צָמַד
𐤑𐤌𐤃
tsâmad
H6775 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To bind closely, join or fasten together, especially by physical connection or attachment; by extension, to yoke, attach oneself, or be in close association. The term can also refer to preparing or equipping oneself with gear—such as girding for travel or conflict—or, figuratively, to associate or conspire closely with others.
Semantic Range
to fasten physically; to yoke or pair (as with animals); to gird or equip oneself; to attach or join in close association; to conspire or collude closely; to join oneself to (usually with an object or purpose)
Root / Etymology
Root: צמד (ts-m-d). The root meaning is 'to join closely, bind, or fasten together.' The verb צָמַד derives directly from this root, expressing the idea of fastening or joining, either literally or metaphorically. There is no compelling evidence for borrowing or derivation from a non-Semitic root; it is attested in other Semitic languages with similar core meanings.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, צָמַד is used both in physical and figurative senses. Its primary usage refers to attaching or binding closely, as in physical objects being fastened or persons paired together, such as in the context of yoking animals or equipping oneself (Num 25:3; 2 Sam 20:8). In post-exilic and later biblical texts, the verb may carry nuances of joining a group or associating oneself, including negative connotations such as joining in idolatrous or hostile alliances (cf. Num 25:3, 'Israel yoked itself to Baal-Peor'). English translations often render this as 'join,' 'attach,' 'gird,' but may miss its connotation of close, even constraining, connection. The nuance may shift between literal fastening, close personal attachment, and organized collusion or conspiracy, depending on context. The term is relatively rare and when used in figurative sense, often implies intentional, sometimes illicit, association—distinguishing it from broader terms for 'join' or 'bind' in Hebrew such as חָבַר (to join as companions) or קָשַׁר (to tie, bind, or conspire).
Translation Consistency
“Join” naturally covers the primary senses — to bring or fasten together, to yoke or pair, and to attach or associate oneself (including conspiratorial joining). It is simple, common English and fits the typical uses in the SILEX range better than more specialized verbs like “gird” or “yoke.”
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to link, i.e. gird; figuratively, to serve, (mentally) contrive; fasten, frame, join (self).
Bantu Hebrew
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+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צמד (ts-m-d) — join, bind closely, fasten together, yoke
Word Forms
5 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6775-01 |
הַ/נִּצְמָדִ֖ים | hanitsemadim | HTd/VNsmpa |
who were joined | the closely-joined ones | the closely attached ones | 1 |
H6775-02 |
מְצֻמֶּ֤דֶת | metsumedet | HVPsfsa |
fastened | closely-bound | closely-bound | 1 |
H6775-04 |
וַ/יִּצָּ֥מֶד | vayitsamed | HC/VNw3ms |
and joined | and he joined himself closely | and he joined himself closely | 1 |
H6775-05 |
וַ֭/יִּצָּ֣מְדוּ | vayitsamedu | HC/VNw3mp |
they joined themselves | they attached themselves closely | and they joined themselves | 1 |
H6775-03 |
תַּצְמִ֥יד | tatsemid | HVhi3fs |
frames | she will fasten together | frames | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6775-04 |
Numbers 25:3 | וַ/יִּצָּ֥מֶד | vayitsamed | HC/VNw3ms |
and joined | and he joined himself closely | and he joined himself closely |
H6775-01 |
Numbers 25:5 | הַ/נִּצְמָדִ֖ים | hanitsemadim | HTd/VNsmpa |
who were joined | the closely-joined ones | the closely attached ones |
H6775-02 |
2 Samuel 20:8 | מְצֻמֶּ֤דֶת | metsumedet | HVPsfsa |
fastened | closely-bound | closely-bound |
H6775-03 |
Psalms 50:19 | תַּצְמִ֥יד | tatsemid | HVhi3fs |
frames | she will fasten together | frames |
H6775-05 |
Psalms 106:28 | וַ֭/יִּצָּ֣מְדוּ | vayitsamedu | HC/VNw3mp |
they joined themselves | they attached themselves closely | and they joined themselves |