(Aramaic) the same as טַל; {dew (as covering vegetation)}; dew.
Transliteration:ṭal
Pronunciation:tal
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word טַל (ṭal), transliterated as *ṭal* and identified by Strong's H2920, is defined as "dew." While this specific entry notes its Aramaic origin and equivalence to H2919 (also *ṭal*), its core meaning is consistently "the moisture that condenses on surfaces, especially vegetation, during cool nights." In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, dew was a crucial source of moisture, often supplementing or even replacing rain for sustaining plant life. Its semantic range extends beyond mere physical moisture to encompass concepts of freshness, life-giving sustenance, coolness, and quiet, pervasive blessing. Unlike rain, which can be torrential and destructive, dew is gentle, silent, and pervasive, covering the ground without force.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Though H2920 itself is a rare Aramaic lemma, its definition explicitly points to the concept of "dew" as found in H2919, which is common in the Hebrew Bible. The biblical occurrences of *ṭal* reveal its profound significance:
* **Divine Blessing and Provision:** Dew is frequently associated with divine favor and abundance. In [[Genesis 27:28]], Isaac blesses Jacob, saying, "May God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth." This highlights dew as a component of agricultural prosperity and a sign of God's blessing. Similarly, [[Deuteronomy 33:28]] describes Israel dwelling securely, with "his heavens dropping down dew," signifying divine provision and security. Conversely, the withholding of dew, as seen in [[Haggai 1:10]], is a sign of divine judgment and curse, leading to crop failure.
* **Refreshing and Restoration:** The restorative power of dew is a prominent theme. [[Psalm 133:3]] beautifully compares brotherly unity to "the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion," symbolizing refreshing blessing and spiritual vitality. Most poignantly, in [[Hosea 14:5]], God declares, "I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily," promising spiritual revival, flourishing, and healing after a period of spiritual drought.
* **Transience and Ephemeral Nature:** *Ṭal* can also symbolize that which is fleeting or impermanent. [[Hosea 6:4]] laments Judah's goodness, which is "like a morning cloud, and like the dew that goes early away," illustrating the fickle nature of human commitment. In [[2 Samuel 17:12]], Ahithophel advises Absalom to attack David "as the dew falls on the ground," implying a pervasive but easily dissipated force, ultimately leading to David's escape.
* **Miraculous Intervention:** Dew plays a role in divine miracles. The manna in the wilderness appeared with the dew ([[Exodus 16:13-14]]), demonstrating God's supernatural provision. Gideon's fleece test ([[Judges 6:37-40]]) explicitly uses dew as a sign of God's presence and validation, first with the fleece wet and the ground dry, then the reverse, showcasing God's control over natural phenomena.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of *ṭal* is intrinsically linked to several other biblical ideas and terms:
* **Water/Rain:** While distinct, dew (`{{H2919}}` / `{{H2920}}`) is a form of moisture, often appearing alongside or in contrast to rain (`{{H1653}}`, `{{H4306}}`). Both are essential for life in the land and are seen as gifts from heaven (`{{H8064}}`).
* **Blessing and Prosperity:** *Ṭal* is frequently a component of `{{H1293}}` (berakah, "blessing") and `{{H7965}}` (shalom, "peace/wholeness"), particularly in an agricultural and national context. Its presence signifies divine favor and flourishing.
* **Life and Growth:** As a source of moisture, dew is directly related to `{{H2416}}` (chayyim, "life") and the concept of `{{H6780}}` (tsamach, "to sprout, grow"). It enables vegetation to thrive, symbolizing spiritual vitality.
* **Manna:** The miraculous `{{H4478}}` (man) is explicitly linked to the appearance of dew, underscoring God's meticulous and supernatural provision.
* **Heaven:** Dew is consistently described as coming "from heaven" (`{{H8064}}`), reinforcing its divine origin and status as a gift from God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *ṭal* (dew) is multifaceted and profound:
* **Divine Providence and Sustenance:** Dew serves as a powerful symbol of God's consistent, gentle, and essential provision. In a land where rainfall could be unpredictable, dew represented a reliable, daily manifestation of God's care, sustaining life even through dry seasons. It underscores God's meticulous attention to the needs of His creation.
* **Restoration and Spiritual Renewal:** The metaphor of God being "like the dew to Israel" ([[Hosea 14:5]]) is a profound statement of divine grace and restoration. Just as dew revives parched land, God promises to spiritually refresh and heal His people, enabling them to flourish after periods of sin or judgment. This speaks to the quiet, pervasive, and life-giving work of the Holy Spirit.
* **The Nature of God's Blessing:** Unlike overwhelming rain, dew's gentle and silent nature reflects a subtle yet powerful aspect of God's blessing. His favor is not always dramatic but often manifests as quiet, consistent sustenance that permeates every aspect of life.
* **Human Fickleness vs. Divine Faithfulness:** The contrast between the fleeting nature of human goodness (like dew that disappears quickly) and God's enduring faithfulness ([[Hosea 6:4]]) highlights the need for divine grace and steadfastness.
* **Miraculous Power and Presence:** The miraculous appearance of manna with the dew and Gideon's fleece demonstrate that dew can be an instrument through which God reveals His supernatural power and confirms His presence and will.
### Summary
The word טַל (ṭal), whether H2920 or its equivalent H2919, signifies "dew" and carries rich theological weight in the Hebrew Bible. Far more than mere atmospheric moisture, *ṭal* symbolizes God's gentle yet pervasive provision, His consistent blessing, and His power to bring refreshing and restoration. It is a vital component of agricultural prosperity and a sign of divine favor, often contrasted with the harshness of drought. While occasionally used to illustrate human transience, its primary theological emphasis is on God's faithful, life-giving, and often miraculous sustenance, quietly descending from heaven to nourish His creation and His people.
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