### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word טַלְטֵלָה (ṭalṭêlâh, `{{H2925}}`) is a noun derived from the verb טוּל (ṭûl, `{{H2904}}`), which means "to hurl, cast, throw down, overthrow." The root implies a violent, forceful motion, often with destructive or decisive intent. Consequently, ṭalṭêlâh carries the core meaning of being violently thrown or cast away. This translates into a semantic range encompassing "overthrow," "rejection," "being driven away," or a state of "captivity" or "exile" resulting from such a forceful expulsion. It denotes a state of being forcibly dislodged from one's place, position, or security, emphasizing the severity and often the irreversibility of the action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ṭalṭêlâh (`{{H2925}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Isaiah.
* **[[Isaiah 22:17]]**: "Behold, the LORD will hurl you away violently, O strong man; He will grasp you firmly."
* In this sole occurrence, ṭalṭêlâh functions as an infinitive absolute, following and intensifying the Hiphil participle "מְטַלְטֶלְךָ" (m'ṭalṭel'kha, "He will hurl you"). The phrase "מְטַלְטֶלְךָ טַלְטֵלָה" (m'ṭalṭel'kha ṭalṭêlâh) is a powerful rhetorical device emphasizing the absolute and irresistible nature of God's action against Shebna, the unfaithful palace administrator. It is not merely a "throwing," but an "utter hurling" or "violent casting away."
* The context of [[Isaiah 22:15-19]] describes God's pronouncement of judgment against Shebna for his pride and self-aggrandizement (building a lavish tomb for himself while neglecting his duties). The "violent hurling" signifies a complete and humiliating removal from his position of power and influence.
* While the base definition of ṭalṭêlâh includes "captivity," in this specific verse, its primary function is to underscore the *act* of forceful expulsion and overthrow. The subsequent verse, [[Isaiah 22:18]], elaborates on the outcome of this "hurling": "He will surely roll you up tightly like a ball and toss you into a large country. There you will die, and there your glorious chariots will be, you disgrace to your master's house." This description clearly points to forced exile and death in a foreign land, thereby connecting the violent act of ṭalṭêlâh to a state of involuntary displacement and loss, akin to captivity or banishment.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** טוּל (ṭûl, `{{H2904}}`): The foundational verb meaning "to hurl, cast, throw down, overthrow." This verb is used in various contexts, from casting lots to violently overthrowing individuals or nations, always implying a decisive and often destructive act.
* **Concepts of Exile and Captivity:**
* גָּלָה (gālâh, `{{H1540}}`): "to go into exile, deport." This verb and its related noun גָּלוּת (gālût, "exile, captivity") describe the forced removal of people from their homeland, a common theme in prophetic literature.
* שָׁבָה (shāvâh, `{{H7617}}`): "to take captive." This verb and its noun שְׁבִי (sh'vî, "captivity") focus on the act of taking prisoners of war.
* נָדַח (nādhach, `{{H5080}}`): "to drive away, thrust out, banish." This term also conveys the idea of forced expulsion and scattering, often as a result of divine judgment.
* The concept of being "thrown" or "cast out" is a potent biblical metaphor for divine judgment, rejection, and the loss of favor or security. It signifies a profound reversal of fortune and a state of vulnerability.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ṭalṭêlâh in [[Isaiah 22:17]] is rich with theological implications:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The word powerfully emphasizes God's absolute control and His decisive power to execute judgment. Shebna's removal is not merely a political maneuver but a direct, forceful act of Yahweh. The emphatic nature of ṭalṭêlâh underscores the *irresistible* and *final* nature of this divine intervention. It highlights that God is the ultimate arbiter of human destiny and the one who casts down the proud.
* **Consequences of Pride and Unfaithfulness:** Although the specific sin of Shebna is not explicitly stated in [[Isaiah 22:17]], the broader context reveals his self-serving ambition and disregard for his God-given responsibilities. ṭalṭêlâh thus serves as a vivid descriptor of the severe and humiliating consequences that await those who abuse their authority, prioritize personal gain over divine service, or fail to trust in the Lord. It signifies a complete loss of honor, position, and security.
* **Metaphor for Exile and Dispersion:** While directly describing an "overthrow," the outcome of this "hurling" (being tossed into a distant land to die) strongly connects ṭalṭêlâh to the painful reality of exile and forced dispersion. This word, therefore, encapsulates the violent act that initiates such a state of displacement, a recurring theme in Israel's history as a consequence of covenant unfaithfulness. It portrays the terrifying experience of being utterly dislodged from one's secure place by divine decree.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ṭalṭêlâh (`{{H2925}}`), derived from the root ṭûl (`{{H2904}}`, "to hurl"), denotes a violent overthrow, rejection, or expulsion, leading to a state of being cast away, akin to captivity or exile. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Isaiah 22:17]] functions as an infinitive absolute, intensely emphasizing the preceding verb "to hurl." The phrase "מְטַלְטֶלְךָ טַלְטֵלָה" powerfully conveys the absolute and irresistible nature of God's judgment against Shebna, the unfaithful palace administrator. This "utter hurling" results in his complete disgrace, displacement, and eventual death in a foreign land (cf. [[Isaiah 22:18]]), underscoring profound theological themes of divine sovereignty, the severe consequences of pride and unfaithfulness, and the painful reality of forced exile. The word vividly paints a picture of a life violently dislodged and cast into oblivion by divine decree.