a collateral form of טָמֵא; to be impure in a religious sense; be defiled, be reputed vile.
Transliteration:ṭâmâh
Pronunciation:taw-maw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb טָמָה (ṭâmâh, `{{H2933}}`) is identified as a collateral form of טָמֵא (ṭāmēʾ, `{{H2930}}`). This relationship is crucial, as it indicates that its core semantic range is intimately tied to the broader concept of uncleanness or impurity. At its most fundamental level, *ṭâmâh* means "to be impure in a religious sense" or "to be defiled."
The semantic range of *ṭâmâh* extends beyond mere physical dirtiness, encompassing:
* **Ritual Impurity:** While less frequent for this specific form compared to its root, it can denote a state of ceremonial uncleanness that renders an individual unfit for participation in cultic worship or contact with sacred things. This type of impurity is often temporary and can be remedied through prescribed rituals.
* **Moral and Spiritual Impurity:** This is the predominant usage for *ṭâmâh* in its biblical occurrences. It refers to a deep defilement of character, conscience, and relationship with God, often stemming from grave sins such as idolatry, sexual immorality, or bloodshed. This form of impurity is inherently sinful and has severe consequences.
* **Reputational Impurity:** The definition "be reputed vile" suggests that the defilement can also extend to one's standing or reputation within the community, becoming an object of abhorrence due to one's actions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb טָמָה (ṭâmâh, `{{H2933}}`) appears in relatively few passages, but its contexts are highly significant, primarily focusing on moral and spiritual defilement.
* **Leviticus 18:24-25**: "Do not defile yourselves with any of these things; for by all these the nations which I am casting out before you became defiled. For the land became defiled, therefore I punished its iniquity upon it, and the land vomited out its inhabitants." Here, *ṭâmâh* is used to describe the moral defilement resulting from a list of abhorrent sexual practices and idolatry. The emphasis is on the defilement of both the people and the land itself, leading to severe divine judgment and expulsion.
* **Leviticus 18:30**: "You are therefore to keep My charge, that you do not practice any of these abominable customs which have been practiced before you, so as not to defile yourselves by them; I am the LORD your God." This verse reiterates the warning against defiling oneself through the wicked customs of the surrounding nations, reinforcing the link between *ṭâmâh* and moral transgression.
* **Ezekiel 20:30-31**: "Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "Are you defiling yourselves in the way of your fathers and going astray after their detestable things? When you offer your gifts, when you make your sons pass through the fire, you defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. And shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live," declares the Lord GOD, "I will not be inquired of by you."'" In this prophetic context, *ṭâmâh* explicitly describes Israel's defilement through idolatry and the horrific practice of child sacrifice. This defilement is so profound that it severs their ability to inquire of God, indicating a complete breach in their relationship.
These contexts consistently highlight *ṭâmâh* in relation to grave moral and spiritual offenses, particularly those that violate the covenant and pollute the land. The consequence of such defilement is consistently divine judgment, ranging from expulsion to a complete breakdown in the relationship with God.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding טָמָה (ṭâmâh, `{{H2933}}`) is enhanced by examining its relationship to other terms and theological concepts:
* **Primary Root:** טָמֵא (ṭāmēʾ, `{{H2930}}`): This is the foundational verb for "to be unclean" or "to be defiled" in the Old Testament. While *ṭāmāh* leans towards moral defilement, *ṭāmēʾ* covers the full spectrum of ritual, physical, and moral impurity. The noun form, טֻמְאָה (ṭumʾāh, `{{H2932}}`), denotes the state or act of uncleanness.
* **Antonym:** קָדַשׁ (qādash, `{{H6942}}`): "To be holy," "to be set apart." The concept of defilement stands in direct opposition to holiness. God's command to Israel was to be holy as He is holy, necessitating separation from defiling practices and a pursuit of purity.
* **Associated Nouns of Abomination/Detestable Things:** שֶׁקֶץ (sheqets, `{{H8251}}`, "detestable thing, abomination") and תּוֹעֵבָה (to'evah, `{{H8441}}`, "abomination") are frequently linked with actions or entities that cause defilement, particularly in the context of idolatry, illicit sexual relations, and unclean foods.
* **Theological Concepts:**
* **Holiness of God:** The pervasive concern with *ṭâmâh* underscores God's absolute purity and His intolerance for anything that violates His holy nature.
* **Covenantal Purity:** For Israel, maintaining purity was not merely a ceremonial observance but a vital aspect of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Defilement threatened this relationship and their right to dwell in the Promised Land.
* **Land Defilement:** The profound idea that the land itself can be defiled by the sins of its inhabitants (e.g., [[Numbers 35:34]]) is a recurring theme, emphasizing the cosmic implications of human sin.
* **Atonement and Purification:** The presence of defilement necessitated means of cleansing and reconciliation, pointing to the elaborate system of sacrifices and rituals designed to purify individuals and the community, foreshadowing the ultimate atonement in Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of טָמָה (ṭâmâh, `{{H2933}}`) is profound, revealing core aspects of God's character, His relationship with humanity, and the nature of sin:
* **God's Absolute Holiness:** The concept of defilement, particularly moral defilement, serves as a stark contrast to God's inherent and unchangeable holiness. God is utterly separate from all impurity, and His presence demands purity from those who would approach Him or dwell in His land.
* **The Gravity of Sin:** *Ṭâmâh* highlights that certain sins are not merely transgressions but acts that pollute and corrupt. Idolatry, sexual immorality, and violence are presented as deeply defiling, impacting not only the individual's soul but also the community and even the physical land. This underscores sin's destructive power and its far-reaching consequences.
* **Covenantal Consequences:** For Israel, defilement was a direct breach of covenant. The warnings associated with *ṭâmâh* emphasize that persistent defilement would lead to divine judgment, including exile and the forfeiture of their covenant blessings. The land, as a sacred inheritance, would "vomit out" those who defiled it.
* **The Need for Cleansing and Atonement:** The pervasive nature of defilement in the human condition, as highlighted by *ṭâmâh*, points to humanity's inability to purify itself. This necessitates a divine provision for cleansing. The Old Testament sacrificial system, particularly the Day of Atonement, offered temporary means of purification. Ultimately, the concept of defilement points forward to the perfect and final cleansing offered through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, who purifies from all sin and its defiling effects (cf. [[Hebrews 9:13-14]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew verb טָמָה (ṭâmâh, `{{H2933}}`), a collateral form of טָמֵא (ṭāmēʾ, `{{H2930}}`), signifies "to be impure in a religious sense" or "to be defiled." While its broader root encompasses various forms of ritual uncleanness, the specific occurrences of *ṭâmâh* primarily emphasize profound moral and spiritual defilement. Contexts such as [[Leviticus 18:24-30]] and [[Ezekiel 20:30-31]] reveal its application to grave sins like idolatry, sexual perversion, and child sacrifice. These acts are portrayed as polluting not only the individuals involved but also the community and the very land itself, leading to severe divine judgment and expulsion. The theological significance of *ṭâmâh* is deeply rooted in God's absolute holiness, underscoring the gravity of sin as a defiling force, the covenantal consequences of impurity, and the ultimate human need for divine cleansing and atonement.
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