינו׃ הַצְּבָא֑וֹת הַצְּבָא֖וֹת הַצְּבָא֗וֹת הַצְּבָאֽוֹת׃ הַצָּבָ֑א הַצָּבָ֔א הַצָּבָ֖א הַצָּבָ֗א הַצָּבָ֜א הַצָּבָ֤א הַצָּבָ֥א הַצָּבָֽא׃ הַצָּבָא֙ הצבא הצבא׃ הצבאות הצבאות׃ וְצָבָ֖א וְצָבָ֛א וְצָבָ֣א וּצְבָ֥א וּצְבָא֖וֹ וצבא וצבאו לְצִבְאֹתָ֑ם לְצִבְאֹתָ֔ם לְצִבְאֹתָ֖ם לְצִבְאֹתָֽם׃ לִֽצְבָאֲךָ֖ לִצְבָ֣א לַצָּבָ֑א לַצָּבָ֔א לַצָּבָֽא׃ לצבא לצבא׃ לצבאך לצבאתם לצבאתם׃ מִצְּבָ֣א מִצְּבָ֥א מצבא צְ֭בָאוֹת צְבָ֔א צְבָ֖א צְבָ֖אֹות צְבָ֣א צְבָ֤א צְבָ֥א צְבָ֨א צְבָ֫א֥וֹת צְבָֽא־ צְבָא֑וֹ צְבָא֑וֹת צְבָא֔וֹ צְבָא֔וֹת צְבָא֖וֹת צְבָא֗וֹת צְבָא֛וֹ צְבָא֛וֹת צְבָא֜וֹת צְבָא֡וֹת צְבָא֣וֹת צְבָא֤וֹת צְבָאֲךָ֖ צְבָאִ֣י צְבָאָ֑יו צְבָאָ֑ם צְבָאָ֔הּ צְבָאָ֖ם צְבָאָ֗ם צְבָאָ֣ם צְבָאָֽהּ׃ צְבָאָֽיו׃ צְבָאָֽם׃ צְבָאֽוֹ׃ צְבָאֽוֹת׃ צְבָאוֹ֙ צְבָאוֹת֒ צְבָאוֹת֙ צְבָאוֹת֩ צְבָאוֹת֮ צִבְא֣וֹת צִבְא֥וֹת צִבְאֹתַ֜י צִבְאֹתָֽם׃ צִבְאוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם צָבָ֔א צָבָ֖א צָבָ֗א צָבָ֛א צָבָ֜א צָבָ֞א צָבָ֣א צָבָ֥א צָבָ֧א צָבָֽא׃ צָבָא֙ צבא צבא־ צבא׃ צבאה צבאה׃ צבאו צבאו׃ צבאות צבאות׃ צבאותיכם צבאי צבאיו צבאיו׃ צבאך צבאם צבאם׃ צבאתי צבאתם׃ baṣ·ṣā·ḇā baṣṣāḇā batztzaVa bə·ṣiḇ·’ō·ṯê·nū bə·ṣiḇ·’ō·w·ṯê·nū bəṣiḇ’ōṯênū bəṣiḇ’ōwṯênū betzivoTeinu haṣ·ṣā·ḇā haṣ·ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ haṣṣāḇā haṣṣəḇā’ōwṯ hatztzaVa hatztzevaot laṣ·ṣā·ḇā laṣṣāḇā latztzaVa lə·ṣiḇ·’ō·ṯām ləṣiḇ’ōṯām letzivoTam liṣ·ḇā liṣ·ḇā·’ă·ḵā liṣḇā liṣḇā’ăḵā litzVa litzvaaCha miṣ·ṣə·ḇā miṣṣəḇā mitztzeVa ṣā·ḇā ṣāḇā ṣə·ḇā ṣə·ḇā- ṣə·ḇā·’ă·ḵā ṣə·ḇā·’āh ṣə·ḇā·’ām ṣə·ḇā·’āw ṣə·ḇā·’î ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ ṣə·ḇā·’ōw ṣəḇā ṣəḇā- ṣəḇā’āh ṣəḇā’ăḵā ṣəḇā’ām ṣəḇā’āw ṣəḇā’î ṣəḇā’ōw ṣəḇā’ōwṯ ṣiḇ’ōṯām ṣiḇ’ōṯay ṣiḇ’ōwṯ ṣiḇ’ōwṯêḵem ṣiḇ·’ō·ṯām ṣiḇ·’ō·ṯay ṣiḇ·’ō·w·ṯê·ḵem ṣiḇ·’ō·wṯ tzaVa tzeVa tzevaaCha tzevaAh tzevaAm tzevaAv tzevaI tzevaO tzevaot tzivot tzivoTai tzivoTam tzivoteiChem ū·ṣə·ḇā ū·ṣə·ḇā·’ōw ūṣəḇā ūṣəḇā’ōw utzeVa utzevaO vetzaVa wə·ṣā·ḇā wəṣāḇā
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