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H6641 · Hebrew · Old Testament
צָבוּעַ
Tsavua
Adjective
Striped/Colored/Hyena

Definition

The Hebrew word tsavua means striped, varicolored, or dyed. It appears in Judges 5:30 referring to the multicolored embroidered garments anticipated as war plunder. The related noun gives the name 'hyena' in Hebrew (from the striped appearance), though the primary biblical use relates to dyed/embroidered fabric.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Song of Deborah (Judges 5) uses tsavua in a moment of brutal irony: Sisera's mother imagines her son returning with embroidered garments as plunder — but he is dead, killed by Jael. The anticipated spoils of victory never came. This poetic use highlights the vanity of military conquest and the emptiness of anticipated plunder. The multicolored garments in Scripture often signify honor (Joseph's coat, the embroidered priestly garments), reminding believers that true honor comes not through conquest or status but through faithfulness to God.

Key Bible Verses

Judges 5:30 Are they not finding and dividing the spoil?— A womb or two for every warrior, spoil of dyed goods for Sisera, spoil of dyed goods embroidered, two pieces of dyed work embroidered for the neck as spoil?
Genesis 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors.
Psalm 45:14 In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her.
Ezekiel 16:16 You took some of your garments and made for yourself colorful shrines, and on them played the whore. The like has never been, nor ever shall be.
Proverbs 7:16 I have spread my couch with coverings, colored linens from Egyptian linen.

Related Words

External Resources

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