a primitive root; to grind meal; hence, to be aconcubine (that being their employment); grind(-er).
Transliteration:ṭâchan
Pronunciation:taw-khan'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H2912, *ṭâchan* (טָחַן), is a primitive root whose core meaning is "to grind." This primarily refers to the physical action of crushing grain into flour, a fundamental process for daily sustenance in the ancient world. The semantic range extends to encompass the *result* of this action, namely the production of meal, and by extension, the *context* in which such grinding occurred. Notably, the base definition includes a derived sense: "to be a concubine (that being their employment)." This secondary meaning is not a direct lexical equivalent but rather an inference drawn from the historical reality that grinding grain was often a laborious task assigned to female servants or concubines, symbolizing their subjugated status and daily toil. Thus, *ṭâchan* can evoke not only the physical act but also the social condition of servitude, humility, and relentless labor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of *ṭâchan* in the Hebrew Bible consistently reflect its core meaning of grinding, often with significant contextual implications:
* **Daily Sustenance and Household Labor:** In [[Numbers 11:8]], the manna provided by God is described as being "ground in mills" by the Israelites, highlighting the process required to prepare this divine provision for consumption. This illustrates the essential, daily nature of grinding for food preparation. Similarly, [[Exodus 11:5]] mentions the "firstborn of the maidservant who is behind the millstones," depicting a common scene of domestic labor and the vulnerability of those in servitude.
* **Judgment and Servitude:** One of the most poignant uses of *ṭâchan* is found in [[Judges 16:21]], where Samson, after being captured and blinded by the Philistines, is forced to "grind in the prison." This act of grinding, typically a female or slave's task, signifies his utter humiliation, loss of strength, and complete subjugation. It serves as a stark image of divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience. The prophet Isaiah similarly calls upon the daughter of Babylon to "take the millstones and grind meal" in [[Isaiah 47:2]], a command that underscores her impending downfall and reduction to the status of a common slave. [[Lamentations 5:13]] further laments the plight of the young men who "had to grind at the mill," depicting the severe oppression and hardship faced by the people during the exile.
* **Metaphor for Old Age and Decline:** In the evocative poetic imagery of [[Ecclesiastes 12:3]], the "grinders cease because they are few." This refers metaphorically to the teeth, which become fewer and less effective in old age, making it difficult to chew food. Here, *ṭâchan* symbolizes the physical decline and fragility of human life as one approaches its end.
* **Social Justice and Vulnerability:** The usage in [[Job 31:10]], where Job declares, "Then let my wife grind for another," is a strong imprecation, implying that if he were guilty of lust, his wife should suffer the ultimate disgrace of becoming a concubine or slave who grinds for another man. This verse powerfully links the act of grinding to social degradation and the vulnerability of women in a patriarchal society.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of *ṭâchan* includes several related terms and concepts that enrich its understanding:
* **`{{H7347}}` (rêchayim):** Millstones. This noun is directly associated with the verb *ṭâchan*, as the millstones are the instruments used for grinding. Their presence often implies the act of grinding.
* **`{{H4458}}` (man):** Manna. While not directly etymologically related, the preparation of manna often involved grinding, as seen in [[Numbers 11:8]], linking *ṭâchan* to divine provision and sustenance.
* **`{{H5647}}` (ʿâvad):** To work, serve, labor. This verb shares a conceptual overlap with *ṭâchan*, especially when grinding is performed as a form of labor or servitude. The act of grinding often embodies the broader concept of humble service or forced labor.
* **`{{H5108}}` (nâśâ'):** To lift, carry. While distinct, the physical exertion involved in grinding, especially with heavy millstones, connects to the general concept of bearing burdens or performing arduous tasks.
* **Concepts:** Daily bread, sustenance, hard labor, oppression, humility, domestic duties, judgment, physical decline, and the status of the marginalized.
### Theological Significance
The word *ṭâchan* carries significant theological weight, reflecting various facets of divine interaction with humanity:
* **Divine Provision and Dependence:** The necessity of grinding grain for daily bread underscores humanity's fundamental dependence on God for sustenance. Even when food is provided miraculously (like manna), human labor (grinding) is often still required, highlighting the partnership between divine provision and human effort.
* **Justice and Judgment:** The use of grinding as a punishment, most notably with Samson and the daughter of Babylon, powerfully illustrates God's justice against pride and disobedience. It symbolizes a reversal of fortune, a descent from power to utter humiliation and servitude. This serves as a stark reminder that those who exalt themselves will be brought low.
* **The Dignity of Labor and Humility:** While often associated with servitude, the act of grinding also represents a fundamental, often humble, form of labor essential for life. It can implicitly teach the value of diligent work and the beauty found in daily, seemingly mundane tasks that contribute to the well-being of a community.
* **The Frailty of Human Existence:** The metaphor of the "grinders ceasing" in Ecclesiastes profoundly connects *ṭâchan* to the reality of human mortality and physical decay. It is a reverent contemplation on the transient nature of life and the inevitable decline of the body, urging reflection on what truly endures beyond earthly existence.
* **Compassion for the Vulnerable:** The association of grinding with maidservants and concubines implicitly draws attention to the plight of the vulnerable and oppressed. The biblical narrative, while describing these realities, often calls for justice and compassion for those in such disadvantaged positions, aligning with God's heart for the marginalized.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb *ṭâchan* (H2912) primarily signifies "to grind," particularly grain, an action central to ancient daily life and sustenance. Its semantic range extends to encompass the laborious nature of this task, often performed by those in servitude, thus implicitly connecting it to concepts of humility, toil, and subjugation. Biblically, *ṭâchan* appears in contexts ranging from the preparation of daily food (e.g., [[Numbers 11:8]]) to severe judgment and humiliation (e.g., Samson in [[Judges 16:21]], Babylon in [[Isaiah 47:2]]). It also serves as a poignant metaphor for the physical decline of old age in [[Ecclesiastes 12:3]]. Theologically, *ṭâchan* speaks to divine provision, the consequences of sin and judgment, the dignity of humble labor, and the transient nature of human life. Through its various applications, *ṭâchan* offers a multifaceted lens through which to understand daily existence, divine justice, and the human condition.