צְרוּיָה
𐤑𐤓𐤅𐤉𐤄
Tseruyah
H6870 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Zeruiah — a feminine personal name, meaning 'wounded' or possibly 'balsamed.' Refers to a prominent Israelite woman of the monarchic period, mother of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel (key military leaders under King David).
Semantic Range
Zeruiah (proper personal name, feminine); possibly 'wounded one'; possibly 'balsamed' or 'treated with balm'; name of the mother of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel; by extension, indicating lineage or family matriarch
Root / Etymology
From the root צרה (ts-r-h) or related to צרי (tsri, meaning 'balm'), as a feminine passive participle formation; the sense may be 'wounded' or 'balsam-treated.' However, the precise etymology is uncertain due to ambiguity between 'wounded' and 'balsamed.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Zeruiah appears consistently as the mother of David’s nephews (Joab, Abishai, Asahel), each significant figures in the narrative of Davidic kingship. Her name functions almost as an epithet for her sons (e.g., 'sons of Zeruiah'). Notably, her own marital partner is never named, emphasizing her maternal lineage. Unlike other female names in the Hebrew Bible, Zeruiah’s is tied to a line of claim or authority, possibly denoting a special status. The meaning of the name is debated by scholars: if from 'wounded,' it would be unique as a personal name. If derived from 'balm' (as in balm of Gilead), it might signify healing or valued status. English translation tradition renders the name as Zeruiah, but sometimes with implied connotations tied to the meanings of 'wounded' or 'balsam.' No evidence supports a connection with later terms like 'Jew' or 'Judean' for this period; the individuals referenced are Israelites of the monarchic period.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
feminine passive participle from the same as צְרִי; wounded; Tserujah, an Israelitess; Zeruiah.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
צרי (ts-r-y) — press out, balm, treat with balm, heal
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6870-01 |
צְרוּיָ֜ה | tseruyah | HNp |
of Zeruiah | Balsamed One | 26 |
Occurrences in Scripture
26 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6870-01 |
1 Samuel 26:6 | צְרוּיָ֜ה | tseruyah | HNp |
of Zeruiah | Balsamed One |
H6870-01 |
2 Samuel 2:13 | צְרוּיָ֜ה | tseruyah | HNp |
of Zeruiah | Balsamed One |
H6870-01 |
2 Samuel 2:18 | צְרוּיָ֔ה | tseruyah | HNp |
Zeruiah | Balsamed One |
H6870-01 |
2 Samuel 3:39 | צְרוּיָ֖ה | tseruyah | HNp |
Zeruiah | Balsamed One |
H6870-01 |
2 Samuel 8:16 | צְרוּיָ֖ה | tseruyah | HNp |
of Zeruiah | Balsamed One |
H6870-01 |
2 Samuel 14:1 | צְרֻיָ֑ה | tseruyah | HNp |
of Zeruiah | Balsamed One |
H6870-01 |
2 Samuel 16:9 | צְרוּיָה֙ | tseruyah | HNp |
of Zeruiah | Balsamed One |
H6870-01 |
2 Samuel 16:10 | צְרֻיָ֑ה | tseruyah | HNp |
Zeruiah | Balsamed One |
H6870-01 |
2 Samuel 17:25 | צְרוּיָ֖ה | tseruyah | HNp |
Zeruiah | Balsamed One |
H6870-01 |
2 Samuel 18:2 | צְרוּיָה֙ | tseruyah | HNp |
of Zeruiah | Balsamed One |