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.
Transliteration:ṭîyṭ
Pronunciation:teet
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word ṭîyṭ (`{{H2916}}`) primarily denotes "mud" or "clay." Its etymological roots are debated, with suggestions pointing to an unused root meaning "to be sticky" or derived from ṭûʾ (`{{H2906}}`), implying "dirt to be swept away." Both etymological possibilities converge on the core properties of this substance: its adhesive, pliable, and often unrefined nature. Literally, ṭîyṭ refers to a mixture of earth and water, often found in low, wet places. Semantically, it extends from a simple physical material to a profound figurative representation of human lowliness, fragility, and, most powerfully, a state of deep distress or calamity. The term encapsulates the idea of being mired, stuck, or degraded, highlighting a condition of profound difficulty or humiliation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ṭîyṭ appears in various biblical contexts, illuminating its literal and metaphorical breadth. In literal usage, it describes the material of the earth, as seen in [[Job 10:9]], where Job laments, "You have fashioned me as clay (`{{H2916}}`)." This highlights humanity's humble origin and perishable nature. Similarly, [[Nahum 3:14]] speaks of treading "clay (`{{H2916}}`)" for brick-making, referring to a practical building material.
However, the most poignant and frequent use of ṭîyṭ is figurative, depicting a state of profound suffering, degradation, or inescapable trouble. In [[Job 4:19]], humanity is described as dwelling in "houses of clay (`{{H2916}}`)," emphasizing mortal frailty. [[Job 30:19]] powerfully portrays a person cast into the "mire (`{{H2916}}`)," equated with dust and ashes, symbolizing utter humiliation and decay.
Perhaps the most iconic usage is found in the Psalms and Jeremiah. [[Psalm 40:2]] vividly describes God lifting the psalmist "out of the miry pit (`{{H2916}}`), out of the boggy mire," and setting his feet upon a rock. Here, ṭîyṭ represents a desperate, life-threatening situation, a quagmire of despair from which only divine intervention can rescue. This imagery is echoed in [[Psalm 69:14]], where the psalmist prays to be delivered from sinking in the "mire (`{{H2916}}`)." The depth and stickiness of the ṭîyṭ emphasize the overwhelming nature of the distress. In [[Jeremiah 38:6]], Jeremiah is cast into a cistern where there was no water, "only mud (`{{H2916}}`)," and he sank into the mud. This literal "miry pit" serves as a potent metaphor for the prophet's severe persecution and near-death experience, a tangible manifestation of the figurative ṭîyṭ of affliction.
### Related Words & Concepts
Ṭîyṭ (`{{H2916}}`) shares semantic space with several other Hebrew terms related to earth, dust, and clay, each carrying nuanced distinctions. ʿĀpār (`{{H6083}}`) refers to "dust" or "dry earth," often associated with humanity's creation and mortality ([[Genesis 2:7]]). While both ṭîyṭ and ʿāpār speak of humble origins, ṭîyṭ specifically implies wetness, stickiness, and often a state of being mired.
Ḥōmer (`{{H2789}}`) is another significant term for "clay," often specifically referring to the potter's clay, emphasizing its malleability and the potter's sovereign power over it ([[Isaiah 29:16]], [[Jeremiah 18:6]]). While ṭîyṭ can be a form of ḥōmer, ṭîyṭ often carries a stronger connotation of impurity, lowliness, or a difficult, sticky condition. Ṭiyn (`{{H7786}}`) is a very close synonym, also meaning "mire" or "mud," appearing in similar contexts of distress.
Conceptually, ṭîyṭ is intrinsically linked to themes of:
* **Human Frailty and Mortality:** Man's composition from the earth.
* **Suffering and Affliction:** The "miry pit" as a powerful symbol of deep trouble, despair, and persecution.
* **Humiliation and Degradation:** Being reduced to or stuck in the lowest state.
* **Divine Deliverance:** The contrasting power of God to rescue from the most desperate circumstances.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ṭîyṭ (`{{H2916}}`) is profound, primarily serving as a potent metaphor for the human condition in its vulnerability and distress, and for the redemptive power of God.
Firstly, ṭîyṭ underscores humanity's **lowly origin and inherent frailty**. As creatures formed from the earth, humans are inherently dependent and perishable, a truth brought home by the imagery of "houses of clay" ([[Job 4:19]]). This humility before God is a foundational theological concept.
Secondly, ṭîyṭ functions as a vivid symbol of **deep suffering, despair, and affliction**. The "miry pit" is not merely a difficult situation but one that is overwhelming, inescapable by human effort, and threatening to engulf. It represents the lowest ebb of human experience, where one feels trapped, sinking, and utterly without hope. This imagery is particularly resonant in the laments of Job and the Psalms, giving voice to the profound anguish of the righteous in distress.
Most significantly, ṭîyṭ highlights **God's sovereign power and compassionate deliverance**. The dramatic rescue from the "miry pit" in [[Psalm 40:2]] is a powerful testament to God's ability to intervene in the most desperate human circumstances. It illustrates the divine initiative in salvation, lifting the afflicted out of their seemingly insurmountable troubles and setting their feet on solid ground. This transformation from despair to stability, from sinking to standing, is a core expression of God's faithfulness and redemptive love. The ṭîyṭ thus serves as a dark backdrop against which the light of God's salvation shines even more brightly, demonstrating that no human condition is beyond His reach or power to redeem.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ṭîyṭ (`{{H2916}}`) encompasses both the literal meaning of "mud" or "clay" and a rich metaphorical significance. Literally, it describes a common earthly substance, often associated with construction or the ground itself. Figuratively, and more profoundly, ṭîyṭ symbolizes a state of deep human frailty, humiliation, and overwhelming distress, often depicted as a "miry pit" from which escape seems impossible. Biblical occurrences, particularly in Job, Psalms, and Jeremiah, consistently employ ṭîyṭ to convey the utter desperation of one sinking into affliction. Theologically, ṭîyṭ serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's humble origins and vulnerability, while simultaneously elevating the divine power of rescue. It is the dark, sticky backdrop against which God's compassionate act of lifting and setting one's feet on solid ground shines as a beacon of hope and a testament to His unfailing deliverance.
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