### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun ṭᵉhôwr (`{{H2890}}`) signifies "purity" or "pureness." It is derived from the verbal root ṭāhēr (`{{H2891}}`), meaning "to be clean," "to be pure," or "to purify." While the root and its adjectival form ṭāhôr (`{{H2889}}`) are widely used throughout the Old Testament, ṭᵉhôwr specifically denotes the *state* or *quality* of being pure. Its semantic range primarily encompasses ritual and ceremonial cleanness, often in the context of sacred objects or sacrificial elements. However, as seen in wisdom literature, it can also extend metaphorically to moral or ethical purity, reflecting an inner state of integrity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of ṭᵉhôwr (`{{H2890}}`) are relatively few, yet highly significant, demonstrating its precise application:
* In the context of the Tabernacle, ṭᵉhôwr describes the intrinsic quality of the gold used for the menorah: "And you shall make a lampstand of pure gold; of hammered work shall the lampstand be made" [[Exodus 25:31]]. This emphasis on "pure gold" (or "gold of pureness") is reiterated in [[Exodus 37:17]] during the construction, highlighting the divine standard of perfection and unblemished quality required for items in God's sanctuary. The ṭᵉhôwr of the gold signifies its unadulterated state, fit for the holy presence.
* Similarly, ṭᵉhôwr is used to describe the frankincense prescribed for the holy anointing oil: "Take fragrant spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, fragrant spices with pure frankincense; all shall be of equal weight" [[Exodus 30:34]]. Here, "pure frankincense" again underscores an unmixed, unadulterated quality essential for its sacred purpose in worship.
* Beyond ritual contexts, ṭᵉhôwr appears in wisdom literature, applying to moral character: "He who loves ṭᵉhôwr of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend" [[Proverbs 22:11]]. This verse expands the concept of purity from the physical or ceremonial to the internal and ethical. "Purity of heart" implies sincerity, integrity, and freedom from malice or duplicity, while "gracious speech" reflects the outward manifestation of such an inner state. This usage reveals that the divine standard of purity extends to the very core of human character and expression.
### Related Words & Concepts
ṭᵉhôwr (`{{H2890}}`) is inextricably linked to its root ṭāhēr (`{{H2891}}`, "to be clean/pure") and the adjective ṭāhôr (`{{H2889}}`, "pure," "clean"). These three forms collectively express the full spectrum of purity in the Hebrew Bible. While ṭāhēr describes the *action* of purifying or the *state* of being purified, and ṭāhôr describes something *as* pure, ṭᵉhôwr focuses on the *essence* or *quality* of purity itself.
The concept of ṭᵉhôwr stands in stark contrast to ṭāmē' (`{{H2930}}`, "unclean") and ṭum'ah (`{{H2932}}`, "uncleanness"). The elaborate system of purity laws in the Torah (Leviticus, Numbers) is built upon this fundamental dichotomy, delineating what is acceptable or unacceptable in the presence of a holy God.
Furthermore, ṭᵉhôwr relates to broader theological concepts such as:
* qodesh (`{{H6944}}`, "holiness"): Purity often serves as a prerequisite for holiness, as that which is pure is fit for sacred use or approach to the Holy One.
* tsedeq (`{{H6664}}`, "righteousness"): While tsedeq relates to conformity to a moral standard, ṭᵉhôwr emphasizes an unblemished, uncorrupted state that aligns with divine righteousness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ṭᵉhôwr is profound. At its core, it reflects the absolute purity and holiness of God Himself. As the Creator and Sustainer, God is utterly without blemish, corruption, or impurity. Therefore, anything that approaches Him or is used in His service must reflect this divine standard of ṭᵉhôwr.
The ritual applications of ṭᵉhôwr in the Tabernacle (e.g., pure gold, pure frankincense) were not merely aesthetic requirements but symbolic representations of the unblemished perfection required for worship. They pointed to the necessity of a state of absolute purity when encountering the Holy God. These physical requirements served as object lessons for a deeper spiritual truth: true worship demands internal purity.
The extension of ṭᵉhôwr to "purity of heart" in [[Proverbs 22:11]] elevates the concept from external ritual to internal character. This moral ṭᵉhôwr is essential for right relationship with God and with others. It prefigures the New Testament emphasis on inward transformation, where Jesus teaches that "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" ([[Matthew 5:8]]). Ultimately, the perfect ṭᵉhôwr required by God is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who through His sacrifice provides cleansing and enables believers to stand pure before God. The call to believers, therefore, is to pursue ṭᵉhôwr in both action and intention, reflecting the character of the God they serve.
### Summary
ṭᵉhôwr (`{{H2890}}`) denotes the essential "purity" or "pureness" of something. Derived from the root ṭāhēr (`{{H2891}}`), it describes an unadulterated state, whether referring to the physical quality of sacred materials like gold and frankincense in the Tabernacle ([[Exodus 25:31]], [[Exodus 30:34]]) or, more profoundly, to the moral integrity and sincerity of the human heart and speech ([[Proverbs 22:11]]). This word underscores the divine standard of perfection required for all that pertains to God's presence and character. The theological implications of ṭᵉhôwr are significant, highlighting God's inherent holiness and the call for His people to pursue a corresponding purity, both ritualistically and ethically, as a prerequisite for true worship and fellowship with Him.
TRV