### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ṭâhôwr**, represented by `{{H2889}}`, is a key term for **pure** or **clean**. It appears 94 times in 87 unique verses. Its meaning is broad, encompassing physical purity, ceremonial cleanness required by the Law, and a moral or spiritual state of being pure and unadulterated.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H2889}}` is used in several distinct ways. Ceremonially, it distinguishes between **clean** and unclean animals for sacrifice and consumption, a standard given to Noah [[Genesis 8:20]] and later codified in the Law [[Leviticus 20:25]]. It also defines the ritual status of individuals, determining who was **clean** and thus able to participate in religious life [[Numbers 9:13]]. Physically, it describes materials of the highest quality for sacred use, such as the **pure** gold of the tabernacle's candlestick and mercy seat ([[Exodus 25:31]], [[Exodus 25:17]]) and the **pure** incense for offerings [[Exodus 37:29]]. Morally, it signifies an internal state, as in the prayer for a **clean** heart [[Psalms 51:10]] or in describing God's **purer** eyes that cannot look upon evil [[Habakkuk 1:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of biblical purity and impurity:
* `{{H2891}}` **ṭâhêr**: The root verb meaning "to be pure" or "to cleanse." It describes the action of becoming clean, as when God promises his people, "ye shall be **clean**" [[Ezekiel 36:25]].
* `{{H2931}}` **ṭâmêʼ**: An adjective meaning "unclean" or "defiled." It serves as the direct antonym to `ṭâhôwr` and is often used in contrast to establish the difference between what is acceptable and what is not [[Leviticus 10:10]].
* `{{H2930}}` **ṭâmêʼ**: The root verb meaning "to be foul" or "to defile." This is the action of becoming unclean, which the Israelites were warned against [[Leviticus 20:25]].
* `{{H2932}}` **ṭumʼâh**: A noun meaning "religious impurity" or "filthiness." It represents the state of uncleanness from which God promises to cleanse His people [[Ezekiel 36:25]].
* `{{H2890}}` **ṭᵉhôwr**: A noun variant meaning "purity" or "pureness." It is used to describe the quality of one who loves **pureness** of heart [[Proverbs 22:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2889}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of Israel's relationship with God.
* **The Principle of Separation:** The constant command to distinguish between the **clean** and the unclean established a foundational worldview of separation and holiness. Priests were explicitly tasked with teaching this difference, reflecting the division between the sacred and the profane ([[Ezekiel 44:23]], [[Leviticus 10:10]]).
* **The Requirement for Worship:** Ceremonial cleanness was a prerequisite for approaching God and participating in the covenant community. An individual who was not **clean** could not keep the Passover [[2 Chronicles 30:17]] or eat of the holy offerings [[Leviticus 7:19]].
* **The Essence of God's Character:** Purity is an attribute of God Himself. His fear is described as **clean** [[Psalms 19:9]], His words are **pure** [[Psalms 12:6]], and His nature is too **pure** to tolerate evil [[Habakkuk 1:13]].
* **The Need for Inner Transformation:** The concept moves beyond external acts to the inner person. The scriptures condemn those who are **pure** in their own eyes but are not washed from their filthiness [[Proverbs 30:12]], showing that true purity must be a divine work of creating a **clean** heart [[Psalms 51:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2889}}` is a multifaceted term that is central to understanding holiness in the Old Testament. It spans from the tangible—**pure** gold and **clean** animals—to the deeply spiritual. It establishes the standards for approaching a holy God, defines the moral character to which His people are called, and ultimately describes the perfect nature of God Himself. The word illustrates the biblical progression from external, ceremonial purity to an internal, moral purity of the heart.
TRV