feminine of (an equivalent to) טוּר; a wall; hence, a fortress or a hamlet; (goodly) castle, habitation, palace, row.
Transliteration:ṭîyrâh
Pronunciation:tee-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term ṭîyrâh (`{{H2918}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root טוּר (ṭûr, `{{H2905}}`), which signifies a "row" or "course" (especially of stones). This etymological connection provides the foundational understanding of ṭîyrâh as something built in rows, thus forming a "wall." From this primary sense of an enclosing structure, its semantic range expands significantly to encompass various types of walled or enclosed spaces. These include a "fortress," a "castle," a "palace," a general "habitation" or dwelling, and even a "hamlet" or small, enclosed settlement. The core idea is an enclosed, often fortified, and substantial structure or collection of structures, emphasizing security, permanence, or prominence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ṭîyrâh appears several times in the Hebrew Bible, illustrating its diverse applications:
* In [[Numbers 31:10]], the term is used in the context of the Midianite cities and their "castles" or "fortresses" (ṭîrōṯām), which were burned by the Israelites. Here, it clearly denotes fortified defensive structures, highlighting their military significance and vulnerability to conquest.
* [[1 Chronicles 6:54]] speaks of the dwelling places of the Kohathites "throughout their castles" or "dwellings" (ṭîrōṯām). In this context, it refers to permanent, established residences within their allotted territories, suggesting settled habitations rather than purely military strongholds, though the underlying sense of a well-built enclosure remains.
* [[Song of Solomon 8:9]] presents a more metaphorical or architectural use: "If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver" (ṭîraṯ kesef). Here, ṭîrâh likely refers to an elaborate, perhaps royal, dwelling or a prominent structure built upon a foundational wall, emphasizing beauty and grandeur.
* [[Ezekiel 25:4]] prophesies against Ammon, stating that the "men of the east" shall set their "palaces" (ṭîrōṯām) in the land. This usage again points to substantial, perhaps royal or elite, dwellings, implying occupation and dominance.
* [[Psalm 69:25]] uses the plural form to describe the "habitation" (ṭîrāṯām) of the psalmist's enemies, praying for its desolation. This instance refers to a general dwelling place, underscoring the concept of a settled residence that can be made desolate.
Across these contexts, ṭîrâh consistently describes a built, enclosed space, ranging from a defensive stronghold to a grand palace or a common dwelling, always retaining the sense of a structured and often substantial enclosure.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relative to ṭîyrâh is its masculine counterpart, טוּר (ṭûr, `{{H2905}}`), meaning "row" or "course," particularly a course of stones in masonry. This connection underscores the architectural nature of ṭîyrâh, built layer by layer.
Other related concepts include:
* **Walls:** חוֹמָה (chomah, `{{H2346}}`) and קִיר (qir, `{{H7023}}`) are general terms for walls. ṭîyrâh often implies a wall that encloses a significant space or building, or the entire enclosed structure itself.
* **Fortifications:** מִבְצָר (mivtzar, `{{H4013}}`) refers to a fortress or stronghold. While ṭîyrâh can denote a fortress, mivtzar more explicitly emphasizes the defensive aspect.
* **Cities/Settlements:** עִיר (ir, `{{H5892}}`) denotes a city or town. ṭîyrâh can sometimes refer to a "hamlet" or a part of a larger settlement, emphasizing the enclosed nature.
* **Dwellings/Palaces:** בַּיִת (bayith, `{{H1004}}`) is the general word for "house" or "dwelling." הֵיכָל (heykhal, `{{H1964}}`) refers specifically to a "palace" or "temple." ṭîyrâh can overlap with both, indicating a dwelling that is substantial, perhaps fortified or grand. The semantic range of ṭîyrâh thus bridges the concepts of defense, habitation, and prominence.
### Theological Significance
While ṭîyrâh primarily describes physical structures, its theological significance can be inferred through the broader biblical understanding of human habitations and fortifications.
1. **Human Security vs. Divine Protection:** The "fortresses" and "castles" (ṭîrōṯ) built by humans represent efforts to establish security and permanence. However, the biblical narrative often demonstrates the ultimate vulnerability of such man-made defenses to divine judgment or superior power (e.g., [[Numbers 31:10]], [[Ezekiel 25:4]]). This implicitly contrasts human reliance on physical strongholds with the absolute security found in God as a true "fortress" or "strong tower" (though different Hebrew words are used for God's attributes, e.g., מִשְׂגָּב (misgav, `{{H4869}}`)).
2. **Order and Habitation:** The use of ṭîrâh for "habitation" or "dwelling" highlights the human need for settled existence, community, and order. In a theological sense, this reflects humanity's call to steward creation and establish societies, even as these structures remain earthly and temporal.
3. **Symbol of Earthly Power and Transience:** When ṭîrâh refers to "palaces," it can symbolize earthly power, wealth, and sovereignty. Yet, the prophetic literature often depicts the downfall of such magnificent structures, underscoring the transient nature of human kingdoms and the ultimate supremacy of God's eternal kingdom. The destruction of these "palaces" is often a sign of divine judgment.
### Summary
ṭîyrâh (`{{H2918}}`) is a Hebrew noun denoting an enclosed, built structure, derived from the concept of a "row" or "course" of stones. Its semantic range is broad, encompassing a simple "wall," a "fortress," a "castle," a "palace," a general "habitation," and even a "hamlet." Biblical occurrences demonstrate its use for military strongholds ([[Numbers 31:10]]), established dwellings ([[1 Chronicles 6:54]]), and grand architectural features ([[Song of Solomon 8:9]], [[Ezekiel 25:4]]). Theologically, ṭîyrâh serves as a descriptive term for human-made structures that provide security, dwelling, or symbolize power. Its usage implicitly highlights the contrast between the transient nature of human fortifications and habitations and the enduring sovereignty and ultimate protection found in God.
TRV