Lexical Summary Tsoar: Zoar Original Word: צֹעַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zoar From tsa'ar; little; Tsoar, a place East of the Jordan -- Zoar. see HEBREW tsa'ar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tsaar Definition "insignificance," a city at the S.E. end of the Dead Sea NASB Translation Zoar (10). Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Zoar lay at the southeastern edge of the Dead Sea, on the southern tip of the fertile Kikkar (“circle”) of the Jordan. Its proximity to Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim placed it within a region renowned for abundance before divine judgment (Genesis 13:10) and afterward for desolation. Ancient writers—including Josephus, Eusebius, and the Madaba Map—locate it near present-day Safi, Jordan, where fresh springs still break through the arid landscape. Scriptural Occurrences and Narrative Role • Genesis 13:10 introduces Zoar as a landmark delineating the luxuriant plain that attracted Lot. Historical Overview Archaeological soundings south of the Dead Sea uncover Early Bronze fortifications, Middle Bronze domestic structures, and Iron Age occupation layers—corresponding to the biblical timeline. Pottery, charred layers, and ashen deposits align with a sudden destruction event, though the biblical text reserves the cataclysm for the neighboring cities while Zoar was spared. Later Nebatean, Roman, and Byzantine remains confirm the site’s longevity, validating Moses’ and the prophets’ references. Theological and Redemptive Themes 1. Mercy Within Judgment – The angelic concession to Lot (“Is it not a little town?”) underscores God’s willingness to preserve a remnant when petitioned in faith. Prophetic and Eschatological Echoes Isaiah’s wail and Jeremiah’s dirge trace a line from Lot’s desperate flight to Moab’s equally desperate flight. The motif of refugees fleeing toward Zoar links past, present, and future visitations of judgment: a theological reminder that escape is granted only through God’s appointed refuge. Lessons for Faith and Ministry • Appeal to God’s Mercy – Lot’s dialogue encourages intercession; leaders should teach congregations to seek divine leniency without presuming upon it. Key Cross-References Genesis 13:10; Genesis 19:22-30; Deuteronomy 34:3; Isaiah 15:5; Jeremiah 48:34 Forms and Transliterations בְּצ֑וֹעַר בצוער מִצֹּ֙עַר֙ מִצּ֜וֹעַר מצוער מצער צֹ֑עַר צֹ֖עַר צֹֽעֲרָה׃ צֹֽעַר׃ צֽוֹעַר׃ צוער׃ צער צער׃ צערה׃ bə·ṣō·w·‘ar bəṣōw‘ar beTzoar miṣ·ṣō·‘ar miṣ·ṣō·w·‘ar miṣṣō‘ar miṣṣōw‘ar mitzTzoar ṣō‘ar ṣō‘ărāh ṣō·‘ă·rāh ṣō·‘ar ṣō·w·‘ar ṣōw‘ar Tzoar TzoarahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 13:10 HEB: מִצְרַ֔יִם בֹּאֲכָ֖ה צֹֽעַר׃ NAS: of Egypt as you go to Zoar. KJV: of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. INT: of Egypt go to Zoar Genesis 14:2 Genesis 14:8 Genesis 19:22 Genesis 19:23 Genesis 19:30 Genesis 19:30 Deuteronomy 34:3 Isaiah 15:5 Jeremiah 48:34 10 Occurrences |
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