a primitive root; to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated); defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ṭâmêʼ**, represented by `{{H2930}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)**. It appears 161 times in 142 unique verses. The term is used broadly to signify being defiled, polluted, or pronounced unclean.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H2930}}` is used to describe both ceremonial and moral impurity. Ceremonially, an individual could **be unclean** through contact with a dead body [[Numbers 19:11]], a person with leprosy [[Leviticus 13:46]], or certain animals [[Leviticus 11:25]]. Morally, the term describes defilement through sinful acts such as idolatry [[Ezekiel 37:23]], sexual immorality [[Leviticus 18:20]], and seeking after familiar spirits [[Leviticus 19:31]]. This defilement could extend to the land itself [[Jeremiah 2:7]] and even to God's holy tabernacle and sanctuary ([[Leviticus 15:31]], [[Ezekiel 5:11]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of being foul or impure:
* `{{H2931}}` **ṭâmêʼ** (foul in a religious sense): The adjectival form of the root, describing a person or thing that is in a state of uncleanness, such as Isaiah describing himself as a "man of unclean lips" [[Isaiah 6:5]].
* `{{H2932}}` **ṭumʼâh** (religious impurity): This noun refers to the state of filthiness or uncleanness itself. Israel's ways were like the "uncleanness of a removed woman" before God [[Ezekiel 36:17]].
* `{{H2891}}` **ṭâhêr** (to be pure; to be clean): As the direct opposite of `{{H2930}}`, this word signifies the act of cleansing or purifying. God promises to **cleanse** His people from the very things that defile them [[Ezekiel 37:23]].
* `{{H2181}}` **zânâh** (to commit adultery; to commit idolatry): This term for whoredom is often a cause of the defilement described by `{{H2930}}`. Israel was **defiled** with their own works and "went a whoring" with their inventions [[Psalms 106:39]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2930}}` is significant, establishing key principles about God and humanity.
* **The Holiness of God:** The concept of being **unclean** is defined in direct opposition to God's perfect holiness. The Lord commands His people to be holy as He is holy, warning them not to **defile** themselves [[Leviticus 11:44]].
* **Separation and God's Presence:** Defilement creates a separation between God and His people. Those who were unclean were often put outside the camp, because God dwelt in their midst and His presence could not abide impurity [[Numbers 5:3]]. To **defile** the sanctuary was a grave offense [[Ezekiel 23:38]].
* **The Consequence of Sin:** Moral and spiritual defilement carries severe consequences. When Israel **polluted** the land with their idols and abominations, it led to God's judgment [[Ezekiel 36:18]]. The land itself is said to vomit out its inhabitants because of their defilement [[Leviticus 18:25]].
* **The Promise of Cleansing:** The extensive regulations concerning uncleanness underscore the need for purification. Scripture looks forward to a time when God will save His people from their sins and **cleanse** `{{H2891}}` them, so they will no longer **defile** `{{H2930}}` themselves with idols and transgressions [[Ezekiel 37:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2930}}` **ṭâmêʼ** is a critical term that defines what is unacceptable in the presence of a holy God. It encompasses a wide spectrum of defilement, from ritual impurity through contact with death or disease to profound moral pollution through idolatry, sexual sin, and rebellion. The concept of being **unclean** establishes the foundational biblical principles of God's holiness, the separation caused by sin, and the absolute necessity for divine cleansing.
TRV