6810. tsair
Lexical Summary
tsair: younger, youngest, little ones

Original Word: צָעִיר
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: tsa`iyr
Pronunciation: tsah-eer'
Phonetic Spelling: (tsaw-eer')
KJV: least, little (one), small (one), + young(-er, -est)
NASB: younger, youngest, little ones, small, least, least one, little
Word Origin: [from H6819 (צָּעַר - become insignificant)]

1. little
2. (in number) few
3. (in age) young, (in value) ignoble

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
least, little one, small one, younger,

Or tsanowr {tsaw-ore'}; from tsa'ar; little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble -- least, little (one), small (one), + young(-er, -est).

see HEBREW tsa'ar

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from tsaar
Definition
little, insignificant, young
NASB Translation
least (1), least one (1), little (1), little ones (3), servants (1), small (2), those younger (1), young (1), younger (7), youngest (4), youngest son (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
I. צָעִיר adjective little, insignificant, young; — absoluteצָעִיר Genesis 25:23 +; feminine צְעִירָה Genesis 19:31 +; צְעִרָה 1 Samuel 9:12; masculine plural צְעִירִים Job 30:1; suffix צְעִירֶיהָ Jeremiah 48:4 Qr (Kt צעוריה but see צֹעַר); צְעִירֵיהֶם Jeremiah 14:3 (Kt צעוריהם), etc.; —

1.a. little, with idea of insignificance Judges 6:15 ("" הַדַּל), compare 1 Samuel 9:21 ("" קְטַנֵּי), Micah 5:1; Psalm 68:28; Isaiah 60:22 (opposed to גוי עצום); of horn in vision Daniel 8:9, read probablyאחרת צעירה for אחת מִצְּעִירָה, compare Bev Dr; צְעִירֵי הַצֹּאן Jeremiah 49:20; Jeremiah 50:45 (figurative of helpless captives).

b. insignificant, mean, Psalm 119:141 ("" נִבְזֶה), Jeremiah 14:3 (as substantive); on Jeremiah 48:4.see צֹעַר.

2 more often of age, young (usually with article the younger, youngest, as substantive), of son (brother), opposed to הַבְּכוֺר Genesis 43:33; Genesis 48:14 (both J), Joshua 6:26; 1 Kings 16:34, opposed to רַב Genesis 25:23 (J), compare אני ׳צ לְיָמִים ואתם יְשִׁישִׁים Job 32:6; of daughter (sister), opposed to הַבְּכִירָה Genesis 19:31,34,35,38(J) Genesis 29:26 (E); — here belongs also צְעַירִים מִמֶּנִּי לימים Job 30:1, si vera lectio; GHBWr Siegf Bu strike out ממני לימים; ᵐ5 ἐλἁχιστοι); put then under 1b.

Topical Lexicon
Meaning and Thematic Emphasis

צָעִיר (tsaʿir) almost always highlights what is “younger,” “smaller,” or “least.” Scripture uses the term to emphasize divine patterns: the unexpected elevation of the lesser, the vulnerability of the small, and the contrast between human insignificance and God’s sovereign choice.

Occurrences in Narrative Passages

Genesis 19:31–38 – Lot’s “younger” daughter (verses 31, 34, 35, 38) frames a tragic episode that birthed Moab and Ammon. The word underscores how even the smallest familial decisions can carry generational consequence.
Genesis 25:23 – “The older will serve the younger.” God overturns cultural norms by choosing Jacob over Esau, introducing a recurring motif of the younger receiving covenant favor.
Genesis 29:26 – Laban’s protest that “the younger” cannot precede the elder exposes man-made customs that God later overturns for Rachel’s lineage.
Genesis 43:33 – Joseph seats his brothers “from the firstborn to the youngest,” revealing his hidden knowledge and heightening dramatic irony.
Genesis 48:14 – Jacob crosses his hands so that Ephraim, “the younger,” receives the right-hand blessing, prefiguring the principle that God’s grace is not bound by primogeniture.

Leadership Through Smallness

Joshua 6:26 and 1 Kings 16:34 link Hiel’s “youngest” son, Segub, with the rebuilding of Jericho, demonstrating that disobedience can cost even the least of the family.

Judges 6:15 – Gideon protests, “I am the youngest in my father’s house,” yet God makes him a deliverer.

1 Samuel 9:21 – Saul calls Benjamin “the smallest” tribe and his clan “the least,” showing that Israel’s first king began from humble stock.

Poetic and Wisdom Literature

Job 30:1 and 32:6 use צָעִיר for “young” men who either mock Job or wait to speak while elders debate. The contrast magnifies Job’s humiliation and Elihu’s deference before giving prophetic insight.

Psalm 68:27 – “There is Benjamin, the youngest, ruling them,” celebrating unity under worship as the smallest tribe leads the procession.

Psalm 119:141 – “I am lowly and despised,” pairing smallness with steadfast obedience to God’s word.

Prophetic Oracles of Judgment

Jeremiah 14:3 refers to servants (“little ones”) shamed by drought; 48:4 laments Moab’s “little ones”; 49:20 and 50:45 predict that even the “little ones of the flock” of Edom and Babylon will be dragged away. Smallness here portrays defenselessness under divine judgment.

Messianic and Eschatological Promise

Isaiah 60:22 – “The least of you will become a thousand, and the smallest a mighty nation.” The term guarantees multiplication for Zion after exile.

Micah 5:2 – “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be Ruler over Israel.” The Messiah springs from an insignificant town, perfectly illustrating the exaltation of the צָעִיר.

Theology of the Least Becoming Great

1. God’s Choice: Repeated selection of the younger (Jacob, Ephraim, David) announces that divine election is by grace, not human hierarchy.
2. Humility Exalted: Gideon, Saul, and Bethlehem reveal that God often initiates redemption at the margins.
3. Warning and Hope: Judgment texts remind rulers that neglect of the “least” invites ruin, while promise texts assure the faithful that God multiplies the small.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Encouragement to the Overlooked – Youth, minority churches, and smaller ministries can trust God’s pattern of magnifying the humble.
• Leadership Development – Scripture legitimizes the calling of the young; churches should cultivate gifts irrespective of age or status.
• Social Concern – God notices the plight of the “little ones”; caring for the vulnerable aligns ministry with His heart.
• Eschatological Vision – Even the most modest congregation can anticipate growth and influence according to Isaiah 60:22 when aligned with God’s purposes.

Summary

צָעִיר unites diverse contexts with one message: the Lord repeatedly takes what is youngest, smallest, or least and makes it crucial to His redemptive plan. Recognizing this theme cultivates humility, hope, and confidence that God’s power is perfected in what the world deems insignificant.

Forms and Transliterations
הַצְּעִירָ֔ה הַצְּעִירָ֖ה הַצְּעִירָה֙ הַצְּעִרָ֔ה הַצָּעִ֔יר הַצָּעִ֖יר הצעיר הצעירה הצערה וְהַצְּעִירָ֤ה וְהַצָּעִ֖יר וּבִצְעִיר֖וֹ ובצעירו והצעיר והצעירה צְעִירִ֥ים צְעִירֵ֣י צְעִירֵיהֶ֖ם צְעִירֶֽיהָ׃ צְעִירוֹ֙ צָ֘עִ֤יר צָעִ֡יר צָעִ֣יר צָעִֽיר׃ צָעִיר֙ צעיר צעיר׃ צעירו צעירי צעיריה׃ צעיריהם צעירים haṣ·ṣā·‘îr haṣ·ṣə·‘i·rāh haṣ·ṣə·‘î·rāh haṣṣā‘îr haṣṣə‘irāh haṣṣə‘îrāh hatztzaIr hatztzeiRah ṣā‘îr ṣā·‘îr ṣə‘îrê ṣə‘îrehā ṣə‘îrêhem ṣə‘îrîm ṣə‘îrōw ṣə·‘î·rê ṣə·‘î·re·hā ṣə·‘î·rê·hem ṣə·‘î·rîm ṣə·‘î·rōw tzaIr tzeiRei tzeiReiha tzeireiHem tzeiRim tzeiRo ū·ḇiṣ·‘î·rōw ūḇiṣ‘îrōw uvitziRo vehatztzaIr vehatztzeiRah wə·haṣ·ṣā·‘îr wə·haṣ·ṣə·‘î·rāh wəhaṣṣā‘îr wəhaṣṣə‘îrāh
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Englishman's Concordance
Genesis 19:31
HEB: הַבְּכִירָ֛ה אֶל־ הַצְּעִירָ֖ה אָבִ֣ינוּ זָקֵ֑ן
NAS: said to the younger, Our father
KJV: said unto the younger, Our father
INT: the firstborn to the younger our father is old

Genesis 19:34
HEB: הַבְּכִירָה֙ אֶל־ הַצְּעִירָ֔ה הֵן־ שָׁכַ֥בְתִּי
NAS: said to the younger, Behold,
KJV: said unto the younger, Behold, I lay
INT: the firstborn to the younger Behold lay

Genesis 19:35
HEB: יָ֑יִן וַתָּ֤קָם הַצְּעִירָה֙ וַתִּשְׁכַּ֣ב עִמּ֔וֹ
NAS: also, and the younger arose
KJV: night also: and the younger arose,
INT: wine arose and the younger and lay with

Genesis 19:38
HEB: וְהַצְּעִירָ֤ה גַם־ הִוא֙
NAS: As for the younger, she also bore
KJV: And the younger, she also bare a son,
INT: the younger also he

Genesis 25:23
HEB: וְרַ֖ב יַעֲבֹ֥ד צָעִֽיר׃
NAS: shall serve the younger.
KJV: and the elder shall serve the younger.
INT: and the older shall serve the younger

Genesis 29:26
HEB: בִּמְקוֹמֵ֑נוּ לָתֵ֥ת הַצְּעִירָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֥י הַבְּכִירָֽה׃
NAS: to marry off the younger before
KJV: to give the younger before
INT: our place to marry the younger before the firstborn

Genesis 43:33
HEB: הַבְּכֹר֙ כִּבְכֹ֣רָת֔וֹ וְהַצָּעִ֖יר כִּצְעִרָת֑וֹ וַיִּתְמְה֥וּ
NAS: according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth,
KJV: according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth:
INT: the firstborn to his birthright and the youngest to his youth looked

Genesis 48:14
HEB: אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙ וְה֣וּא הַצָּעִ֔יר וְאֶת־ שְׂמֹאל֖וֹ
NAS: who was the younger, and his left hand
KJV: head, who [was] the younger, and his left hand
INT: of Ephraim who was the younger and his left and

Joshua 6:26
HEB: בִּבְכֹר֣וֹ יְיַסְּדֶ֔נָּה וּבִצְעִיר֖וֹ יַצִּ֥יב דְּלָתֶֽיהָ׃
NAS: he shall lay its foundation, and with [the loss of] his youngest son he shall set
KJV: thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest [son] shall he set up
INT: his firstborn shall lay his youngest shall set gates

Judges 6:15
HEB: בִּמְנַשֶּׁ֔ה וְאָנֹכִ֥י הַצָּעִ֖יר בְּבֵ֥ית אָבִֽי׃
NAS: in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father's
KJV: in Manasseh, and I [am] the least in my father's
INT: Manasseh and I am the youngest house my father's

1 Samuel 9:21
HEB: יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וּמִשְׁפַּחְתִּי֙ הַצְּעִרָ֔ה מִכָּֽל־ מִשְׁפְּח֖וֹת
NAS: and my family the least of all
KJV: and my family the least of all the families
INT: of Israel and my family the least of all the families

1 Kings 16:34
HEB: (וּבִשְׂג֤וּב ק) צְעִירוֹ֙ הִצִּ֣יב דְּלָתֶ֔יהָ
NAS: up its gates with the [loss of] his youngest son Segub,
KJV: the gates thereof in his youngest [son] Segub,
INT: laid Segub his youngest and set gates

Job 30:1
HEB: שָֽׂחֲק֣וּ עָלַי֮ צְעִירִ֥ים מִמֶּ֗נִּי לְיָ֫מִ֥ים
NAS: But now those younger than I mock
INT: mock and those than age

Job 32:6
HEB: הַבּוּזִ֗י וַיֹּ֫אמַ֥ר צָ֘עִ֤יר אֲנִ֣י לְ֭יָמִים
NAS: out and said, I am young in years
INT: the Buzite and said I am young in years

Psalm 68:27
HEB: שָׁ֤ם בִּנְיָמִ֨ן ׀ צָעִ֡יר רֹדֵ֗ם שָׂרֵ֣י
NAS: is Benjamin, the youngest, ruling
KJV: There [is] little Benjamin
INT: There is Benjamin the youngest ruling the princes

Psalm 119:141
HEB: צָעִ֣יר אָנֹכִ֣י וְנִבְזֶ֑ה
NAS: I am small and despised,
KJV: I [am] small and despised:
INT: I am small I and despised

Isaiah 60:22
HEB: יִֽהְיֶ֣ה לָאֶ֔לֶף וְהַצָּעִ֖יר לְג֣וֹי עָצ֑וּם
NAS: a clan, And the least one a mighty
KJV: shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong
INT: will become A thousand and the least nation A mighty

Jeremiah 14:3
HEB: [צְעֹורֵיהֶם כ] (צְעִירֵיהֶ֖ם ק) לַמָּ֑יִם
NAS: have sent their servants for water;
KJV: have sent their little ones to the waters:
INT: their nobles have sent least water have come

Jeremiah 48:4
HEB: [צְעֹורֶיהָ כ] (צְעִירֶֽיהָ׃ ק)
NAS: is broken, Her little ones have sounded
KJV: is destroyed; her little ones have caused a cry
INT: have sounded A cry least

Jeremiah 49:20
HEB: לֹ֤א יִסְחָבוּם֙ צְעִירֵ֣י הַצֹּ֔אן אִם־
NAS: they will drag them off, [even] the little ones of the flock;
KJV: of Teman: Surely the least of the flock
INT: not will drag the little of the flock lo

Jeremiah 50:45
HEB: לֹ֤א יִסְחָבוּם֙ צְעִירֵ֣י הַצֹּ֔אן אִם־
NAS: they will drag them off, [even] the little ones of the flock;
KJV: of the Chaldeans: Surely the least of the flock
INT: not will drag the little of the flock lo

Micah 5:2
HEB: לֶ֣חֶם אֶפְרָ֗תָה צָעִיר֙ לִֽהְיוֹת֙ בְּאַלְפֵ֣י
NAS: Ephrathah, [Too] little to be among the clans
KJV: Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands
INT: Bethlehem Ephrathah little to be among the clans

22 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 6810
22 Occurrences


haṣ·ṣā·‘îr — 2 Occ.
haṣ·ṣə·‘î·rāh — 5 Occ.
ṣā·‘îr — 5 Occ.
ṣə·‘î·rê — 2 Occ.
ṣə·‘î·re·hā — 1 Occ.
ṣə·‘î·rê·hem — 1 Occ.
ṣə·‘î·rîm — 1 Occ.
ṣə·‘î·rōw — 1 Occ.
ū·ḇiṣ·‘î·rōw — 1 Occ.
wə·haṣ·ṣā·‘îr — 2 Occ.
wə·haṣ·ṣə·‘î·rāh — 1 Occ.

6809
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