from טָפַח (the same as טֵפַח); {a spread of the hand, i.e. a palm-breadth (not 'span' of the fingers); architecturally, a corbel (as a supporting palm)}; hand-breadth (broad).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ṭôphach**, represented by `{{H2948}}`, refers to a **hand-breadth** or a palm-breadth. This measurement is defined as a spread of the hand. Architecturally, the base definition also suggests it can signify a corbel, likened to a supporting palm. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H2948}}` is used exclusively in architectural and measurement contexts. It is found in the instructions for the tabernacle, where it defines the width of a **border** on a sacred furnishing ([[Exodus 25:25]], [[Exodus 37:12]]). In Ezekiel's temple vision, it is used to establish a specific standard of measure, where a special cubit is defined as a regular cubit plus a **hand breadth** [[Ezekiel 43:13]]. This composite unit is used for measuring the altar and for the measuring reed itself [[Ezekiel 40:5]]. The term also describes the size of hooks within the visionary temple, which were an **hand** broad [[Ezekiel 40:43]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for this specific unit of measure:
* `{{H520}}` **ʼammâh** (cubit): This is a primary unit of measure, defined as a cubit or a door-base. The **hand breadth** `{{H2948}}` is used to augment the length of the standard cubit in Ezekiel's measurements [[Ezekiel 43:13]].
* `{{H2239}}` **zereth** (span): This term refers to a different hand-based measurement, the spread of the fingers. It is used alongside **hand breadth** in the description of the altar, showing the high level of detail in the measurements [[Ezekiel 43:13]].
* `{{H4526}}` **miçgereth** (border): This word means something enclosing, like a margin or border. The term `{{H2948}}` is used to specify the exact width of this border on a piece of tabernacle furniture [[Exodus 25:25]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2948}}` lies in its application to sacred design and measurement.
* **Precision in Sacred Construction:** The use of `{{H2948}}` emphasizes the detailed and specific nature of divine commands for building sacred objects, such as the border made to a precise **hand breadth** [[Exodus 25:25]].
* **Establishing a Sacred Standard:** In Ezekiel's vision, the **hand breadth** is added to a standard cubit to create a unique measure for the temple, suggesting a distinct and holy standard for God's domain ([[Ezekiel 40:5]], [[Ezekiel 43:13]]).
* **Architectural Significance:** The word is applied to specific architectural components like borders and hooks, illustrating that every element of the tabernacle and temple, no matter its size, was part of a meticulous design ([[Exodus 37:12]], [[Ezekiel 40:43]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2948}}` **ṭôphach** is a precise unit of measurement rooted in the human hand. While appearing infrequently, its use is highly focused, providing specific dimensions for sacred architectural elements in the tabernacle and Ezekiel's temple. It highlights a theme of divine precision, where even a **hand-breadth** is a significant detail in the construction of holy spaces, establishing a clear standard for objects and structures dedicated to God.
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