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צָעִיר

𐤑𐤏𐤉𐤓

Tsair

H6811 noun

SILEX Entry

Root צער to be small, to be insignificant

Definition

Tsair (Tsâʻîyr) is a geographic place name referring to a settlement or location within the territory of Edom (also known as Idumaea). The primary lexical meaning relates to the identification of a specific site, rather than a common noun. The name itself is derived from a root meaning 'small' or 'insignificant,' suggesting a 'small place' or 'insignificant town,' but as a proper noun, it simply designates this particular locality.

Semantic Range

proper name of a place in Edom; possibly 'small [town]' or 'insignificant place' by etymology; as a toponym, fixed as Tsair/Zair

Root / Etymology

The term is derived from the root צָעַר (צ-ע-ר), which means 'to be small, to be insignificant.' The formation of the proper noun צָעִיר is based on the adjectival pattern from this root, literally meaning 'small' or 'little.' In the context of the place name, it likely indicates a small or minor location. The final spelling likely reflects this descriptive origin, but as a toponym, the meaning is fixed as a proper name.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Tsair is mentioned only once, in 2 Kings 8:21, within the context of Edom's rebellion against Judahite rule during the reign of Jehoram. Its precise location is uncertain but is generally associated with the territory of Edom (Idumaea) south of the Dead Sea. The spelling Tsâʻîyr is sometimes confused with related proper names such as Zoar (צוֹעַר, H6820), though these refer to different locations. English translations sometimes render this as 'Zair,' but the underlying Hebrew points toward a meaning 'Small [place].' The term does not denote inhabitants or ethnic identity but only a location within the Edomite region. There is no later historical or theological significance attached to Tsair in post-biblical literature.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

the same as צָעִיר; Tsair, a place in Idumaea; Zair.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

צער (ts-ʿ-r) — to be small, to be insignificant

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4705 מִצְעָר for a little while
H4706 מִצְעָר Small Peak
H6686 צוּעָר Tsuar
H6730 צִיעֹר and Zior
H6810 צָעִיר the lesser one

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6811-01 צָעִ֔ירָ/ה tsairah HNp/Sd to Zair toward Tsair 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6811-01 2 Kings 8:21 צָעִ֔ירָ/ה tsairah HNp/Sd to Zair toward Tsair
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