צָבָא
Tsava
Army, host, heavenly host
Tsava (צָבָא) is a Hebrew word meaning “army, host, heavenly host,” pronounced “tsa-VAH.” Derived from the root צ-ב-א, tsava appears 480 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H6635).
| Hebrew | צָבָא |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Tsava |
| Pronunciation | tsa-VAH |
| Meaning | Army, host, heavenly host |
| Root Letters | צ-ב-א |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 480× |
| Key Verse | 1 Samuel 17:45 |
| Strong's Number | H6635 |
| Category | Warfare & Victory |
When the shepherd boy David faced the giant Goliath, he made no mention of his sling skill. Instead, he invoked the most powerful military title in the Hebrew Bible: 'I come to you in the name of the LORD of Tseva'ot (צְבָאוֹת) — the God of the armies of Israel' (1 Samuel 17:45). The word tsava (צָבָא) means 'army' or 'host,' and when applied to God — 'YHWH Tseva'ot,' the LORD of Hosts — it describes the Commander of both earthly armies and the vast heavenly legions of angels. This divine title appears over 280 times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the prophets, and it carries a declaration that shatters every power equation: the God of Israel commands more forces than every earthly army combined. When Elisha's servant panicked at the surrounding enemy, Elisha prayed, 'Open his eyes' — and the servant saw the hills filled with horses and chariots of fire (2 Kings 6:17). That is the tsava of God.
Key Bible Verse: 1 Samuel 17:45
“Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts (Tseva'ot), the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.'”
What Is the Root of Tsava in Hebrew?
Tsava comes from the root צ-ב-א (tsade-bet-aleph), meaning 'to wage war, to serve, to assemble.' It describes both military service and organized assembly — an army mustered for a purpose under command.
What Does Tsava Mean in the Bible?
Tsava appears over 480 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes Israel's armies (Numbers 1:3), the heavenly host of angels (1 Kings 22:19), the stars as God's 'host' (Genesis 2:1), and God's title 'YHWH Tseva'ot' (LORD of Hosts), appearing 280+ times in the prophets.
How Is Tsava Used in Modern Hebrew?
The Israel Defense Forces is called 'Tseva Haganah L'Yisrael' (Tsahal) — using the biblical word tsava. The concept of national defense as sacred duty is deeply rooted in the Bible's portrayal of God as Commander of Israel's tsava.
How to Use Tsava in Prayer & Worship
Like David, enter your battles invoking YHWH Tseva'ot — the LORD of Hosts. You are not alone. The God who commands angel armies is on your side. Ask Him to open your eyes to see the heavenly tsava surrounding you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tsava
How do you say “Army” in Hebrew?
“Army” in Hebrew is Tsava (צָבָא), pronounced “tsa-VAH.” Tsava comes from the root צ-ב-א (tsade-bet-aleph), meaning 'to wage war, to serve, to assemble.' It describes both military service and organized assembly — an army mustered for a purpose under command.
What does Tsava mean in the Bible?
Tsava (צָבָא) means “Army, host, heavenly host” in Biblical Hebrew. Tsava appears over 480 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes Israel's armies (Numbers 1:3), the heavenly host of angels (1 Kings 22:19), the stars as God's 'host' (Genesis 2:1), and God's title 'YHWH Tseva'ot' (LORD of Hosts), appearing 280+ times in the prophets.
How do you pronounce Tsava?
Tsava is pronounced “tsa-VAH.” The word comes from the Hebrew root צ-ב-א.
What does 'LORD of Hosts' mean?
'YHWH Tseva'ot' is God's military title — He is the supreme commander of all armies, earthly and heavenly. The 'hosts' include angelic armies (Psalm 103:21), the stars (Isaiah 40:26), and Israel's forces. This title emphasizes God's sovereign power over every force in existence.
What is the heavenly host in the Bible?
The 'heavenly tsava' refers to angelic beings who serve God as warriors and worshipers. In 1 Kings 22:19, Micaiah sees God with 'all the host of heaven' around Him. The angels at Jesus' birth were a 'heavenly host praising God' (Luke 2:13). They are both army and choir.
Why did David invoke 'the LORD of Hosts' against Goliath?
David understood the battle was about spiritual authority, not physical weapons. By invoking YHWH Tseva'ot, David declared that the God who commands angel armies was fighting through him. Goliath had an army behind him, but David had the army of heaven.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H6635: Tsava
- Bible Gateway — 1 Samuel 17:45 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for צ-ב-א
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