from an unused root meaning apparently to be sticky (rather perb. a demonstrative); from טוּא, through the idea of dirt to be swept away); mud or clay; figuratively, calamity; clay, dirt, mire.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ṭîyṭ**, represented by `{{H2916}}`, refers to **mud or clay**. It appears 13 times across 12 unique verses. While its primary meaning is a sticky, earthen substance, it is often used figuratively to represent calamity, debasement, and worthlessness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H2916}}` is used to illustrate several conditions. It describes a state of deep distress and helplessness, as when the psalmist is brought up "out of the miry **clay**" [[Psalms 40:2]] or when Jeremiah sinks into the **mire** in a dungeon with no water [[Jeremiah 38:6]]. The word is also used to depict the utter defeat and humiliation of enemies, who are to be "trodden down as the **mire** of the streets" [[Micah 7:10]] or beaten small and stamped "as the **mire** of the street" [[2 Samuel 22:43]]. In a more literal sense, it is the material used for building and fortification, as when the people of Nineveh are told to "go into **clay**, and tread the morter" [[Nahum 3:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H2916}}` is found:
* `{{H2563}}` **chômer** (mire or clay): Often used interchangeably with **ṭîyṭ**, this word refers to potter's clay or the morter used in construction. A conqueror is described as coming upon princes "as upon morter, and as the potter treadeth **clay**" [[Isaiah 41:25]].
* `{{H953}}` **bôwr** (a pit hole): This term frequently appears alongside **ṭîyṭ** to describe a place of entrapment and despair, such as the "horrible **pit**" from which one is delivered out of the "miry **clay**" [[Psalms 40:2]].
* `{{H2351}}` **chûwts** (street): This word for an outdoor space or street is repeatedly paired with **ṭîyṭ** to form the image of something being trampled and made worthless, such as enemies becoming "as the **mire** of the **streets**" [[Zechariah 10:5]].
* `{{H7429}}` **râmaç** (to tread upon): This verb describes the action often associated with **ṭîyṭ**, signifying subjugation or a creative process, as when "the potter **treadeth** clay" [[Isaiah 41:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2916}}` lies in its powerful symbolism. It serves to illustrate profound spiritual realities:
* **A Symbol of Calamity:** The mire represents a situation of being stuck, helpless, and in need of divine rescue. Deliverance from the "miry **clay**" is an act of God's salvation [[Psalms 40:2]], and sinking into it signifies a state of peril [[Jeremiah 38:6]].
* **An Image of Judgment:** Enemies of God and His people are destined for humiliation, pictured as being reduced to **mire** and trampled underfoot. This demonstrates God's ultimate authority and justice ([[Micah 7:10]]; [[2 Samuel 22:43]]).
* **A Metaphor for Worthlessness or Impurity:** The term is used to devalue even precious things, as when Tyrus heaps up fine gold "as the **mire** of the streets," indicating immense abundance [[Zechariah 9:3]]. It also represents the filth produced by the wicked, whose waters "cast up **mire** and **dirt**" [[Isaiah 57:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2916}}` is more than a simple word for mud. It is a potent biblical metaphor for human suffering and divine judgment. Whether describing the pit of despair, the debasement of the arrogant, or the impurity of the wicked, **ṭîyṭ** powerfully contrasts the lowliness of the earthly with the power of God to deliver, judge, and define true worth.
TRV