Lexical Summary tsachtsachah: Brightness, Radiance Original Word: צַחְצָחָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance drought From tsachach; a dry place, i.e. Desert -- drought. see HEBREW tsachach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tsachach Definition a scorched region NASB Translation scorched places (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [צַחְצָחָה] noun [feminine] scorched region; — plural צַחְצָחוֺת Isaiah 58:11. צחן (√ of following; Late Hebrew צַחֲנָה = Biblical Hebrew; Aramaic צְחַנְתָּא stinking fluid, Topical Lexicon Definition and Imagery צַחְצָחָה evokes the picture of an utterly “sun-scorched” or “parched” tract of ground—soil baked hard under relentless heat, devoid of sustaining moisture. The imagery communicates a condition that is both physically barren and spiritually desolate, marking a place where life cannot thrive unless divine intervention occurs. Biblical Context (Isaiah 58:11) Isaiah 58 addresses the difference between empty ritual and genuine piety expressed through justice, compassion, and humility. To those who heed the prophet’s call, the promise is: “The LORD will always guide you; He will satisfy you in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (Isaiah 58:11) Here צַחְצָחָה represents the stark backdrop against which God’s sustaining grace shines. Israel, once fruitless because of hollow religion, will become fertile ground when it walks in covenant faithfulness. The single occurrence of the term therefore functions as a powerful contrast: extreme drought against perpetual refreshment. Theological Significance 1. Dependence on God’s Provision The verse underscores that human effort alone cannot transform spiritual desolation. Divine guidance and satisfaction reverse what is naturally irreversible, testifying to God’s sovereignty over both physical creation and human hearts. In the broader Isaianic message, exile and return mirror death and resurrection motifs. צַחְצָחָה signals the depth of the nation’s need; the promised reversal echoes earlier assurances (Isaiah 41:18; 44:3) and anticipates the ultimate restoration in the messianic age. Scripture frequently uses environmental conditions to depict spiritual states (Psalm 63:1; Jeremiah 17:6-8). The sun-scorched land vividly portrays alienation from God, while the subsequent well-watered garden illustrates communion with Him. Historical Background Isaiah prophesied during a time of social injustice, empty religiosity, and looming exile. The people’s fasts and feasts were outwardly spectacular yet inwardly hollow. Agricultural metaphors resonated with a populace whose livelihood depended on rainfall. A “sun-scorched land” was not mere poetic flourish; it threatened famine, economic collapse, and ultimately national survival. By promising reversal, the prophet invoked tangible hope. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Authentic Worship Isaiah 58 links deliverance from parched places to sincere acts of mercy (Isaiah 58:6-10). Ministry that prioritizes the oppressed, the hungry, and the homeless invites God’s refreshing presence. Believers encountering spiritual dryness can be directed to the Lord’s promise of guidance and satisfaction. Prayer and obedience remain the conduit of renewal. Communities spiritually likened to צַחְצָחָה—neglected, hostile, or barren—are prime fields for gospel seed. The guaranteed fruitfulness recalls Paul’s assurance: “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” (1 Corinthians 3:7) Christological and Eschatological Connections Jesus declares, “Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: streams of living water will flow from within him.” (John 7:38) He is the ultimate answer to every sun-scorched land. Revelation 22:1-2 depicts the river of life flowing through the renewed creation, erasing forever the memory of parched ground. Isaiah 58:11 thus reaches its fullest fulfillment in the New Jerusalem where barrenness is impossible. Related Scriptures for Study Psalm 63:1; Psalm 107:35-36; Isaiah 35:1-7; Isaiah 41:17-20; Jeremiah 17:5-8; Ezekiel 34:26-27; John 4:13-14; John 7:37-39; Revelation 22:1-2 Forms and Transliterations בְּצַחְצָחוֹת֙ בצחצחות bə·ṣaḥ·ṣā·ḥō·wṯ bəṣaḥṣāḥōwṯ betzachtzachOtLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 58:11 HEB: תָּמִיד֒ וְהִשְׂבִּ֤יעַ בְּצַחְצָחוֹת֙ נַפְשֶׁ֔ךָ וְעַצְמֹתֶ֖יךָ NAS: your desire in scorched places, And give strength KJV: thy soul in drought, and make fat INT: will continually and satisfy scorched your desire to your bones 1 Occurrence |
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foul).