Lexical Summary tsala: Rib, side Original Word: צָלַע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance halt A primitive root: probably to curve; used only as denominative from tsela', to limp (as if one-sided) -- halt. see HEBREW tsela' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to limp NASB Translation lame (3), limping (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. [צָלַע] verb limp (Arabic  , Aramaic טלע Aph`el); — Qal Participle צֹלֵעַ עַליְֿרֵכוֺ Genesis 32:32 (J; of Jacob); feminine הַצֹלֵעָה as substantive, of personified Judah as flock [צאֹן] Micah 4:6,7; Zephaniah 3:19. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope צָלַע (tsālaʿ) conveys the idea of limping, being crippled, or rendered lame. The verb appears only four times, yet its contexts span patriarchal narrative and prophetic oracle, linking personal weakness with divine purpose and eventual restoration. Biblical Occurrences 1. Genesis 32:31 – Jacob, having wrestled with the Angel of the LORD, “was limping because of his hip.” The limp becomes a lifelong reminder that blessing follows surrender, and weakness can become a mark of divine encounter. Thematic Significance Weakness as a Vehicle of Grace Jacob’s limp turns apparent disadvantage into covenant testimony. His physical frailty parallels Paul’s later confession, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Scripture consistently exalts divine strength manifested through human limitation. Divine Compassion for the Marginalized The prophets use צָלַע metaphorically for the disenfranchised of Israel. God pledges to gather “the lame”—those economically, socially, or spiritually powerless—and transform them into a “strong nation.” The pattern anticipates Jesus Christ’s kingdom ethic, where “the last will be first” (Matthew 20:16). Remnant Theology Micah 4 announces that future blessing will center on those once crippled. The remnant is characterized not by prowess but by dependence on the LORD. Restoration thus becomes a sovereign act, not a human achievement. Retribution and Reversal Zephaniah 3:19 couples salvation of the lame with judgment on oppressors. The LORD’s deliverance is comprehensive: He heals the wounded, reverses shame, and executes justice, revealing His holiness and covenant fidelity. Historical Background Micah and Zephaniah prophesied during eras of social injustice and looming invasion (eighth–seventh centuries B.C.). In such times, the lame were emblematic of all who suffered under corrupt leadership and foreign threat. By promising to “assemble the lame,” the prophets counter prevailing societal norms that equated physical completeness with favor. Prophetic and Eschatological Dimensions The promise to gather the lame intersects with broader messianic hope: Implications for Ministry Pastoral Care The texts urge the church to honor and serve those deemed weak—physically, socially, or spiritually. Ministry that prioritizes the marginalized aligns with the divine pattern of gathering the lame. Preaching and Teaching Jacob’s limp challenges triumphalism, reminding believers that authentic faith may bear visible scars. Prophetic passages demand proclamation of hope for the broken, anchoring encouragement in God’s future. Mission and Outreach Like the prophets, congregations are called to seek out the “lame” of their communities, confident that God builds His kingdom through unlikely vessels. Christological Connections Jesus embodies the role of Shepherd who gathers the lame. His healings authenticate messianic identity and prefigure eschatological wholeness. Moreover, His wounded body—bearing nail prints and pierced side—stands as eternal testimony that God redeems through apparent weakness. Practical Application • Embrace personal limitations as opportunities for God’s power to be displayed. צָלַע thus unites patriarchal narrative, prophetic promise, apostolic witness, and eschatological expectation, proclaiming that the God of Scripture consistently turns lameness into leverage for His glory and His people’s good. Forms and Transliterations הַצֹּ֣לֵעָ֔ה הַצֹּֽלֵעָה֙ הַצֹּלֵעָ֗ה הצלעה צֹלֵ֖עַ צלע haṣ·ṣō·lê·‘āh haṣṣōlê‘āh hatzTzoleAh ṣō·lê·a‘ ṣōlêa‘ tzoLeaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 32:31 HEB: פְּנוּאֵ֑ל וְה֥וּא צֹלֵ֖עַ עַל־ יְרֵכֽוֹ׃ NAS: Penuel, and he was limping on his thigh. KJV: rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh. INT: Penuel and he was limping on his thigh Micah 4:6 Micah 4:7 Zephaniah 3:19 4 Occurrences |
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