צָיַר
𐤑𐤉𐤓
tsâyar
H6737 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To act as a messenger or envoy; to fulfill the function of carrying a message, commission, or errand, often in an official or representative capacity. The verb can imply undertaking a journey for a specified purpose as an emissary, either literally (traveling to deliver a message) or figuratively (to serve as a representative). Semantic range includes to act as an envoy, to serve on an errand, to carry a commission, or to play the role of a delegate.
Semantic Range
to serve as an envoy, to act as a messenger, to be sent on a mission, to fulfill a commission, to play the role of an ambassador or delegate
Root / Etymology
The verb is a denominative formed from the noun צִיר (ṣîr), meaning 'messenger, envoy, ambassador' (root ציר). As a denominative, the verb's form reflects its derivation from the noun rather than direct inheritance from a verb root. The underlying root ציר conveys the notion of 'sending' or 'bearing a message,' but this verb specifically denotes acting in the capacity of an emissary or envoy.
Historical & Contextual Notes
צָיַר (tsâyar) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible and is closely tied to the formal act of serving as an envoy. Unlike other verbs for sending (such as שָׁלַח, 'to send'), צָיַר carries the nuance of official representation and is typically reserved for more formal diplomatic or commissioned roles rather than general sending. The corresponding noun צִיר itself parallels ancient Near Eastern diplomatic practices, in which envoys or messengers bore important communications between rulers or peoples. In later Hebrew (post-biblical), צָיַר acquires artistic and related meanings ('to paint, depict'), but these derive from homonymic roots of uncertain etymology and are not relevant for the biblical usage. The English term 'ambassador' sometimes used in translations is consistent with the word's function, but the full scope includes both official and non-official emissary duties. Care is needed not to conflate distinct roles: the צָיַר was sent with a purpose/commission, but was not necessarily an official state ambassador as understood in modern diplomatic practice. The verb is rare and contextually specific to acts of representation or communication. The term does not carry the later communal or religious connotations associated with the English 'Jew' or 'Jewish envoy.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a denominative from צִיר in the sense of ambassador; to make an errand, i.e. betake oneself; make as if...had been ambassador.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
ציר (ṣ-y-r) — to send, to commission, to act as envoy
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6736 | צִיר | carved images |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6737-01 |
וַ/יִּצְטַיָּ֑רוּ | vayitsetayaru | HC/Vtw3mp |
and pretended to be ambassadors | they acted as envoys | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6737-01 |
Joshua 9:4 | וַ/יִּצְטַיָּ֑רוּ | vayitsetayaru | HC/Vtw3mp |
and pretended to be ambassadors | they acted as envoys |