צָבַט
𐤑𐤁𐤈
tsâbaṭ
H6642 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To take firm hold of, seize, or grasp with the hand; specifically, to seize something in order to hand it over or pass it to another. The word often emphasizes the act of grasping with intent to hand over or distribute an object, rather than merely possessing or snatching it.
Semantic Range
to take hold of, to grasp firmly, to seize and hand out, to distribute by hand, to pass (an object) by taking in hand
Root / Etymology
Root: צבט. Derived from the root meaning 'to grasp' or 'to pinch.' The verb form reflects the act of taking hold, especially with the fingers or hand. Though likely a denominative root indicating manual action, it is rare and not etymologically linked to more common Hebrew words for normal seizing or taking.
Historical & Contextual Notes
צָבַט is a rare verb in Biblical Hebrew, attested only in Job 21:6, where it describes the act of 'grasping' or 'handing out.' Its nuance is closer to 'take and give' or 'hand over,' distinguishing it from more common verbs such as לָקַח (laqach, 'to take') or נָתַן (natan, 'to give'). The term may carry connotations of grasping with a certain carefulness or intent, marking a deliberate transfer through the act of holding and passing. In post-biblical Hebrew, the root has virtually disappeared. English translations such as 'hand out' or 'reach' capture only part of the nuance, as the original emphasizes both the grasp and the intent to pass or distribute.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to grasp, i.e. hand out; reach.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צבט (ṣ-b-ṭ) — to grasp, seize, pinch
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6642-01 |
וַ/יִּצְבָּט | vayitsebat | HC/Vqw3ms |
and he reached | and he grasped to hand over | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6642-01 |
Ruth 2:14 | וַ/יִּצְבָּט | vayitsebat | HC/Vqw3ms |
and he reached | and he grasped to hand over |