Original Word: צוּעָר
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Tsaw`ar
Pronunciation: Tsoo-ar
Phonetic Spelling: (tsoo-awr')
KJV: Zuar
NASB: Zuar
Word Origin: [from H6819 (צָּעַר - become insignificant)]

1. small
2. Tsuar, an Israelite

Zuar

From tsa'ar; small; Tsuar, an Israelite -- Zuar.

see HEBREW tsa'ar

Word Origin
from tsaar
Definition
"little one," a man of Issachar
NASB Translation
Zuar (5).

צוּעָר proper name, masculine Σωγαρ, in Issachar (little one); — always in ׳נְתַנְאֵל בֶּןצֿ Numbers 1:8; Numbers 2:5; Numbers 7:18,23; Numbers 10:15.

Historical Setting and Family Line

Tsuʿar appears exclusively in the Torah as the father of Nethanel, the tribal leader of Issachar during Israel’s wilderness wanderings (Numbers 1:8; 2:5; 7:18; 7:23; 10:15). Although nothing is recorded of the man himself beyond his paternity, his inclusion in the inspired record secures his place within the covenant community traced from Jacob’s son Issachar. In an age when family identity defined social standing and covenant inheritance, the mention of Tsuʿar affirms the continuity of Issachar’s lineage from Egypt to Sinai and on toward Canaan.

Role in the National Census

The first notice of Tsuʿar comes in the opening census: “from Issachar, Nethanel son of Zuar” (Numbers 1:8). That initial numbering established military strength and administrative order for the fledgling nation. By citing the paternal line, the text validates the tribal heads as legitimate representatives. Tsuʿar’s name thus underwrites the authority of his son, whose task was to count and later marshal 54,400 fighting men (Numbers 1:29).

Position in the Camp Arrangement

When the tribes encamped around the tabernacle, Issachar camped on the east alongside Judah and Zebulun. “The camp of Issachar will set out under the standard of their divisions, and Nethanel son of Zuar was over its division” (Numbers 10:15). Here again Tsuʿar’s name is preserved to confirm the chain of command. Issachar’s strategic post near the tabernacle’s entrance testifies that the father’s household shared in the honor of leading the nation’s advance whenever the cloud lifted.

Participation in Worship and Dedication

During the twelve-day dedication of the altar, each tribal prince presented identical offerings. On the second day Issachar, through Nethanel, brought “one silver dish weighing one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels… one gold dish of ten shekels filled with incense… and the sacrifice of peace offerings” (Numbers 7:18-23). Every reader is reminded that these lavish gifts flowed from a tribe headed by a man whose pedigree reached back to Tsuʿar. The father’s faith is implied: his son could not have held such a role without a heritage that honored the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Theological and Devotional Insights

1. Covenant Continuity: Tsuʿar illustrates how the covenant promises traveled through ordinary families. The faithfulness of one generation supports the ministry of the next.
2. Humble Greatness: The probable sense of the name (“small” or “little”) hints at the paradox of Scripture—“God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27). Though unheralded, Tsuʿar’s influence reached the highest levels of Israel’s leadership.
3. Record of Remembrance: Scripture’s meticulous genealogies assure believers that no servant of God is forgotten. The single-line legacy of Tsuʿar encourages Christians whose quiet faithfulness may never make headlines but is treasured by the Lord.

Inter-Textual Connections

• Genesis 49:14-15 – Issachar’s patriarchal blessing forecasts a tribe that would bear burdens for the community; Tsuʿar’s household helps fulfill that prophecy through leadership and offerings.
• 1 Chronicles 12:32 – Later men of Issachar are noted for “understanding the times.” The foundation laid by fathers like Tsuʿar prepared the tribe to provide wise counsel even in David’s day.
• Hebrews 6:10 – “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work.” Tsuʿar’s fleeting mention proves that every act and lineage has eternal significance in God’s redemptive story.

Summary

Tsuʿar, though a silent figure, stands as a testament to the enduring value of godly lineage, covenant fidelity, and the unseen influence of faithful parents. Through his son Nethanel, the tribe of Issachar was counted, ordered, and consecrated, and through the inspired record his name continues to edify all who prize the sufficiency and precision of the Word of God.

צוּעָ֑ר צוּעָֽר׃ צוער צוער׃ ṣū‘ār ṣū·‘ār tzuArInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts