Original Word: צוּק
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: tsuwq
Pronunciation: tsook
Phonetic Spelling: (tsook)
Definition: to compress, oppress, distress
Meaning: To compress, oppress, distress

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of oppression or distress found in צוּק (tsuq) can be related to several Greek terms in the New Testament, such as θλίβω (thlibō • Strong's Greek 2346), which means to press, afflict, or trouble, and θλῖψις (thlipsis • Strong's Greek 2347), which refers to tribulation or distress. These Greek terms similarly convey the idea of pressure or affliction, often in the context of persecution or trials faced by believers.

Usage: The verb צוּק (tsuq) is used in the Hebrew Bible to convey the idea of pressing or squeezing, often in a metaphorical sense to describe situations of oppression or distress. It is used to depict the act of causing hardship or affliction, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

Context: The root צוּק (tsuq) appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, often associated with the experience of being in a narrow or confined space, both literally and figuratively. This term is used to describe the pressure or burden placed upon individuals or groups, often by external forces or adversaries. In the narrative of the Israelites, it frequently refers to the oppression they faced from surrounding nations or during times of captivity. The term can also be used in a more personal sense, describing the internal distress or anguish experienced by individuals.

For example, in 1 Samuel 30:6, David is described as being "greatly distressed" (BSB) when his men spoke of stoning him due to their grief over the loss of their families. This usage highlights the emotional and psychological pressure that can accompany external threats or challenges.

The concept of צוּק (tsuq) is also present in the prophetic literature, where it often serves as a warning of impending judgment or calamity due to the people's disobedience. The prophets use this term to call the people to repentance, urging them to turn back to God to avoid the distress that comes from divine judgment.

Overall, צוּק (tsuq) encapsulates the experience of being under duress, whether from human adversaries, personal circumstances, or divine discipline. It serves as a reminder of the human condition's vulnerability and the need for reliance on God's deliverance and mercy.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to constrain, bring into straits, press upon
NASB Translation
bring distress (1), constrains (1), distress (2), oppress (3), oppressor (2), pressed (1), pressed him so hard (1).

I. [צוּק] verb Hiph`il constrain, bring into straits, press upon (Late Hebrew צוּק be distressed (rare), Hiph`il = Biblical Hebrew; Arabic () be narrow, tight, so Ethiopic ; Aramaic עִיק, ; Christian-Palestinian Aramaic ); — Perfect 3 feminine singular הֵצִיקָה Judges 16:16, suffix הֱצִיקַתְהוּ Judges 14:17, נִ֑י Job 32:18 (Gi Job 32:19); 1singular וַהֲצִיקוֺתִ֫י consecutive Isaiah 29:2; Imperfect3masculine singular יָצִיק Deuteronomy 28:53 2t.; 3 masculine plural יָצִיקוּ Jeremiah 19:9; Participle מֵצִיק Isaiah 51:13 (twice in verse), plural מְצִיקִים Isaiah 29:7; — bring into straits, by importunity with ל person Judges 16:16, with suffix person Judges 14:17; constrain (to speak) Job 32:18 (suffix person); elsewhere of bringing into straits a city or people, with ל, Isaiah 29:2,7, so Isaiah 7:6 (reading וּנְצִיקֶנָּה for ᵑ0 וּנְקִיצֶנָּה), Thes Che Du Gr Marti, compare formula לְ ׳בְּמָצוֺר וּבְמָצוֺק אֲשֶׁר יָצ Deuteronomy 28:53,55,57; Jeremiah 19:9; participle absolute הַמֵּצִיק Isaiah 51:13 (twice in verse) the oppressor.

constrain, distress, lie sore, oppressor, straiten

A primitive root; to compress, i.e. (figuratively) oppress, distress -- constrain, distress, lie sore, (op-)press(-or), straiten.

הֱ֝צִיקַ֗תְנִי הֱצִיקַ֔תְהוּ הֵצִ֨יקָה הַמֵּצִ֔יק הַמֵּצִֽיק׃ המציק המציק׃ הציקה הציקתהו הציקתני וְהַמְּצִיקִ֖ים וַהֲצִיק֖וֹתִי והמציקים והציקותי יָצִ֥יק יָצִ֧יקוּ יציק יציקו ham·mê·ṣîq hammêṣîq hammeTzik hê·ṣî·qāh hĕ·ṣî·qaṯ·hū hĕ·ṣî·qaṯ·nî hêṣîqāh hĕṣîqaṯhū hĕṣîqaṯnî heTzikah hetziKathu hetziKatni vahatziKoti vehammetziKim wa·hă·ṣî·qō·w·ṯî wahăṣîqōwṯî wə·ham·mə·ṣî·qîm wəhamməṣîqîm yā·ṣî·qū yā·ṣîq yāṣîq yāṣîqū yaTzik yaTzikuInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts