a primitive root; to hide (by covering over); hide, lay privily, in secret.
Transliteration:ṭâman
Pronunciation:taw-man'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H2934 (ṭâman) is a primitive root primarily meaning "to hide" or "to conceal." The core nuance embedded in its definition is "by covering over," suggesting a physical act of burying, secreting away, or placing something out of sight beneath a surface or within an enclosure. This action renders the object inaccessible or invisible. The semantic range of H2934 extends from a literal physical concealment, such as burying an object, to more figurative uses implying the laying of a trap, the preservation of something, or the reservation of judgment. Depending on the context, it can convey intentions of protection, deception, malicious preparation, or simply the act of putting something out of sight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H2934 (ṭâman) in the Hebrew Bible reveal its diverse applications and the varied intentions behind the act of hiding.
In [[Exodus 2:12]], Moses "hid" the Egyptian he had killed in the sand, a stark example of physical burial and concealment undertaken to escape detection for a grave offense. This highlights the word's association with secret, often illicit, actions.
Similarly, [[Joshua 7:22]] describes Achan "hiding" the forbidden spoil in the earth within his tent, an act of deliberate concealment of sin that brought severe consequences upon the community. Here, H2934 is directly linked to deceit and the attempt to evade divine judgment.
In a more existential sense, Job uses H2934 in [[Job 3:16]], wishing he had been "hidden" away like a stillborn child, never seeing the light. This conveys a profound desire for non-existence or complete removal from the world's sorrows.
The concept of reserved judgment appears in [[Job 20:26]], where calamities are described as "laid up" or "hidden" for the wicked, implying a divine act of storing or preparing punishment that remains unseen until its appointed time.
A malicious intent is evident in [[Psalm 9:15]], where the nations fall into the pit they "hid" for others. This illustrates the laying of a secret trap, emphasizing the treacherous nature of the concealment.
Conversely, H2934 can denote divine protection. In [[Psalm 31:20]], the psalmist praises God for "hiding" His people in the secret of His presence from the plots of men. Here, it signifies divine refuge, security, and preservation.
Prophetic symbolism is seen in [[Jeremiah 13:4-5]], where Jeremiah is commanded to "hide" a linen belt by the Euphrates and later retrieve it, an act symbolizing the future desolation of Judah. This demonstrates a purposeful act of depositing and recovering for a specific, often symbolic, purpose.
In [[Lamentations 3:55]], the word implies being trapped or buried in distress, as the speaker cries to God "from the depths of the pit" where he was hidden.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other Hebrew words share semantic overlap with H2934 (ṭâman) in conveying the idea of hiding, but each carries distinct nuances:
* `{{H5641}}` (sātar): This is a very common word for "to hide" or "to conceal," often referring to being hidden from view, either actively by an agent or passively. It can describe God hiding His face or people hiding themselves. While H2934 often implies covering *over* or *burying*, `{{H5641}}` can be more general concealment of presence or information.
* `{{H6845}}` (tsaphan): This verb means "to hide," "to store up," or "to treasure." It frequently carries the connotation of preserving something valuable or reserving something for a future purpose, such as "hidden treasures" or "hidden wisdom." This shares the aspect of "laying up" or "reserving" seen in some uses of H2934.
* `{{H3586}}` (kāḥad): This word means "to hide," but often specifically in the sense of denying or withholding information, concealing truth, or feigning ignorance. It speaks more to the concealment of knowledge or facts rather than physical objects.
The concept of a "secret place" or "secret counsel" (sōd) is also closely related, as things hidden by H2934 are inherently associated with secrecy and privacy.
### Theological Significance
The act of "hiding" (ṭâman) carries profound theological significance, reflecting both the depravity of humanity and the omnipotence and providence of God.
**Human Sin and Deception:** The frequent use of H2934 in contexts of illicit gain (Achan's sin in [[Joshua 7]]), violence (Moses hiding the Egyptian in [[Exodus 2]]), or malicious intent (laying traps in [[Psalm 9]]) underscores humanity's propensity to conceal sin, evade responsibility, and act with covert wickedness. It serves as a stark reminder of the futility of attempting to hide anything from God, before whom all things are naked and open ([[Hebrews 4:13]]).
**Divine Protection and Refuge:** In contrast, H2934 is also employed to illustrate God's tender and powerful protective care. In [[Psalm 31:20]], God "hides" His people in the secret of His presence from the schemes of the wicked. This portrays God as an ultimate refuge, a secure sanctuary where His chosen ones are preserved from danger and hostility. It speaks to the theological truth of being "hidden in Christ" or finding shelter under the shadow of the Almighty.
**Divine Judgment and Sovereignty:** The concept of God "laying up" or "hiding" judgment for the wicked ([[Job 20:26]]) speaks to His righteous justice and the certainty of future retribution. It implies a pre-ordained consequence, unseen but sure, demonstrating God's sovereign control over both blessing and judgment.
**Symbolic Action and Prophecy:** In prophetic literature, H2934 can describe symbolic actions commanded by God, such as Jeremiah burying the belt. These acts of hiding are not merely physical but carry deep spiritual and prophetic meaning, conveying messages of future desolation, restoration, or divine instruction.
The tension between human attempts to hide from God and God's perfect knowledge, combined with His protective and judgmental power, is a recurring theological theme illuminated by this versatile word.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H2934 (ṭâman) denotes the act of "hiding" or "concealing," fundamentally implying a physical covering over or burying. Its semantic range is broad, encompassing literal acts of concealment (e.g., Moses hiding a body, Achan burying spoil) and more figurative applications (e.g., laying traps, reserving judgment). Contextually, H2934 sheds light on various aspects of human behavior, including deception, sin, and malicious intent, consistently emphasizing the futility of hiding from God's omnipresence. Theologically, the word powerfully portrays divine attributes: God's protective care for His people, "hiding" them in His presence as a refuge ([[Psalm 31:20]]), and His righteous sovereignty in "laying up" judgment for the wicked ([[Job 20:26]]). While sharing semantic space with other words like `{{H5641}}` (sātar) and `{{H6845}}` (tsaphan), H2934 often emphasizes the specific physical action of covering or burying, making it a potent term for both human attempts at secrecy and divine acts of preservation and judgment throughout the biblical narrative.
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