xlit ṭuwchâh corrected to ṭuchâh; from טָחָה (or טוּחַ) in the sense of overlaying; (in the plural only) the kidneys (as being covered); hence (figuratively) the inmost thought; inward parts.
Transliteration:ṭuchâh
Pronunciation:too-khaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H2910 (ṭuchâh), transliterated as *ṭuchâh*, refers literally to the "kidneys" or "inward parts," specifically those that are covered or enclosed. Its derivation is linked to the root טוּחַ (ṭûaḥ, `{{H2909}}`) or טָחָה (ṭāḥāh, `{{H2908}}`), which conveys the sense of "to overlay," "to plaster," or "to coat." This etymological connection highlights the idea of something hidden or deeply embedded within. In biblical usage, ṭuchâh consistently appears in the plural and is employed figuratively to denote the deepest, most concealed aspects of human consciousness, emotion, and will. It represents the innermost thoughts, the profoundest feelings, and the hidden seat of understanding and moral truth, akin to the English idiom "the depths of one's being." Unlike the more common כְּלָיוֹת (kəlayōṯ, `{{H3629}}`), which also means kidneys, ṭuchâh specifically emphasizes the *hidden* or *inmost* quality of these internal parts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ṭuchâh appears three times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently pointing to the profound inner life of humanity:
1. **Job 38:36**: "Who has put wisdom in the inward parts ([[Job 38:36]] ṭuchâh)? Or who has given understanding to the mind?" In this majestic discourse where God questions Job, ṭuchâh is presented as the place where divine wisdom is implanted. This verse highlights God's sovereign control over human intellect and understanding, suggesting that true wisdom originates from a source beyond human capacity, residing in the deepest, most fundamental aspects of one's being. It is not merely an external acquisition but an internal endowment.
2. **Psalm 51:6**: "Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts ([[Psalm 51:6]] ṭuchâh), and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom." In this penitential psalm, David confesses his sin and acknowledges God's desire for genuine, internal purity. The "truth in the inward parts" signifies a sincerity and moral integrity that originates from the very core of one's being, not merely outward conformity or ritualistic observance. God seeks truth in the most secret and profound recesses of the human heart, where true repentance and transformation must begin.
3. **Psalm 73:21**: "When my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my inward parts ([[Psalm 73:21]] ṭuchâh)." Here, ṭuchâh describes the seat of intense emotional turmoil and conviction. The psalmist Asaph recounts his struggle with envy and doubt, feeling a sharp pain or conviction in his deepest self. This usage underscores ṭuchâh as the locus of profound emotional and spiritual experience, where inner conflict and suffering are keenly felt.
Across these contexts, ṭuchâh consistently refers to the deepest, most hidden, and foundational aspects of human existence—whether as the recipient of divine wisdom, the dwelling place of genuine truth, or the seat of profound inner anguish.
### Related Words & Concepts
H2910 (ṭuchâh) exists within a rich semantic field of Hebrew words that describe the inner human being, often using anatomical terms metaphorically.
* **Root Connection:** Its direct etymological link is to טוּחַ (ṭûaḥ, `{{H2909}}`) or טָחָה (ṭāḥāh, `{{H2908}}`), meaning "to overlay" or "to plaster." This root emphasizes the hidden, covered nature of the ṭuchâh, distinguishing it from more general terms for "inside."
* **Other Inner Organs:**
* כְּלָיוֹת (kəlayōṯ, `{{H3629}}` - kidneys/reins): Frequently paired with the heart, these are also understood as the seat of emotions, conscience, and inner motives (e.g., [[Psalm 7:9]], [[Jeremiah 17:10]]). While both ṭuchâh and kəlayōṯ refer to inner organs, ṭuchâh often carries a stronger connotation of the *hidden* or *inmost* quality.
* לֵב (lēḇ, `{{H3824}}` - heart): The most comprehensive and frequently used term for the totality of the inner person—intellect, emotion, will, and moral conscience. ṭuchâh can be seen as a specific, deeper aspect or a particular emphasis on the *hidden* dimension of the lēḇ.
* קֶרֶב (qereḇ, `{{H7130}}` - inward parts/midst): A more general term for the interior of a person or thing. ṭuchâh is more specific in its metaphorical application to the profoundest aspects of thought and feeling.
* בֶּטֶן (beṭen, `{{H990}}` - belly/womb): Can also signify the seat of deep emotion or the innermost being (e.g., [[Job 15:35]], [[Proverbs 18:8]]).
The distinctiveness of ṭuchâh lies in its emphasis on the *concealed* and *profound* nature of these inner parts, suggesting a depth that is not readily accessible or visible.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ṭuchâh is profound, illuminating key aspects of biblical anthropology and the nature of God.
1. **Divine Omniscience and Intimacy:** The concept of ṭuchâh underscores God's absolute and penetrating knowledge of humanity. He does not merely observe outward actions but discerns the deepest, most secret thoughts, intentions, and emotions that reside in the "inward parts." This aligns with the pervasive biblical theme of God as the "searcher of hearts" (e.g., [[Jeremiah 17:10]], [[Psalm 139:1-4]]). It speaks to a divine intimacy that knows us more deeply than we know ourselves.
2. **The Seat of True Righteousness:** In [[Psalm 51:6]], God's desire for "truth in the ṭuchâh" highlights that genuine righteousness and moral integrity must originate from the innermost core of one's being. It is not merely external conformity to laws or rituals, but an internal transformation and sincerity that God values. This emphasizes the importance of a pure heart and true repentance.
3. **Source of Wisdom and Understanding:** [[Job 38:36]] posits ṭuchâh as the place where God implants wisdom. This suggests that true understanding and insight are not solely products of human intellect but are divinely bestowed, residing in the deepest, most fundamental aspects of our being. It points to a wisdom that is inherent and foundational, rather than merely acquired.
4. **Holistic Anthropology:** The use of ṭuchâh exemplifies the biblical understanding of humanity as a holistic being, where physical organs serve as metaphors for spiritual, psychological, and moral realities. There is no strict dichotomy between body and soul; rather, the innermost physical parts are understood to represent the deepest spiritual and emotional dimensions of personhood.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H2910 (ṭuchâh) refers to the "inward parts" or "inmost thoughts," stemming from a root meaning "to overlay" or "to cover," thus emphasizing its hidden nature. Found in Job and Psalms, it consistently denotes the deepest, most concealed aspects of human intellect, emotion, and moral being. In [[Job 38:36]], it is the seat of divinely implanted wisdom; in [[Psalm 51:6]], it is the locus where God desires truth and sincerity; and in [[Psalm 73:21]], it represents the core of profound emotional experience and conviction. Theologically, ṭuchâh underscores God's omniscient knowledge of our innermost being, His desire for authentic righteousness from the heart, and the holistic nature of human existence. It highlights that the most profound dimensions of human life—intellect, morality, and emotion—are deeply rooted in these "inward parts" and are fully transparent before the divine.
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