Lexical Definition
צִן Tsin (tseen) Zin N:N--L
from an unused root meaning to prick; a crag
Zin.
- § Zin = "flat"
- Tsin, a part of the Desert
1) name given to a portion of the desert tract between the Dead Sea and Arabah on the east in which Kadesh-barnea was located
Brown-Driver-Briggs
צִן proper name, of a location Σ(ε)ιν; name of wilderness south of Canaan, where lay Kadesh Barnea, with ה locative צִ֫נָה Num 34:4 (where LagBN 47 חצן), Josh 15:3 (van d. H. צִ֫נָּה in Joshua); elsewhere מִדְבַּרצִֿן Num 13:21; Num 20:1; Num 27:14 (twice in verse); Num 33:36; Num 34:3; Deut 32:51; Josh 15:1 (all P). [צֵן], I, II, III. צִנָּה, see I, II, III. צנן. below
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| Numbers | 13:21 · 20:1 · 27:14 · 33:36 · 34:3 · 34:4 |
| Deuteronomy | 32:51 |
| Joshua | 15:1 · 15:3 |
Profile
Zin_1 • A desert and wilderness region south of Judah
The Wilderness of Zin was a desert region south of Judah where the Israelites encamped during their wilderness wanderings (Num.13:21; 20:1; 33:36).
Zin refers to a desert and wilderness region located south of Judah, east of the Arabah, and west of Edom. During the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, they encamped in the Wilderness of Zin on the border of Edom (Num.20:1; 33:36). It was from here that Moses sent spies to explore the land of Canaan (Num.13:21). Later, Moses and Aaron rebelled against God's command to speak to the rock to bring forth water, instead striking it twice (Num.27:14). As a result, they were not allowed to enter the Promised Land. The Wilderness of Zin formed part of the southern border of the land allotted to Judah (Jos.15:1,3). It marked the extreme southern limit of the Promised Land (Num.34:3-4). The Wilderness of Zin is also associated with Kadesh (Num.33:36), a significant site during Israel's wilderness journey. The name "Zin" may be related to a Hebrew term meaning "flat" or "low," possibly referring to its lower elevation compared to the surrounding regions.
All entries for Zin: צִן