from טָפַח; a spread of the hand, i.e. a palm-breadth (not 'span' of the fingers); architecturally, a corbel (as a supporting palm); coping, hand-breadth.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ṭêphach**, represented by `{{H2947}}`, refers to a **hand-breadth** or the spread of a hand. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from a root meaning to spread, it is used both as a literal unit of measurement and architecturally for a **coping** or **corbel**, which is a supporting structure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H2947}}` carries both literal and figurative weight. Architecturally, it describes precise measurements in the construction of Solomon's temple. The great molten sea was an **hand breadth** thick ([[1 Kings 7:26]], [[2 Chronicles 4:5]]), and the term is also used for the **coping** on the walls of the court [[1 Kings 7:9]]. Figuratively, the psalmist uses the term to express the brevity of human existence, lamenting to God, "thou hast made my days as an **handbreadth**" [[Psalms 39:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and application of **ṭêphach**:
* `{{H2465}}` **cheled** (age, short time, world): This word appears alongside **ṭêphach** in [[Psalms 39:5]] to emphasize the fleeting nature of life, where the psalmist's **age** is like a mere **handbreadth**.
* `{{H5672}}` **ʻăbîy** (thickness): This term is used directly with **ṭêphach** to specify the physical dimensions of the molten sea, which was an **hand breadth** in its **thickness** ([[1 Kings 7:26]], [[2 Chronicles 4:5]]).
* `{{H4060}}` **middâh** (measure): In the context of building, **ṭêphach** serves as a specific standard of measurement. The construction of the temple court used costly stones according to specific **measures**, from the foundation up to the **coping** [[1 Kings 7:9]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2947}}` is found in its application to both the human condition and divine works.
* **A Measure of Frailty:** The word is powerfully used to illustrate the shortness of life in comparison to eternity. In [[Psalms 39:5]], declaring one's days are like a **handbreadth** is a profound statement of humility and transience before God.
* **A Standard of Sacred Construction:** As a unit of measure for the temple's molten sea and as the **coping** of its courts, **ṭêphach** signifies the precision and intentionality in the design of sacred space ([[1 Kings 7:9]], [[1 Kings 7:26]]).
* **Architectural Function:** The base definition includes **corbel**, a supporting element. This suggests a role of support and completion, as the **coping** represents the finishing course of a structure [[1 Kings 7:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2947}}` moves beyond its simple definition as a unit of length. It serves as a poignant metaphor for the fleeting nature of human days and as a literal standard in the meticulous construction of God's temple. The word connects the tangible world of architectural design with the profound spiritual concept of human mortality, illustrating how a simple physical measure can convey deep theological truth.
TRV