a primitive root; to smear, especially with lime; daub, overlay, plaister, smut.
Transliteration:ṭûwach
Pronunciation:too'-akh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H2902}}` (*ṭûwach*) primarily conveys the action of "to smear" or "to daub." Its semantic range extends to applying a coating or layer, most notably "to plaster" or "to overlay." The base definition specifically mentions "especially with lime," indicating a common application in ancient construction for finishing surfaces. This act of covering can imply several nuances:
1. **Protection or Sealing:** Applying a layer to protect a surface from elements or to seal it, as seen in architectural contexts.
2. **Concealment or Obscuring:** Covering something to hide its true nature or condition, which can be benign (e.g., a rough surface) or deceptive (e.g., a flaw).
3. **Finishing or Adorning:** Providing a final surface, which might be for aesthetic purposes or to prepare for further inscription.
The term "smut" in the definition suggests a potential for defilement or obscuration, though this nuance is less prominent in its biblical occurrences compared to the act of plastering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H2902}}` in the Hebrew Bible reveal both literal and profoundly metaphorical applications:
* **Literal Application - Purification and Instruction:**
* In [[Leviticus 14:42]], the word is used in the context of a house cleansing ritual after a leprous infection. If the infection returns, the stones and plaster (*ṭûwach*) must be removed and replaced. Here, the act of plastering is part of a process of restoration and purification, creating a clean surface.
* [[Deuteronomy 27:2-4]] describes Moses' instruction to the Israelites to set up large stones, plaster them with plaster (*ṭûwach*), and then write all the words of the Law upon them. This is a significant positive use, where the act of plastering serves to make God's divine instruction visible, enduring, and publicly accessible, ensuring its preservation and proclamation.
* **Metaphorical Application - Deception and Futility:**
* The most striking and frequent metaphorical use appears in the book of Ezekiel, particularly concerning false prophets. In [[Ezekiel 13:10-15]], the prophet denounces those who "daub" (or "plaster") a flimsy wall with "untempered mortar" (or "whitewash"). This imagery powerfully portrays the superficial and deceptive nature of their messages. They offer false assurances of peace and security, covering over the cracks of national sin and impending judgment with a fragile, inadequate facade. The divine judgment is depicted as a storm (torrential rain, hailstones, stormy wind) that will expose and destroy this "daubed wall," revealing its lack of true foundation. The futility of such deceptive work is emphasized as God declares, "it shall fall."
* Similarly, [[Ezekiel 22:28]] describes the prophets "daubing for them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ when the Lord has not spoken." Here, the "daubing" is directly linked to the propagation of lies and false prophecies, creating a misleading sense of security and righteousness among the people. The spiritual malpractice is to cover up truth with deceit, ultimately leading to destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H2902}}` intersects with several related Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **Covering/Hiding:** While `{{H2902}}` specifically implies an applied layer, it shares conceptual space with words like `{{H3680}}` (*kāsah*, "to cover, conceal") and `{{H5641}}` (*sātar*, "to hide, conceal"). However, `{{H2902}}` often carries the nuance of a superficial or applied covering, rather than inherent concealment.
* **Building Materials:** The word is often associated with materials like plaster, mortar, and lime, which are also referenced in biblical texts (e.g., `{{H8590}}` *tāphel*, "untempered mortar" in Ezekiel).
* **Integrity vs. Deception:** The metaphorical use in Ezekiel contrasts the superficiality of "daubing" with the necessity of true spiritual integrity and a firm foundation. This relates to concepts of truth (`{{H571}}` *’ĕmeth*), righteousness (`{{H6666}}` *tsedeq*), and the dangers of falsehood (`{{H8267}}` *sheqer*).
* **Divine Judgment:** The breaking down of the "daubed wall" connects `{{H2902}}` to the broader theme of divine judgment (e.g., `{{H4941}}` *mishpāṭ*), where God exposes and destroys that which is built on lies or lacks true substance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2902}}` is profound, particularly in its metaphorical uses:
* **The Nature of Falsehood:** The "daubing with untempered mortar" serves as a powerful theological metaphor for the deceptive and ultimately futile nature of human attempts to cover up truth, sin, or spiritual decay with superficial solutions. It illustrates that God sees beyond outward appearances and empty assurances.
* **Divine Revelation vs. Human Deception:** In Deuteronomy, the plastering of the Law on stones signifies God's desire for His word to be clear, visible, and enduring. This stands in stark contrast to the "daubing" by false prophets in Ezekiel, which represents the human attempt to obscure God's true message with lies and false comfort. God's revelation is solid and eternal; human deception is like a flimsy whitewash.
* **Judgment on Superficiality:** The imagery of the collapsing wall underscores God's judgment against those who offer or accept false peace and security. It teaches that true spiritual health and security come not from outward appearances or convenient lies, but from a genuine foundation of truth, repentance, and obedience to God's word. Any attempt to "plaster over" deep-seated issues will ultimately fail under divine scrutiny.
* **The Need for True Foundation:** The judgment against the daubed wall implicitly calls for a genuine foundation, echoing other biblical themes about building one's life on solid rock rather than shifting sand (e.g., [[Matthew 7:24-27]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H2902}}` (*ṭûwach*) signifies the act of "to smear" or "to daub," primarily referring to the application of plaster or a coating. Its biblical usage spans both literal and metaphorical contexts. Literally, it describes the practical act of plastering for purification rituals ([[Leviticus 14:42]]) and, significantly, for the public display and preservation of God's Law ([[Deuteronomy 27:2-4]]). However, its most potent theological impact comes from its metaphorical use in Ezekiel, where "daubing with untempered mortar" vividly illustrates the superficial, deceptive, and ultimately futile work of false prophets ([[Ezekiel 13:10-15]]; [[Ezekiel 22:28]]). This imagery highlights God's intolerance for spiritual falsehood and His impending judgment upon those who offer or accept false assurances, emphasizing the divine demand for genuine integrity and a firm foundation rooted in truth, rather than a mere outward covering.
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