a primitive root; properly, to strew over, i.e. (by implication) to cover in or plate (with beams); cover.
Transliteration:ṭâlal
Pronunciation:taw-lal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H2926}}` (ṭâlal) is a primitive root, carrying the core meaning of "to strew over." From this foundational sense, it extends by implication to "to cover in" or "to plate (with beams)." This semantic range suggests an action that involves spreading a material over a surface to create a protective or completing layer, specifically in a structural or architectural context. The nuance of "with beams" points towards the construction of a roof or an overhead covering, implying a more substantial and intentional act of enclosure rather than a mere drape or temporary shelter. It speaks to the final stage of covering a structure, making it complete and functional.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H2926}}` (ṭâlal) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, which makes its single usage particularly significant for understanding its precise meaning.
* [[Nehemiah 3:15]]: "And the Fountain Gate repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of the district of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and the wall of the Pool of Shelah by the King’s Garden, even to the stairs that go down from the City of David."
In this verse, the verb is used in the Hiphil stem, "וַיְטַלְלֵהוּ" (vayṭallelēhū), meaning "and he caused it to be covered" or "and he covered it." The context is the massive rebuilding effort of Jerusalem's walls and gates under Nehemiah's leadership. Shallun, a district ruler, is responsible for the repair of the Fountain Gate. The sequence of actions—building, covering, and installing doors and bars—clearly indicates that "covering" refers to the construction of a roof or an overhead structure for the gate. This act of "covering" would have been crucial for the gate's completion, providing shelter and reinforcing its defensive capabilities. The single occurrence thus strongly corroborates the definition of "to cover in or plate (with beams)" in an architectural sense.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given its singular occurrence, direct linguistic cognates of `{{H2926}}` are not readily apparent within the biblical lexicon. However, its meaning places it within broader semantic fields:
* **Covering/Sheltering:** The concept of covering is central. Other Hebrew words for covering include `{{H3680}}` (kāsāh), a general term for covering or concealing; `{{H5526}}` (sūkāh), a booth or temporary shelter often involving a covering; and `{{H1486}}` (gāgag), specifically "to roof a house." While these terms share the general idea of covering, `{{H2926}}` seems to emphasize the structural, perhaps beam-based, aspect of the covering.
* **Building/Construction:** `{{H2926}}` fits seamlessly into the vocabulary of construction and repair. Key terms in this field include `{{H1129}}` (bānāh), "to build" or "to construct," which is used alongside `{{H2926}}` in [[Nehemiah 3:15]]. The act of "repairing" (from `{{H2388}}`, ḥāzaq, though not directly used with ṭâlal in this verse, is the overarching theme of Nehemiah 3) also underscores the practical, hands-on nature of the work. The uniqueness of `{{H2926}}` might suggest a specific technical detail of roofing or plating that other more general terms do not convey.
### Theological Significance
Though occurring only once, the theological significance of `{{H2926}}` is illuminated by its context within the book of Nehemiah.
* **Divine Providence and Human Diligence:** The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and gates is a testament to God's faithfulness in restoring His people and their city. However, this divine work is accomplished through the diligent and meticulous labor of individuals like Shallun. The act of "covering" the gate, while seemingly a mundane architectural detail, highlights the thoroughness and dedication required in carrying out God's purposes. It underscores that every part of the restoration, down to the final structural elements, is important in God's plan.
* **Completion and Security:** A covered gate signifies completion and provides essential protection. In a spiritual sense, the "covering" of the gate represents the restoration of security, order, and wholeness to the community. It symbolizes the re-establishment of a safe and functional space for God's people, reflecting His desire for their well-being and flourishing within His covenant. The detailed work, including the "covering," was not merely for aesthetic purposes but for the practical defense and integrity of the city, a tangible manifestation of God's protection through human agency.
* **The Importance of Foundations and Finishes:** The narrative of Nehemiah emphasizes both the initial laying of foundations and the final touches of completion. `{{H2926}}` represents one of these critical finishing touches, demonstrating that God's work requires attention to every detail, from the ground up to the protective roof.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H2926}}` (ṭâlal) is a primitive verb meaning "to strew over," which extends to "to cover in" or "to plate (with beams)," specifically referring to the construction of an overhead covering or roof. Its sole biblical occurrence is found in [[Nehemiah 3:15]], where it describes Shallun "covering" the Fountain Gate during the meticulous rebuilding of Jerusalem's defenses. This usage firmly establishes its architectural context, signifying the completion and protection of a structure. While rare, `{{H2926}}` relates to broader concepts of covering (e.g., `{{H3680}}` kāsāh) and building (e.g., `{{H1129}}` bānāh). Theologically, its presence in Nehemiah's account underscores the principle of divine providence working through human diligence, emphasizing that every detail, even the "covering" of a gate, contributes to the sacred work of restoration, ultimately signifying renewed security, completion, and God's faithfulness to His people.
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