Original Word: צָנַע
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: tsana
Pronunciation: tsaw-nah'
Phonetic Spelling: (tsaw-nah')
Definition: To be humble, to be modest
Meaning: to humiliate

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek equivalent often associated with the concept of humility is ταπεινόω (tapeinoō - Strong's Greek 5013), which also means to humble or to make low.

Usage: The Hebrew verb "tsana" primarily conveys the idea of humility or modesty. It is used to describe a demeanor or attitude of lowliness and submission, often in relation to one's conduct before God. This term emphasizes the importance of humility as a virtue in the life of a believer, highlighting the need for a heart that is contrite and submissive to God's will.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Israelite culture, humility was a highly regarded virtue, often associated with wisdom and righteousness. The concept of humility was deeply embedded in the religious and social fabric of the community, reflecting a person's relationship with God and others. Humility was seen as essential for maintaining harmony and justice within the community and was often contrasted with pride, which was viewed as a vice leading to downfall and destruction.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to be modest or humble
NASB Translation
humbly (1).

[צָנַע] verb be modest, humble (perhaps properly be retired, Late Hebrew Hiph`il keep close, reserve, preserve, so ᵑ7 אַצְנַע; צְנִיעַ retiring, modest); —

Hiph`il Infinitive absolute הַצְנֵעַ לֶכֶת Micah 6:8 a making humble to walk = shewing a humble walk (with God).

[צָנוּעַ]

adjective modest (on formation compare Ba^{BN § 31 d}); — plural צְנוּעִים Proverbs 11:9 (see Toy; opposed to זָדוֺן).

humbly, lowly

A primitive root; to humiliate -- humbly, lowly.

וְהַצְנֵ֥עַ והצנע צְנוּעִ֥ים צנועים ṣə·nū·‘îm ṣənū‘îm tzenuIm vehatzNea wə·haṣ·nê·a‘ wəhaṣnêa‘Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts