Lexical Summary Tsori: Tyrians, men of Tyre, Tyre Original Word: צֹרִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance man of Tyre, Syria Patrial from Tsor; a Tsorite or inhabitant of Tsor (i.e. Syrian) -- (man) of Tyre. see HEBREW Tsor NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Tsor Definition inhab. of Tyre NASB Translation men of Tyre (1), Tyre (1), Tyrian (1), Tyrians (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs צֹרִי adjective, of a people Tyrilan; — ׳אִישׁ צ 1 Kings 7:14 2Chron 2:13; plural as substantive הַצֹּרִים the Tyrians 1 Chronicles 22:4; Ezra 3:7 (both + הַצִּידֹנִים), Nehemiah 13:16. II. צֹר (flint, knife) see III. צרר. Topical Lexicon Geographical and Historical Background צֹרִי designates an inhabitant of the Phoenician port of Tyre, a prosperous maritime city on the Mediterranean coast of ancient Lebanon. Tyre’s extensive cedar forests, advanced craftsmanship, and vibrant trading networks made its people indispensable partners to Israel during the monarchic period and again after the exile. The five occurrences of the word cluster around two great building eras—the Solomonic Temple and the Second Temple—as well as a later reformation under Nehemiah, highlighting both the benefits and the challenges of Israel’s interaction with Tyre. Partnership in Temple Construction Solomon’s international alliance with Hiram king of Tyre (1 Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 2) secured superior materials and artisans. Tyrian workers are explicitly mentioned in 1 Chronicles 22:4: “the Sidonians and Tyrians had brought him a large quantity of cedar”. Their maritime expertise enabled massive cedar logs from Lebanon to be floated to Joppa and then transported to Jerusalem. This logistic marvel underscored God’s providence, using Gentile resources to advance His covenant purposes. Contribution of Skilled Labor A standout example is the master craftsman sent to Solomon: “His father was a man of Tyre and a skillful bronze worker; Hiram had great skill, understanding, and knowledge to do every kind of bronze work” (1 Kings 7:14; cf. 2 Chronicles 2:14). The Tyrian artisan’s mixed heritage (an Israelite mother, Tyrian father) anticipates the New Testament theme that spiritual service is open to all who are called and gifted by God. His talents fashioned the Temple’s pillars, basins, and intricate bronze furnishings, demonstrating that excellence in vocation honors the Lord when employed for His house. Commercial Exchange and Provisioning During the post-exilic restoration, Ezra renewed the earlier arrangement: “They … gave food and drink and oil to the Sidonians and Tyrians, so that they would bring cedar logs by sea from Lebanon to Joppa” (Ezra 3:7). Tyrian commerce again supplied what God’s people lacked, affirming that legitimate trade can further kingdom work. The partnership also reflects divine faithfulness—just as He moved pagan Cyrus to decree the rebuild, He stirred Tyrian merchants to assist. Lesson on Covenant Faithfulness and Sabbath Observance Nehemiah 13:16 presents a sobering contrast: “men of Tyre … sold them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah—and in Jerusalem itself!”. The same entrepreneurial spirit that once aided Israel now tempted her to violate the Sabbath. Nehemiah’s decisive response—closing the gates and rebuking offenders—reminds believers that practical holiness must regulate even beneficial economic relationships. God’s gifts become snares when His commandments are neglected. Prophetic and Eschatological Overtones Although צֹרִי appears only in historical narratives, the broader biblical witness to Tyre (for example Ezekiel 26–28) frames these occurrences. Tyre’s eventual downfall warns Israel—and by extension the Church—against pride in wealth and skill. At the same time, prophetic visions of nations bringing their glory into Zion (Isaiah 60:5–13) foreshadow redeemed Tyrian contributions in the Messianic age, when all commerce, art, and labor are consecrated to the Lord. Ministerial Application 1. Collaborate wisely. God may use unbelieving partners to supply His work, yet discernment is essential to avoid spiritual compromise. Thus צֹרִי, while a small term, weaves a rich tapestry of cooperation, craftsmanship, commerce, and covenant fidelity across Israel’s history, pointing ultimately to the universal reign of Christ in which every skill and resource finds its highest purpose. Forms and Transliterations וְהַצֹּרִ֜ים וְהַצֹּרִים֙ וְלַצֹּרִ֔ים והצרים ולצרים צֹרִ֡י צֹרִי֮ צרי ṣō·rî ṣōrî tzoRi vehatztzoRim velatztzoRim wə·haṣ·ṣō·rîm wə·laṣ·ṣō·rîm wəhaṣṣōrîm wəlaṣṣōrîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 7:14 HEB: וְאָבִ֣יו אִישׁ־ צֹרִי֮ חֹרֵ֣שׁ נְחֹשֶׁת֒ NAS: was a man of Tyre, a worker KJV: [was] a man of Tyre, a worker INT: and his father was a man of Tyre artificer bronze 1 Chronicles 22:4 2 Chronicles 2:14 Ezra 3:7 Nehemiah 13:16 5 Occurrences |
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