צרויה

Tzruya is an ancient and exceptionally rare Hebrew name, deeply woven into the history of the people of Israel and the biblical narratives. The name carries significant historical weight and unique cultural meaning, reflecting the special status of the woman who bore it in Scripture. Tzruya was the sister of King David, daughter of Jesse of Bethlehem, and mother of three of Israel's greatest warriors: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Her figure appears in the books of Samuel and Chronicles, and although we know little about her personal life, her name has become a symbol of familial strength and leadership legacy. What makes the name Tzruya particularly unique is the exceptional phenomenon in the Bible where her sons are called by her name rather than their father's. Everywhere her sons are mentioned, they are called "sons of Tzruya" or "Joab son of Tzruya," "Abishai son of Tzruya," and "Asahel son of Tzruya." This phenomenon is extremely rare in Scripture, where the tradition was to call a person by their father's name. Sages and commentators have offered several explanations: some say that Tzruya's husband died when her sons were young, so she raised them alone and left her mark on them. Others argue that Tzruya was a woman with such a strong personality, high social status, and natural leadership that her personal identity overshadowed her husband's identity. Some explain that she was better known than her husband because she was the king's sister, making attribution to her more natural. Linguistically, the origin of the name Tzruya is debated among language scholars and commentators. Some argue the name is connected to the root "tzori" - a precious healing balm that grew in Gilead, mentioned in many places in Scripture as a medicinal substance. According to this interpretation, Tzruya means "fragrance of balm" or "possessor of balm's scent," expressing fragrance, luxury, and healing power. Others connect the name to the root "tzur" meaning rock or stone, and then the meaning is "cliff of God" or "rock of God," symbolizing steadfastness, strength, and stability. There are also opinions linking the name to an Aramaic root related to resin or another plant extract. All these interpretations converge on one meaning: power, great value, and special quality. In Jewish tradition, the figure of Tzruya symbolizes the strong mother who raises leaders. Her three sons were among the greatest warriors and commanders in David's kingdom: Joab served as David's chief military commander for decades, Abishai was one of his most senior and courageous commanders, and Asahel was known for his speed and bravery. The fact that Tzruya raised three such sons testifies to her education, values, and strength of personality. The Midrashim tell that she was a righteous woman, wise and God-fearing, and that she passed on to her sons the values of loyalty to the kingdom, courage, and devotion to the people of Israel. The name Tzruya carries with it this legacy of strong motherhood, education for excellence, and creating a generation of leaders.

צְרוּיָה

Tzruya | Tzeruya | Zeruiah | Tseruyah

Boy and Girl

No

2 Samuel 2:18 - And the two sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab and Abishai the son of Zeruiah

In Kabbalah, the name Tzruya represents protective and nurturing feminine power. The name connects the Sefirah of Gevurah, symbolizing strength and courage, with the Sefirah of Binah, representing deep understanding and motherhood. Tzruya symbolizes the spiritual mother who raises strong souls and gives them the tools to face life's challenges. The name carries within it the power of healing balm - the ability to heal spiritual wounds and strengthen the soul.

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Tzeruya Shalev (Israeli journalist and political commentator) | Tzeruya Gavish (author and poet) | Tzeruya Aharon (visual artist)

צרויה | צפורה | צילה | צביה

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