צֶבַע

a dye

Definition

The Hebrew noun צֶבַע (tsebaʻ) refers specifically to a dye or dyed material, particularly colorful fabrics produced through the ancient dyeing process. It appears only once in the Old Testament in Judges 5:30, where it describes the 'dyed stuffs' or 'colored garments' that Sisera's mother imagines as plunder. The word denotes not just the coloring agent itself but the richly colored textiles that were valuable spoils of war. Its singular biblical usage focuses on the end product—luxurious, multi-hued cloth.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only in Judges 5:30 within the 'Song of Deborah.' It occurs in the taunting poetic description of Sisera's mother, who consoles herself with the thought that her son delays because he is dividing the spoil, including 'a piece of dyed embroidery' or 'colored garments' (צֶבַע רִקְמָה). The context is one of warfare and plunder, highlighting dyed fabrics as prized, luxurious items.

Etymology

Derived from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to dip' or 'to dye,' specifically relating to immersing material in coloring fluid. It is cognate with other Semitic words for dyeing or coloring. The root concept emphasizes the process of creating color through immersion, which then extends to the colorful product itself.

Semantic Range

In the ancient Near East, brightly dyed fabrics, especially purple and crimson from expensive mollusk-based dyes, were symbols of wealth, status, and royalty. The mention in Judges 5:30 reflects this cultural value—dyed cloth was considered precious spoil, worth delaying for. This contrasts with modern, mass-produced colored clothing, as such dyes were rare and labor-intensive.

אַרְגָּמָן (ʼargāmān, H713) — specifically purple dye or cloth, often for royalty. תּוֹלַעַת (tôlaʻath, H8438) — crimson or scarlet dye, from a worm. שָׁנִי (shānî, H8144) — scarlet, crimson colored stuff.

Word Details

Scripture References