### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ṭâvâh**, represented by `{{H2901}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to spin**. It is a specific term for this action, appearing just **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Both occurrences describe the skilled work of creating textiles for the Tabernacle.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2901}}` appears exclusively in the context of the freewill offerings for the Tabernacle. It describes the contribution of women who used their skills to create necessary materials. In [[Exodus 35:25]], "wise hearted" women **spin** with their hands to produce threads of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen. Similarly, [[Exodus 35:26]] specifies that women whose hearts were stirred with wisdom **spun** goats' hair, highlighting that this was a skilled and divinely inspired contribution.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from the context of its use help illuminate the meaning of this act:
* `{{H802}}` **ʼishshâh** (a woman): The act of spinning for the Tabernacle is explicitly attributed to women, underscoring their essential role in its construction [[Exodus 35:25-26]].
* `{{H2450}}` **châkâm** (wise, (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)): This term describes the women who spun, framing their craft not merely as a manual task but as a form of applied wisdom and skill [[Exodus 35:25]].
* `{{H3820}}` **lêb** (the heart): The women are described as "wise hearted," and their hearts "stirred them up," indicating that their work was an expression of inner will, devotion, and feeling [[Exodus 35:25-26]].
* `{{H3027}}` **yâd** (a hand): This word grounds the act of spinning in physical labor, as the women "did spin with their hands," connecting their inner motivation to tangible, productive work [[Exodus 35:25]].
### Theological Significance
Though used rarely, the act of `{{H2901}}` carries significant weight, illustrating key principles of worship and service.
* **Skill as Worship:** The work of spinning is presented as a sacred contribution. By linking the action to "wise hearted" women and those stirred by "wisdom," the text elevates a practical skill to a holy offering [[Exodus 35:25-26]].
* **Willing Contribution:** The context is the gathering of freewill offerings. The fact that the women's hearts "stirred them up in wisdom" to spin shows that service to God is most valued when it comes from a willing and motivated heart [[Exodus 35:26]].
* **Tangible Service:** The spinning produced `{{H4299}}` "something spun," which was the tangible result of their worship. This demonstrates the principle of offering physical work and its fruits as a form of devotion to God [[Exodus 35:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2901}}` is a precise verb that, while infrequent, provides a powerful illustration of worship. It shows that a practical skill, when combined with a wise and willing heart, becomes a sacred act. The use of **ṭâvâh** in scripture memorably captures the principle that dedicated, skillful labor is a meaningful and essential contribution to the work of God.
TRV