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H6696 · Hebrew · Old Testament
צוּר
tsur
Verb
To besiege/confine/press/distress

Definition

The Hebrew verb tsur means to besiege, to confine, to cramp, or to press/distress. It is the word for laying siege to a city — surrounding it, cutting off its supply, pressing it until it must surrender. It is related to but distinct from the noun tsur (rock, H6697).

Usage & Theological Significance

While God is the Rock (tsur, H6697) who defends, the verb tsur (to besiege) appears in contexts of both divine judgment and human warfare. When God's people are disobedient, he permits enemies to tsur them (Deuteronomy 28:52: 'They will lay siege to all the cities throughout your land'). But God also tsurs the enemies of his people (Isaiah 29:3: 'I will encamp against you... I will besiege you'). The verb creates a striking theological image: the God who is your Rock-fortress can also become the siege-master pressing against those who oppose him. No city of rebellion stands forever against divine pressure.

Key Bible Verses

Deuteronomy 28:52 They will lay siege to all the cities throughout your land until the high fortified walls in which you trust fall down.
Isaiah 29:3 I will encamp against you on all sides; I will encircle you with towers and set up my siege works against you.
1 Samuel 23:8 Saul called up all his forces for battle, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men.
Psalm 31:21 Praise be to the LORD, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a besieged city.
Zechariah 12:2 I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem.

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