apparently from טָלָא in the (orig.) sense of covering (for protection); (compare טָלֶה); a lamb; lamb.
Transliteration:ṭᵉlâʼ
Pronunciation:tel-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma ṭᵉlâʼ (`{{H2922}}`) primarily denotes a "lamb." Its etymological root is linked to ṭālāʼ (`{{H2921}}`), which carries the sense of "covering" or "patching," suggesting a possible nuance related to the lamb's wool as a covering or its status as a creature needing protection. It is also closely associated with ṭāleh (`{{H2924}}`), another term for "lamb" or "young animal," reinforcing its core semantic range. The word ṭᵉlâʼ specifically refers to a young sheep, often a suckling or tender lamb, emphasizing its innocence and vulnerability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ṭᵉlâʼ (`{{H2922}}`) appears in several significant biblical contexts, predominantly within narratives of sacrifice and poetic descriptions of divine care. In [[1 Samuel 7:9]], Samuel offers a "suckling lamb" (ṭᵉlâʼ) as a whole burnt offering to the Lord, demonstrating its role as a pure and unblemished sacrifice suitable for seeking divine intervention and atonement. This act occurs during a time of national crisis, underscoring the lamb's importance in appeasing God and securing deliverance. Another notable occurrence is in [[Isaiah 40:11]], where the prophet describes God's tender pastoral care: "He will gently lead those that are with young," with ṭᵉlâʼ here referring to the vulnerable, dependent members of the flock. This imagery highlights God's compassion and protective nature towards His people, likening them to helpless lambs requiring His gentle guidance. These passages collectively illustrate the lamb's dual significance: as a sacrificial offering and as a symbol of vulnerability and divine care.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ṭālāʼ (`{{H2921}}`):** The verbal root from which ṭᵉlâʼ (`{{H2922}}`) is derived, meaning "to patch," "to cover," or "to spot." This connection might subtly allude to the lamb's fleece or its status as a creature needing shelter.
* **ṭāleh (`{{H2924}}`):** A closely related and often interchangeable Hebrew term for "lamb" or "kid," frequently used in contexts of sacrifice and animal husbandry.
* **keves (`{{H3532}}`):** A more general term for a "lamb" or "sheep," typically referring to a male lamb, often one year old. ṭᵉlâʼ may denote a younger, more tender lamb than keves.
* **Sacrifice and Atonement:** The concept of ṭᵉlâʼ is intrinsically linked to the sacrificial system of ancient Israel. Lambs were central to various offerings, symbolizing purity, innocence, and the means by which atonement could be made for sin, or communion with God restored.
* **Shepherd Imagery:** The presence of lambs naturally evokes the metaphor of a shepherd caring for his flock, a pervasive biblical motif for God's relationship with His people, emphasizing His guidance, protection, and provision (e.g., [[Psalm 23:1]]).
### Theological Significance
The ṭᵉlâʼ (`{{H2922}}`) carries profound theological significance, primarily through its role in the sacrificial cult of ancient Israel. As a young, unblemished animal, it represented the purity and perfection required for an acceptable offering to a holy God. Its sacrifice, as seen in [[1 Samuel 7:9]], underscores the principle of substitutionary atonement, where an innocent life is given to mediate between God and humanity. The tenderness associated with "suckling lambs" also highlights God's compassionate nature and the vulnerability of His covenant people. The imagery in [[Isaiah 40:11]] beautifully portrays God as the gentle shepherd who personally cares for and leads the weakest and most dependent members of His flock. While ṭᵉlâʼ itself is not directly used in explicit messianic prophecy, the broader Old Testament emphasis on the sacrificial lamb provides essential theological groundwork for the New Testament's revelation of Jesus Christ as the ultimate "Lamb of God" (amnos, `{{G282}}`), whose perfect, atoning sacrifice fulfills and transcends all Old Testament offerings.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ṭᵉlâʼ (`{{H2922}}`) designates a "lamb," specifically a young and often suckling sheep. Its etymological connection to "covering" or "patching" may subtly allude to its wool or its status as a creature needing protection. Biblically, ṭᵉlâʼ is prominently featured in contexts of ritual sacrifice, symbolizing purity and the means of atonement, as exemplified in [[1 Samuel 7:9]] where it is offered as a burnt offering. Furthermore, in poetic passages like [[Isaiah 40:11]], ṭᵉlâʼ contributes to the tender imagery of God as a compassionate shepherd who gently cares for the most vulnerable among His people. This word, alongside related terms like ṭāleh (`{{H2924}}`), is foundational to understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system and provides a crucial theological backdrop for the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus Christ as the spotless "Lamb of God" (`{{G282}}`), the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Thus, ṭᵉlâʼ encapsulates themes of purity, sacrifice, divine provision, and compassionate shepherding within the biblical narrative.
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