a primitive root; to wander; causatively to lead astray; seduce.
Transliteration:ṭâʻâh
Pronunciation:taw-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb ṭâʻâh (`{{H2937}}`) is a primitive root carrying the fundamental sense of "to wander" or "to stray." Its semantic range extends from literal physical movement to profound spiritual and moral deviation. At its most basic, it describes a departure from an intended or correct path. This can manifest as an aimless wandering, a being lost, or a deliberate straying. Crucially, the root also functions causatively, meaning "to cause to wander," "to lead astray," "to deceive," or "to seduce." This causative aspect highlights the active role of an agent (human or spiritual) in inducing error or deviation in another. Therefore, ṭâʻâh encompasses both the state of being in error and the act of causing error, emphasizing a departure from truth, righteousness, or a designated course.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of ṭâʻâh (`{{H2937}}`) in the Hebrew Bible illustrate its diverse applications, moving from the concrete to the abstract. Literally, it describes animals that have strayed from their owner or flock, as seen in [[Exodus 23:4]] where one is commanded to return a neighbor's stray ox or donkey. Similarly, [[Psalm 107:4]] depicts the Israelites wandering in a desolate way, finding no city to dwell in, highlighting a state of being lost and disoriented.
More frequently, ṭâʻâh is employed metaphorically to describe moral, intellectual, or spiritual error. In [[Proverbs 14:22]], it is stated that "Do not those who devise evil go astray?" (NIV), linking evil intentions directly to a state of error or deviation from wisdom. Prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel use ṭâʻâh to lament the spiritual blindness and moral corruption of leaders and the people. [[Isaiah 28:7]] condemns priests and prophets who "err through strong drink" and "are led astray by wine," indicating a compromised judgment that leads to spiritual misdirection. [[Ezekiel 44:10]] speaks of the Levites who "went astray from me" when Israel went astray, highlighting a departure from fidelity to God. This usage underscores the gravity of religious leaders leading the people into sin.
The causative form is particularly potent. In [[Malachi 2:8]], God condemns the priests, saying, "But you have turned aside from the way and have caused many to stumble by your instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi." Here, ṭâʻâh is rendered "caused... to stumble" or "caused... to err," directly attributing the people's deviation to the priests' unfaithful teaching. This demonstrates the destructive power of those who lead others away from God's truth. The root emphasizes that error is not merely an intellectual mistake but often a moral failure or a consequence of malicious influence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ṭâʻâh (`{{H2937}}`) intersects with several other Hebrew terms related to sin, error, and deviation.
* shāgāh (`{{H7686}}`): While ṭâʻâh implies a more deliberate or profound straying, shāgāh often refers to an unintentional error or sin committed through ignorance or inadvertence. Both describe a departure from the right path, but ṭâʻâh can carry a stronger connotation of being utterly lost or actively led astray.
* chata' (`{{H2398}}`): This is the most common word for "sin," meaning "to miss the mark." While broader, ṭâʻâh can describe a specific manifestation of chata', namely, the act of wandering away from God's standard.
* pasha' (`{{H6581}}`): This term denotes rebellion or transgression, a more active and conscious defiance against authority. While ṭâʻâh can lead to pasha', it often describes the initial deviation or the state of being lost, rather than outright rebellion.
* kashal (`{{H3584}}`): Meaning "to stumble" or "to fall," this word often describes the consequence of ṭâʻâh. One who ṭâʻâh may kashal into sin or judgment.
Concepts closely associated with ṭâʻâh include spiritual blindness, moral corruption, idolatry (as a wandering from the one true God), deception, and the state of being lost or estranged from divine truth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ṭâʻâh (`{{H2937}}`) is profound, touching upon the nature of sin, divine judgment, and the necessity of divine guidance. The concept of "wandering" or "going astray" serves as a powerful metaphor for humanity's fallen condition and its propensity to deviate from God's righteous path. This deviation is not merely a minor misstep but a fundamental departure from the covenant relationship and divine truth.
When individuals or communities ṭâʻâh, they move away from God's protective presence and the blessings of obedience, often resulting in spiritual confusion, moral decay, and ultimately, divine discipline or judgment. The Bible frequently presents God's law (Torah) as the light and guide that prevents ṭâʻâh (e.g., [[Psalm 119:105]], though not using ṭâʻâh directly, it implies the opposite of wandering). To ṭâʻâh is to reject this divine illumination.
Furthermore, the causative aspect of ṭâʻâh highlights the grave responsibility of those who influence others. False prophets, corrupt leaders, or even one's own deceitful heart can "lead astray" (cause to ṭâʻâh) individuals and entire nations, leading them into idolatry, injustice, and spiritual ruin. This underscores the biblical emphasis on discerning truth from falsehood and the severe consequences for those who propagate error. Ultimately, ṭâʻâh reveals the human need for divine intervention and redemption, as God is often depicted as the Shepherd who seeks out His wandering sheep (e.g., [[Ezekiel 34:11-16]], where the sheep are described as scattered and lost, a state implied by ṭâʻâh).
### Summary
The Hebrew root ṭâʻâh (`{{H2937}}`) comprehensively describes the act of "wandering" or "straying," encompassing both physical displacement and, more significantly, intellectual, moral, and spiritual deviation. Its causative form, "to lead astray" or "to deceive," underscores the active role of agents in causing others to err. Biblically, ṭâʻâh highlights humanity's propensity to depart from God's truth and righteousness, often leading to severe consequences such as divine judgment and spiritual lostness. It serves as a potent reminder of the dangers of spiritual blindness, the corrupting influence of false teaching, and the crucial importance of adhering to God's revealed word to remain on the path of life. The concept implicitly points to the divine shepherd's role in guiding and retrieving those who have gone astray.
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