Original Word: צָדָה
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: tsadah
Pronunciation: tsaw-DAW
Phonetic Spelling: (tsaw-daw')
Definition: to chase, to desolate
Meaning: To chase, to desolate

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G1195 (δεσπότης • despotes): While not a direct translation, this Greek term refers to a master or lord, often implying authority and control, which can be related to the concept of pursuing with intent to dominate or subdue.
• G1587 (ἐκδιώκω • ekdioko): This Greek verb means "to drive out" or "to chase away," closely aligning with the Hebrew concept of pursuing with the intent to desolate or ruin. It captures the aggressive pursuit and the resulting expulsion or destruction of the pursued.

These Greek entries provide a broader understanding of the concept of pursuit and desolation as seen in the Hebrew צָדָה, illustrating the continuity of these themes across the biblical languages.

Usage: The verb צָדָה (tsadah) is used in the context of pursuing or chasing, often with the implication of causing desolation or ruin. It conveys a sense of active pursuit, typically with negative connotations, such as hunting down or laying waste.

Context: The Hebrew verb צָדָה (tsadah) appears in the Old Testament with the primary meaning of "to chase" or "to pursue." It is a primitive root that suggests an active and often aggressive pursuit, which can lead to desolation or ruin. This term is used in various contexts, including military pursuits, hunting, and metaphorical descriptions of enemies or adversaries.

In the Berean Standard Bible, the usage of צָדָה can be seen in passages where the pursuit leads to destruction or desolation. The term is often associated with the actions of enemies or those who seek to bring harm. The pursuit is not merely a physical chase but can also imply a relentless or determined effort to overcome or destroy.

The concept of desolation tied to צָדָה highlights the outcome of such pursuits, where the pursued are left in a state of ruin or devastation. This dual aspect of chasing and desolating underscores the severity and intensity of the actions described by this verb.

I. צָדָה verb lie in wait (Late Hebrew id., rare; compare (si vera lectio) Biblical Aramaic צְדָא Daniel 3:14) —

Qal Perfect3masculine singular ׳צ Exodus 21:13 (E; absolute); Participle with accusative וְאַתָּה צֹדֶה אֶתנַֿפְשִׁי לְקִחְתָּהּ 1 Samuel 24:11 (Gi; v.1 Samuel 24:12 van d. H. Baer).

II. [צָדָה] verb lay waste (Late Hebrew id. (rare), Aramaic צְדִי, , id.); —

Niph`al Perfect3plural נִצְדּוּ עָרֵיהֶם Zephaniah 3:6 their cities are laid waste.

צֵדָה see צֵידָה, below II. צוד. צֵדְנִיֹּת see צִידֹנִי.

צדק (√of following; Late Hebrew, Aramaic in derivatives; compare Arabic speak the truth (also hard, even, straight, perfect); Sabean צדק just, epithet of king Mordtm^{ZMG xxx (1876), 37} Hom^{Chrest. 125}; usually excellent DHM^{ZMG xxix (1875), 595, 590} CIS^{iv. p. 176}; also verb favour, endow (one with something) CIS^{iv. No. 198 l. 4} DHM^l.c. Mordtm^{Him. Inschr. 70 f.}; Phoenician צדק adjective just, right, Tel Amarna (Canaanite) ƒaduk\, innocent Old Aramaic צדק noun righteousness, loylty, Nabataean אצדק adjective authorized, Palmyrene זדקתא εὐσεβής; Saho sada‡, be true, clear Reinisch^{Saho Spr, (1890) 312}; Ethiopic be just, righteous, so Late Hebrew צדק Pi`el Hiph`il, Aramaic צְדֵיק, ; compare Kau^{der. d. St.} צדק (1881) HPS^{צדק etc. Presb. Rev., 1882, 165 ff.} Gerber^206ff.).

destroy, hunt, lie in wait

A primitive root; to chase; by implication, to desolate -- destroy, hunt, lie in wait.

נִצְדּ֧וּ נצדו צָדָ֔ה צֹדֶ֥ה צדה niṣ·dū niṣdū nitzDu ṣā·ḏāh ṣāḏāh ṣō·ḏeh ṣōḏeh tzaDah tzoDehInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts