a primitive root; or perhaps a denominative from טֵפַח, from dandling on the palms; to flatten out or extend (as a tent); figuratively, to nurse achild (as promotive of growth); span, swaddle.
Transliteration:ṭâphach
Pronunciation:taw-fakh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H2946 (ṭâphach) is a primitive root, offering a rich semantic range that extends from the physical to the deeply relational. At its most literal, it signifies the act "to flatten out" or "to extend," evocative of spreading something wide, much like unfurling a tent. This suggests a sense of expansion or covering. Intriguingly, the definition also posits a possible denominative link to `{{H2947}}` (ṭephach), meaning "a handbreadth" or "the palm of the hand." This connection is crucial, as it introduces the nuance of gentle handling, measuring, or applying the palm.
From this physical foundation, H2946 develops a profound figurative meaning: "to nurse a child" or "to promote growth." This metaphorical extension implies tender, careful attention, nurturing, and the provision of foundational care necessary for development. The image of dandling a child on the palms of one's hands perfectly encapsulates this nurturing aspect, suggesting warmth, security, and intimate connection. Thus, the word encompasses both the act of physical extension (like a "span" or spreading out) and the intimate, life-sustaining act of "swaddling" or fostering new life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Hebrew word H2946 (ṭâphach) appears only once in the entire Masoretic Text, making its single occurrence particularly poignant and impactful.
* **[[Lamentations 2:22]]**: "Thou hast called as in a solemn day my terrors round about, so that in the day of the LORD'S anger none escaped nor remained: those that I have swaddled and brought up hath mine enemy consumed."
In this sole instance, H2946 is used in the Piel stem, ṭippaḥtî (טִפַּחְתִּי), meaning "I have swaddled" or "I have tenderly nursed." The context is one of profound national lament and devastation following the destruction of Jerusalem. The prophet Jeremiah, speaking from the perspective of personified Zion, grieves over the children who were lovingly nurtured and cared for from infancy – those "swaddled and brought up" – only to be consumed by the enemy during the day of the Lord's fierce anger.
The use of ṭâphach here emphasizes the deep personal investment and tender care bestowed upon these children from their earliest, most vulnerable moments. It highlights the intimate, life-giving act of a parent, contrasting it sharply with the horrific fate of these same children. The word underscores the tragedy by drawing attention to the very ones who should have been protected and cherished, now utterly destroyed. It speaks to the utter desolation and the reversal of all natural order when even the most carefully nurtured lives are lost.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to H2946 is its nominal form, `{{H2947}}` (ṭephach), which means "a handbreadth" or "palm." This noun is crucial for understanding the underlying physical connotation of the root. A handbreadth was a common unit of measurement, suggesting precision and a defined extent, aligning with the "span" aspect of H2946. More significantly, the "palm of the hand" evokes gentle touch, support, and the very instrument of dandling or cradling a child, thus reinforcing the nurturing aspect of H2946.
Other related concepts, though not direct cognates, include:
* **Nurturing and Care**: Words like `{{H539}}` ('aman, to be firm, faithful, hence to nurse or train) or `{{H3243}}` (yalaq, to suckle) share the semantic field of providing sustenance and care for the young. H2946 specifically adds the nuance of intimate, physical handling and foundational care.
* **Protection and Covering**: The idea of "extending as a tent" or "swaddling" aligns with concepts of providing shelter, warmth, and security, even if the primary focus of H2946 is on the act of care itself.
* **Vulnerability**: The object of ṭâphach (the infant) inherently represents profound vulnerability, emphasizing the protective and life-sustaining nature of the action.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular biblical occurrence, the theological significance of H2946 is profound, particularly within the context of Lamentations.
1. **Divine Tenderness and Judgment**: The word, describing the most tender human care, serves as a stark contrast to the severity of God's judgment. While H2946 describes human nurturing, it implicitly highlights the depth of the tragedy that even those most carefully tended are swept away. This can be extended to God's own tender care for His people Israel, whom He "swaddled" and "brought up" as a nation. The destruction, therefore, becomes even more grievous, as it signifies a perceived abandonment of this divine nurturing, or at least a severe withdrawal of protection due to profound sin.
2. **The Value of Life and Human Responsibility**: The act of ṭâphach underscores the inherent value of human life, particularly in its most vulnerable stage. It speaks to the sacred trust and profound responsibility involved in raising children. The lament over their consumption by the enemy is a cry against the violation of this sacred trust and the horrific loss of potential.
3. **Vulnerability and Dependence**: The image of a swaddled infant is one of complete dependence. The word thus reminds humanity of its fundamental vulnerability and its need for care, whether from human parents or, ultimately, from the divine Provider. In times of crisis, when even the "swaddled" are consumed, it speaks to the ultimate powerlessness of humanity apart from God's sustaining hand.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H2946 (ṭâphach) is a rare but powerfully evocative root. Its core meaning encompasses both the physical act of "flattening out" or "extending" (possibly related to a "handbreadth" or "palm") and, more significantly, the tender, nurturing act of "nursing" or "swaddling" a child. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Lamentations 2:22]] uses the Piel stem to describe the intimate care given to infants, tragically contrasted with their subsequent destruction. This poignant usage highlights the profound human investment in new life and the devastating consequences of judgment. Theologically, H2946 speaks to the deep value of life, the sacredness of nurturing, and the profound vulnerability of humanity, inviting reflection on both human responsibility and divine care, even in the face of severe desolation.
TRV