### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word טָוָה (ṭâvâh, `{{H2901}}`) is a primitive root verb whose core meaning is "to spin." This refers specifically to the ancient process of twisting fibers, such as wool or flax, into thread or yarn suitable for weaving. Its semantic range is quite narrow, focusing exclusively on this physical act of fiber preparation. There are no readily apparent metaphorical extensions of this verb in the biblical text; it consistently denotes the literal action of spinning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb טָוָה (ṭâvâh, `{{H2901}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both instances occurring in the context of the construction of the Tabernacle in the book of Exodus:
* **[[Exodus 35:25]]**: "And every woman that was wise hearted did spin with her hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen."
* **[[Exodus 35:26]]**: "And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom did spin goats' hair."
In both verses, the verb describes the skilled labor of women who contributed materials for the Tabernacle. The phrase "wise hearted" (חַכְמַת־לֵב, chakmat-lev) or "whose heart stirred them up in wisdom" (נָשָׂא לִבָּן אֹתָם בְּחָכְמָה, nasa libban otam b'chokmah) is significant. It indicates that the ability to spin was considered a form of practical wisdom or skill, divinely endowed or inspired for the sacred task. The materials spun—blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, and goats' hair—were essential components for the Tabernacle's curtains, coverings, and garments. These occurrences highlight the vital role of women's domestic skills in the sacred economy of Israel and the consecration of everyday labor to divine purposes.
### Related Words & Concepts
While טָוָה (ṭâvâh, `{{H2901}}`) specifically means "to spin," it is conceptually linked to other terms and processes involved in textile production:
* **Tools of Spinning:** Although not directly using ṭâvâh, the process implies the use of a distaff (כִּישׁוֹר, kishor, `{{H3594}}`) and a spindle (פֶלֶךְ, pelek, `{{H6418}}`), as seen in [[Proverbs 31:19]].
* **Textile Materials:** The verses where ṭâvâh appears list the raw materials: blue (תְּכֵלֶת, tchelet, `{{H8504}}`), purple (אַרְגָּמָן, argaman, `{{H713}}`), scarlet (תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי, tola'at shani, `{{H8438}}`), fine linen (שֵׁשׁ, shesh, `{{H8336}}`), and goats' hair (עִזִּים, izzim, `{{H5795}}`).
* **Subsequent Processes:** Spinning is a preparatory step for weaving (אָרַג, arag, `{{H707}}`), which is also mentioned in the context of Tabernacle construction (e.g., [[Exodus 35:35]]).
* **Skill and Wisdom:** The concept of "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, chokmah, `{{H2451}}`) is directly tied to the ability to spin in [[Exodus 35:25-26]], underscoring that practical skills are a manifestation of divine wisdom.
### Theological Significance
Despite its limited occurrences, the verb טָוָה (ṭâvâh, `{{H2901}}`) carries significant theological weight due to its specific biblical context.
1. **Consecration of Mundane Skills:** The act of spinning, a common domestic task, is elevated to a sacred act when performed for the Tabernacle. This demonstrates that all human skills and labor, even those seemingly ordinary, can be consecrated to God's service and become instruments of worship. It challenges the false dichotomy between "sacred" and "secular" work.
2. **Inclusivity of Contribution:** The fact that "all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom did spin" (Exodus 35:26) emphasizes the inclusive nature of contributions to God's dwelling. Both men and women, with their diverse gifts and abilities, were essential in building the Tabernacle, reflecting a communal effort inspired by God.
3. **Divine Enablement of Craftsmanship:** The repeated phrase "wise hearted" (חַכְמַת־לֵב) or "in wisdom" (בְּחָכְמָה) linked to spinning suggests that this practical skill was not merely innate but divinely enabled or inspired. It aligns with the broader theme in Exodus of God gifting artisans like Bezalel and Oholiab with wisdom and understanding for their craft (e.g., [[Exodus 31:3]], [[Exodus 35:31]]). Thus, even the seemingly simple act of spinning is presented as a divinely empowered capacity.
4. **Foundation for Holiness:** The threads spun by these women formed the very fabric of the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God's presence. Their diligent labor laid the foundation for the sacred space, underscoring that the meticulous preparation of materials is integral to the establishment of holiness.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb טָוָה (ṭâvâh, `{{H2901}}`) signifies the literal act of "to spin" fibers into thread. Its two occurrences in the Bible, both in [[Exodus 35:25]] and [[Exodus 35:26]], are highly significant. They depict "wise-hearted" women diligently spinning various materials for the construction of the Tabernacle. This highlights the theological principle that everyday skills, when offered with a willing and "wise heart," are valuable contributions to God's work. The act of spinning, though seemingly mundane, becomes a consecrated labor, demonstrating the inclusivity of service, the divine enablement of human craftsmanship, and the foundational role of meticulous preparation in establishing sacred space.
TRV