Lexical Summary
tsarab: To scorch, burn, or dry up
Original Word:צָרַב
Part of Speech:Verb
Transliteration:tsarab
Pronunciation:tsaw-rahv'
Phonetic Spelling:(tsaw-rab')
KJV: burn
Word Origin:[a primitive root]
1. to burn
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
burn
A primitive root; to burn -- burn.
Brown-Driver-Briggs
[] (Assyrian
ƒarâbu,
burn; Frä
Za iii. 52 Ba
Es 32 compare Arabic
be kindled, blaze;; compare also ); —
Perfect 3 plural consecutiveEzekiel 21:3 all facesshall be scorched.
Topical Lexicon
Biblical Usageצָרַב appears once and vividly conveys the effect of an all-consuming flame: “every face from south to north will be scorched by it” (Ezekiel 20:47). The verb pictures a searing heat that leaves an unmistakable mark—both literal and figurative—upon everything it touches.
Context inEzekiel 20:47
Ezekiel, prophesying to the exiles in Babylon, is instructed to address “the forest of the Negev.” This metaphor points to the leaders and people of Judah who presumed themselves secure. The promised conflagration would reach “every green tree and every dry tree,” a phrase emphasizing the totality of judgment. By declaring that every face would be “scorched,” the prophet underscores the inescapable, impartial nature of divine wrath on covenant breakers.
Historical Background
The oracle dates to the years preceding Jerusalem’s fall (circa 591–588 BC). Political alliances, idolatry, and covenant infidelity had hardened Judah. Babylonian pressure loomed, yet the people dismissed the prophetic warnings. Ezekiel’s graphic language—using צָרַב—served as a final alarm: destruction would not be a mere political setback but a purifying fire ordained by the LORD.
Prophetic Imagery of Fire
1. Judgment: Fire throughout Scripture signals God’s righteous intervention (Genesis 19:24;Isaiah 66:15).
2. Purification: Just as metal is refined, the nation would be purged of rebellion (Zechariah 13:9).
3. Revelation: Fire exposes what is truly combustible versus lasting (1 Corinthians 3:13).
Theological Significance
• Holiness and Wrath—The scorching flame manifests God’s holiness intolerant of sin (Deuteronomy 4:24).
• Covenant Discipline—Divine chastening aims at restoration; after the burning, a remnant would emerge (Ezekiel 20:41–44).
• Universality—The image that “every face” will be scorched anticipates the comprehensive scope of final judgment (Revelation 20:12–15).
Christological and Eschatological Connections
At the cross, Christ endured the full heat of divine wrath, satisfying justice for all who believe (Romans 3:25). For the unrepentant, the coming Day of the Lord will bring the ultimate fulfillment of Ezekiel’s fiery warning (2 Thessalonians 1:8). Believers, meanwhile, experience sanctifying fire that refines character (1 Peter 1:7).
Implications for Ministry
• Preaching—Proclaim both the severity and kindness of God (Romans 11:22), urging repentance before the fire falls.
• Discipleship—Encourage believers to welcome refining trials, trusting God’s purifying purpose (James 1:2–4).
• Intercession—Pray for hardened hearts to be softened by grace rather than seared by judgment.
Personal Application
Ezekiel’s imagery invites self-examination. Are there “dry trees” of unconfessed sin needing removal before the conflagration? The promise of cleansing in Jesus Christ empowers believers to yield willingly to the Spirit’s purifying work.
Related Scriptures
Deuteronomy 5:24;Isaiah 33:14;Malachi 3:2;Matthew 3:11–12;Hebrews 12:29;Revelation 1:14.
Forms and Transliterations
וְנִצְרְבוּ־ ונצרבו־ venitzrevu wə·niṣ·rə·ḇū- wəniṣrəḇū-
Links
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Englishman's Greek Concordance •
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