צִרְעָה
tsir.ah
hornet
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word צִרְעָה (tsir.ah, Strong's number H6880) has a specific and distinct meaning - it refers to a hornet. This word appears three times in the Bible, indicating that it holds some importance in the context where it's used. Given that hornets are typically associated with stinging and pain, it's possible that the word is used in situations where pests or nuisances are involved. However, without further contextual information, it's difficult to determine the full extent of its usage. It's interesting that such a specific and tangible creature is included in the Hebrew language's lexicon, suggesting that the ancient speakers of this language were attuned to the natural world and the characteristics of various animals. The occurrence of this word in the Bible may indicate that hornets played a role in everyday life, perhaps as pests to be controlled or as a symbol in some stories.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences across the text
I will send the hornet before you, which will drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before you.
Deuteronomy 7:20Moreover Yahweh your God will send the hornet among them, until those who are left, and hide themselves, perish from before you.
Joshua 24:12I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; not with your sword, nor with your bow.