Lexical Summary tsintseneth: Jar, Pot Original Word: צִנְצֶנֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pot From the same as tsen; a vase (probably a vial tapering at the top) -- pot. see HEBREW tsen NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originperhaps from the same as tsinnah Definition a jar NASB Translation jar (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs צִנְצֶ֫נֶת noun feminine jar, or like receptacle (so vrss and context; perhaps from above v; > basket = ᵑ7 Talmud צִנָּא); — Exodus 16:33 (P). צְנָן see צַאֲנָן . Topical Lexicon Term and Occurrence Tsintseneth denotes the “jar” commanded by Moses for the perpetual preservation of manna. The word occurs once, in Exodus 16:33. Historical Background In the Early Bronze and Late Bronze Ages, Near-Eastern jars were typically fashioned of fired clay, designed to keep grain or liquids cool and dry. For sacred use, metal vessels could be overlaid with gold (compare Numbers 7:13-14). The tsintseneth begins as an ordinary container but is sanctified by its contents and its placement “before the LORD.” Exodus Narrative Context After Israel’s first experience of manna, Moses instructed Aaron: “Take a jar and put an omer of manna in it. Then place it before the LORD to be preserved for the generations to come” (Exodus 16:33). The verse occurs between the initial provision of manna (Exodus 16:4-31) and the Sabbath-rest directive (Exodus 16:23-30), underscoring God’s faithfulness to meet both daily and perpetual needs. Symbolism and Typology 1. Provision: The jar testifies that Israel’s life depended entirely on divine sustenance, not on their own agriculture (Deuteronomy 8:3). Connection with the Tabernacle and the Ark Exodus 16:34 adds, “So Aaron placed it before the Testimony to be preserved.” When the Ark was completed, the jar rested “inside,” alongside the tablets and Aaron’s staff (Hebrews 9:4). Within the Holy of Holies, the jar signified uninterrupted fellowship: Israel could approach God because He had first provided life-giving bread. Priestly Custody and Generational Testimony Aaron’s role shows priestly mediation. He carried the jar into the presence of the LORD—an act mirrored in New Testament teaching where believers, a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), hold forth the word of life for future generations (Philippians 2:16). Teaching and Preaching Applications • Dependence on God’s daily and enduring provision. New Testament Resonances Hebrews 9:4 references a “golden jar holding the manna,” affirming the Exodus account and its relevance under the New Covenant. Revelation 2:17 promises “hidden manna” to the overcomer, drawing the symbol forward into eschatological hope. Related Biblical Themes Memorial objects: stones at Gilgal (Joshua 4), the tassels on garments (Numbers 15:38-40), and the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:24-26) all serve a similar purpose—perpetual remembrance. Divine preservation: Elijah’s flour and oil (1 Kings 17:14-16) and Jesus multiplying bread (Matthew 14:19-20) echo the jar’s message that God sustains His people beyond natural limits. Key Doctrinal Insights 1. Scripture’s internal harmony—Exodus and Hebrews corroborate each other. Summary The tsintseneth is more than an ancient vessel; it is a tangible witness to God’s faithful provision, a typological pointer to Christ, and an enduring lesson for believers to remember, trust, and proclaim the sustaining grace of God across generations. Forms and Transliterations צִנְצֶ֣נֶת צנצנת ṣin·ṣe·neṯ ṣinṣeneṯ tzinTzenetLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 16:33 HEB: אַהֲרֹ֗ן קַ֚ח צִנְצֶ֣נֶת אַחַ֔ת וְתֶן־ NAS: Take a jar and put KJV: Take a pot, and put an omer INT: Aaron Take A jar a and put 1 Occurrence |
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