a primitive root; to pitch over or reel; hence (transitively) to cast down or out; carry away, (utterly) cast (down, forth, out), send out.
Transliteration:ṭûwl
Pronunciation:tool
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H2904}}` (ṭûwl) is a primitive verb whose core meaning conveys a sense of violent movement, specifically "to pitch over" or "to reel." This initial understanding suggests instability, a loss of equilibrium, or a sudden, forceful lurch. From this foundational meaning, the verb extends transitively to denote the act of "casting down or out," "throwing," or "carrying away." The various English translations provided in the base definition—"(utterly) cast (down, forth, out)," "send out"—underscore the decisive, often forceful, and complete nature of the action. It implies not merely a gentle placement but a forceful expulsion or removal, often with a sense of finality. The semantic range thus moves from an internal state of violent dislodgement to an external act of forceful disposal or removal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While the root `{{H2904}}` is not extensively used in the Hebrew Bible, its occurrences consistently highlight its forceful and decisive nature. It often describes actions of divine judgment or human removal of undesirable elements. For instance, in contexts of judgment, it can depict the Lord "casting down" nations or their idols, signifying their utter destruction or removal from power, as seen in prophetic warnings of divine wrath (e.g., implicitly in passages like [[Isaiah 2:18-21]] where idols are cast away). The verb can also denote the casting of something into a place of destruction or oblivion, such as casting abominations into a valley or river, symbolizing purification or complete eradication (e.g., [[2 Kings 23:6]] concerning the Asherah pole). In other instances, it might refer to the forceful expulsion or sending away of individuals or groups, emphasizing a definitive severance or banishment (e.g., [[Jeremiah 16:13]] where people are cast out to foreign lands). The consistent thread across these contexts is the decisive and often irreversible nature of the action, whether by divine decree or human agency.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H2904}}` overlaps with several other Hebrew verbs pertaining to throwing, casting, or destroying, yet it maintains its unique nuance.
* `{{H7993}}` (shalak): A very common verb meaning "to throw, cast, hurl." While similar in outcome, `{{H7993}}` often describes a more general act of throwing, whereas `{{H2904}}` carries a stronger implication of violent displacement or a "pitching over" that leads to the casting.
* `{{H3384}}` (yarah): Primarily "to throw, cast," often in the context of shooting arrows or casting lots. Less emphasis on violent upheaval than `{{H2904}}`.
* `{{H1644}}` (garash): "To drive out, cast out, expel." This verb focuses more on the act of expulsion from a place, often by force, similar to the "cast out" sense of `{{H2904}}`, but without the initial "pitching over" connotation.
* `{{H2000}}` (hapakh): "To overturn, overthrow." This verb describes a complete reversal or destruction, often of cities (e.g., Sodom and Gomorrah). While `{{H2904}}` can lead to overthrow, its primary focus is on the act of casting or throwing that causes it.
`{{H2904}}` stands out by its inherent sense of violent motion or dislodgement that precipitates the casting or removal, suggesting a more dynamic and forceful action than some of its near-synonyms.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of `{{H2904}}` often carry significant theological weight, particularly when God is the subject of the action. When God "casts down" or "casts out," it underscores His absolute sovereignty, His power to judge, and His capacity to bring about decisive ends. This action is frequently associated with divine judgment against idolatry, wickedness, or rebellious nations. For instance, the casting out of idols signifies God's intolerance for false worship and His ultimate triumph over competing deities. The casting out of people from their land serves as a powerful symbol of divine discipline and the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. In these contexts, `{{H2904}}` portrays God as an active, intervening deity who forcefully removes what is anathema to His holiness or what stands in opposition to His will. It speaks to the finality of His judgments and the purifying nature of His actions, ensuring the removal of defilement or opposition.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H2904}}` (ṭûwl) fundamentally conveys the idea of a violent pitching or reeling motion, extending to the forceful act of casting down, out, or away. In biblical contexts, it consistently describes decisive and often irreversible actions, whether by divine judgment or human agency. Its usage highlights the complete removal, expulsion, or destruction of entities, ranging from idols and abominations to nations or individuals. Theologically, `{{H2904}}` powerfully illustrates God's sovereign power to judge, cleanse, and decisively intervene in history, ensuring the ultimate removal of all that opposes His holy will. It is a word that speaks to the finality and forcefulness of divine action.
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