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צָלַל

𐤑𐤋𐤋

tsâlal

H6750 verb

SILEX Entry

Root צַלַל to ring, to vibrate, to produce a sharp sound

Definition

To ring or tingle (with reference to a sound that pierces or vibrates); primarily denotes a sharp or resonant sound that causes a reaction, most frequently of the ears. In context, often conveys the startling or alarming effect of hearing (e.g., 'the ears tingle'). The word can extend figuratively to describe agitation or trembling associated with fear or shame.

Semantic Range

to tingle (of the ears in reaction to shocking news), to ring, to produce a resonant or piercing sound, to vibrate (figuratively), to provoke a visceral reaction by sound

Root / Etymology

From the root צ-ל-ל, conveying the idea of ringing, vibrating, or resonating. This root forms various derivatives related to sound or vibration (e.g., צֵלֶל – 'resonant sound'). The word צָלַל as a verb takes on the specific nuance of an audible, sharp sound that causes a physical or emotional response.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In biblical occurrences (notably 1 Sam 3:11; 2 Kings 21:12; Jer 19:3), צָלַל is used in the phrase 'make the ears tingle', expressing the effect of shocking or horrifying news. The connotation is not mere physical tingling, but a piercing sound or announcement so intense that it induces a visceral, involuntary response. This phrase is used by Israelite prophets to describe divine judgment. English translations (e.g., 'tingle') often obscure the stronger reverberating or ringing sense present in Hebrew. The verb is rare in Hebrew, distinguished from more common words for shaking or trembling. Related forms and cognates in Semitic languages retain the sense of ringing or vibrating sound. There is no evidence that the meaning extended to the later, more general sense of chatter or simple vibration. The connection with physical redness or trembling is always contextual and figurative, not inherent to the verb itself.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive root (identical with through the idea of vibration); to tinkle, i.e. rattle together (as the ears in reddening with shame, or the teeth in chattering with fear); quiver, tingle.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

צלל (ts-l-l) — to ring, to vibrate, to produce a sharp sound

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1212 בְּצַלְאֵל In-the-Shadow-of-God
H4698 מְצִלָּה tinkling-bells of
H4699 מְצֻלָּה in the deep abyss
H4700 מְצֵלֶת with the ringing cymbal-pair
H6738 צֵל in the shade

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6750-02 תִּצַּ֖לְנָה titsalenah HVqi3fp will-tingle they (feminine) will ring sharply 2
H6750-03 צָלֲל֣וּ tsalalu HVqp3cp quivered they rang 1
H6750-01 תְּצִלֶּ֖ינָה tetsileynah HVhi3fp will tingle they will cause to ring 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6750-01 1 Samuel 3:11 תְּצִלֶּ֖ינָה tetsileynah HVhi3fp will tingle they will cause to ring
H6750-02 2 Kings 21:12 תִּצַּ֖לְנָה titsalenah HVqi3fp will-tingle they (feminine) will ring sharply
H6750-02 Jeremiah 19:3 תִּצַּ֥לְנָה titsalenah HVqi3fp will-tingle they (feminine) will ring sharply
H6750-03 Habakkuk 3:16 צָלֲל֣וּ tsalalu HVqp3cp quivered they rang
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