a primitive root; properly, to cover with pieces; i.e. (by implication) to spot or variegate (as tapestry); clouted, with divers colours, spotted.
Transliteration:ṭâlâʼ
Pronunciation:taw-law'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H2921 (ṭâlâʼ) is a primitive verb carrying the core meaning of "to cover with pieces" or "to patch." This foundational sense extends by implication to "to spot," "to variegate," or "to make with divers colors," much like a tapestry or a garment made of various patches. The essence of the word lies in creating a non-uniform, patterned appearance, whether through intentional piecing together or through natural markings. It describes something that is not of a single, solid color, but rather exhibits distinct, contrasting areas. The term can denote both the act of creating such a pattern and the resulting state of being patterned or spotted.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H2921 in the Hebrew Bible are notably concentrated, providing clear contextual insights. Its most prominent usage is found in the narrative of Jacob's flocks in Genesis, where it describes animals with specific markings. In [[Genesis 30:32]], [[Genesis 30:33]], [[Genesis 30:35]], [[Genesis 30:39]], [[Genesis 30:40]], [[Genesis 31:8]], [[Genesis 31:10]], and [[Genesis 31:12]], the term consistently refers to sheep and goats that are "spotted" or "speckled" (often translated alongside `{{H5340}}` *naqod* for "speckled" or `{{H6148}}` *aqod* for "striped" or "ringstreaked"). This variegation becomes the key criterion for Jacob's wages from Laban, and ultimately, a sign of divine intervention and blessing. The miraculous increase of Jacob's "spotted" and "speckled" animals signifies God's faithfulness and justice in providing for Jacob despite Laban's deceit.
Beyond the Genesis narrative, H2921 appears once in [[Joshua 9:5]], where it describes the Gibeonites' "clouted" or "patched" sandals. Here, the meaning reverts to the more literal sense of "to cover with pieces," indicating footwear that has been mended or cobbled together from various patches, signifying a long journey and a state of disrepair. This usage highlights the versatility of the root, encompassing both natural patterns and human craftsmanship or repair.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H2921 is closely intertwined with terms related to color, pattern, and animal characteristics. In the Genesis narrative, it frequently appears alongside `{{H5340}}` (naqod, "speckled") and `{{H6148}}` (aqod, "striped" or "ringstreaked"), creating a comprehensive description of variegated animal coats. These terms collectively describe patterns that deviate from a uniform color, often indicating distinctness or uniqueness within a flock. Conceptually, H2921 stands in contrast to ideas of purity, uniformity, or unblemished perfection, as might be required for sacrificial animals. While "spotted" animals were valuable in Jacob's context, the Law later emphasized "whole" and "unblemished" animals for offerings (e.g., [[Leviticus 22:21]]), though this is a conceptual rather than direct lexical opposition. The idea of "patching" also relates to `{{H2803}}` (chavar, "to join" or "to bind together"), though H2921 specifically implies joining distinct pieces.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2921 is most profoundly revealed in the Genesis account of Jacob and Laban. The "spotted" and "speckled" livestock become tangible evidence of God's providential care and sovereign justice. What initially appears as Jacob's shrewd, albeit questionable, breeding strategy is ultimately revealed as a direct act of divine intervention. As the angel of God declares to Jacob, "I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. I have seen all that Laban has done to you. I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. I am the God of Bethel... And now lift up your eyes and see, all the males that are mating with the flock are striped, spotted, and speckled, for I have seen all that Laban has done to you" ([[Genesis 31:12]]). Thus, the variegation of the animals, described by H2921, becomes a divinely ordained sign of blessing and a testament to God's commitment to uphold His covenant promises, even through the complexities of human relationships and natural processes. It underscores the Lord's meticulous involvement in the details of His people's lives and His ability to turn human machinations into instruments of His will. In the case of the Gibeonites' "patched" sandals, it subtly points to their desperate plea for mercy and their perceived long journey, setting the stage for Joshua's oath, highlighting themes of deception and covenant.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H2921 (ṭâlâʼ) fundamentally means "to patch" or "to cover with pieces," extending to "to spot" or "to variegate." Its primary biblical occurrences are in the Genesis narrative of Jacob's flocks, where "spotted" animals ([[Genesis 30:32]]ff) signify God's miraculous provision and justice in Jacob's life. A secondary usage describes "patched" sandals ([[Joshua 9:5]]), indicating wear and travel. Theologically, H2921` serves as a powerful symbol of divine sovereignty, demonstrating God's active involvement in the seemingly mundane details of creation and human affairs, turning specific physical characteristics into a clear manifestation of His covenant faithfulness and blessing.
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