from טָפַף (perhaps referring to the tripping gait of children); a family (mostly used collectively in the singular); (little) children (ones), families.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ṭaph**, represented by `{{H2945}}`, collectively refers to a family's **(little) children**. Derived from a word perhaps referring to the tripping gait of children, it appears **42 times** across **42 unique verses**. It is mostly used in the singular to describe a group, encompassing the dependent members of a family, household, or an entire people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2945}}` appears in several distinct situations. It is used to describe the entire family unit during times of migration, such as when the sons of Israel carried their father, wives, and their **little ones** in wagons to Egypt [[Genesis 46:5]]. During the Exodus, the six hundred thousand men journeyed "beside **children**" [[Exodus 12:37]]. The term is also frequently found in the context of warfare, where the **little ones** are listed alongside men and women as those who were either utterly destroyed in conquest [[Deuteronomy 2:34]] or taken as spoil [[Deuteronomy 20:14]]. Finally, it signifies the full scope of the community, as when men, women, and **children** are gathered to hear the law [[Deuteronomy 31:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the family and community structure in which `{{H2945}}` is found:
* `{{H802}}` **ʼishshâh** (woman): This word is consistently paired with **ṭaph** to denote the non-combatant members of a community, whether they are being gathered for worship [[Deuteronomy 31:12]], moved during migration [[Genesis 46:5]], or targeted in war [[Esther 3:13]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This term is often used in conjunction with **ṭaph**. While `bên` can refer to a son or children more broadly, `ṭaph` sometimes specifies the very young, such as those with no knowledge between good and evil [[Deuteronomy 1:39]]. Both terms appear together to signify the inclusion of all children [[2 Chronicles 20:13]].
* `{{H4735}}` **miqneh** (cattle): Often listed alongside wives and **little ones** `{{H2945}}`, this word for livestock highlights that children were considered a core part of a household's total substance and future, especially during settlement or as spoils of war [[Joshua 1:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2945}}` is significant, highlighting God's relationship with the most vulnerable.
* **Divine Protection and Provision:** The term often represents those who are helpless and in need of care. God promises to bring the **little ones** into the promised land when their parents rebelled [[Numbers 14:31]]. Joseph, reflecting God's providence, assures his brothers he will nourish them and their **little ones** [[Genesis 50:21]].
* **Covenant Inclusion:** The **little ones** are not bystanders but are integral members of the covenant community. They are explicitly included in the public reading of the law so they may hear and fear the LORD [[Deuteronomy 31:12]]. The entire community of Judah, with their **little ones**, stood before the LORD in prayer [[2 Chronicles 20:13]].
* **Generational Continuity:** The preservation of the **little ones** is paramount for the future of the people. Judah's plea to travel to Egypt is so that he, his father, and "also our **little ones**" may live and not die [[Genesis 43:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2945}}` is a term that signifies more than just young children; it represents the dependent, vulnerable, and future-bearing part of the Israelite family and nation. Its usage in contexts of migration, warfare, and worship demonstrates that the **little ones** were a central concern in the physical and spiritual life of the community. The word illustrates a divine focus on protecting the vulnerable and ensuring the continuity of the covenant through succeeding generations.
TRV