from an unused root meaning to break up or treat violently; oppression; Telem, the name of a place in Idumaea, also of a temple doorkeeper; Telem.
Transliteration:Ṭelem
Pronunciation:teh'-lem
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H2928}}` (Ṭelem) derives from an unused root, conveying the primary sense of "to break up" or "to treat violently." This foundational meaning extends semantically to "oppression." Beyond this abstract concept, `{{H2928}}` functions predominantly as a proper noun in the biblical text. It designates both a geographical location and a personal name. As a place name, it is associated with a town, and as a personal name, it identifies an individual. The dual nature of this word – an abstract concept of violence/oppression and concrete proper nouns – enriches its interpretative possibilities, suggesting that the proper nouns may, in some cases, subtly echo the root's inherent meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H2928}}` appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively as a proper noun:
* **[[Joshua 15:24]]**: "Ziph, Telem, Bealoth." Here, Telem is listed as one of the cities in the southern district of Judah, specifically within the Negev. In this context, it functions purely as a geographical identifier within the tribal inheritance given by God. Its inclusion in a list of cities delineating the promised land underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel. While the underlying meaning of "oppression" is not overtly present in the narrative, one might speculate on the character of the region or its former inhabitants, or simply view it as a descriptive place-name.
* **[[Ezra 10:24]]**: "Of the singers: Eliashib; and of the doorkeepers: Shallum, Telem, and Uri." In this passage, Telem is identified as one of the temple doorkeepers who had taken foreign wives during the post-exilic period. This list is part of Ezra's efforts to purify the community and restore covenant fidelity by addressing the issue of intermarriage. Here, Telem is a personal name, and while the root meaning of "oppression" does not directly describe the individual's character, it adds a poignant layer. The act of marrying foreign wives was seen as a spiritual compromise, a form of "oppression" against the covenant and the purity of the community, requiring repentance and separation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The core meaning of `{{H2928}}` stemming from an unused root signifying "to break up" or "to treat violently" connects it to a broader semantic field of force, destruction, and injustice.
* **Oppression and Violence**: Concepts such as `{{H6231}}` ('osheq, "oppression"), `{{H3908}}` (laḥaṣ, "distress, oppression"), and `{{H7701}}` (shod, "violence, devastation") share thematic resonance with the root of `{{H2928}}`. Similarly, words like `{{H2555}}` (ḥamas, "violence, wrong") and `{{H7703}}` (shadad, "to deal violently with, devastate") reflect the forceful aspect.
* **Proper Nouns**: As a proper noun, `{{H2928}}` relates to the biblical practice of naming places and people, often with names that carry intrinsic meaning or reflect circumstances. The mention in the Strong's definition of a connection to "Idumaea" (Edom) is noteworthy, as Edom is frequently portrayed in Scripture as a nation characterized by violence and opposition to Israel, further aligning with the root meaning of "oppression."
* **Covenant Fidelity**: In the context of [[Ezra 10:24]], Telem's inclusion highlights the theme of covenant fidelity and the dangers of spiritual compromise, connecting to the broader narrative of Israel's relationship with God.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H2928}}` does not carry a direct theological statement in its biblical occurrences, its underlying root meaning of "oppression" or "violence" subtly informs its significance.
In [[Joshua 15:24]], Telem as a place name within Judah's inheritance speaks to God's sovereign control over the land and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The potential for the name to hint at a history of "oppression" in the region or among its former inhabitants would underscore the divine act of deliverance and the establishment of a people under God's righteous rule, contrasting with the violence of the surrounding nations.
In [[Ezra 10:24]], Telem the doorkeeper is part of a critical moment in Israel's post-exilic restoration. The issue of intermarriage was a profound threat to the distinct identity and spiritual purity of the covenant community. The choice of the name "Telem" for an individual involved in this transgression, while perhaps coincidental, is nonetheless poignant. It could subtly highlight the self-inflicted "oppression" or spiritual violence against the covenant that such disobedience represented. This narrative underscores the importance of adherence to God's law, the consequences of compromise, and the necessity of repentance for the spiritual well-being of the community. The overall theological thrust points to God's demand for holiness and the human struggle to maintain fidelity.
### Summary
`{{H2928}}` (Ṭelem) is a Hebrew word derived from an unused root signifying "to break up" or "to treat violently," leading to the meaning "oppression." In the biblical text, it functions exclusively as a proper noun. In [[Joshua 15:24]], Telem is a city in the territory of Judah, serving as a geographical marker that underscores God's faithfulness in bestowing the promised land. In [[Ezra 10:24]], Telem is identified as a temple doorkeeper who had taken a foreign wife, placing him within a crucial narrative of post-exilic purification and covenant renewal. While the explicit meaning of "oppression" is not always foregrounded in its usage, the underlying root provides a subtle layer of interpretation, potentially hinting at the character of a place or the spiritual state of an individual, thereby connecting to broader biblical themes of justice, violence, covenant fidelity, and the ongoing need for divine grace and human obedience.
TRV