### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H2949 (טִפֻּח, *ṭippuch*) is derived from the root H2946 (טָפַח, *ṭāp̄aḥ*), which carries a dual semantic range. Primarily, ṭāp̄aḥ signifies "to spread out" or "to extend," often in the context of measuring with the hand, giving rise to the meaning of a "span" (the distance from the thumb to the little finger). This implies a small, limited measure. Secondarily, and more significantly for H2949, the root also conveys the sense of "to nurse," "to dandle," or "to nourish" a child. Thus, H2949 encapsulates both the idea of a small, hand-measured extent and, more poignantly, the act of tender care, sustenance, and nurturing provided to an infant. The latter meaning emphasizes vulnerability and dependence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H2949 (טִפֻּח, *ṭippuch*) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Lamentations 2:20]]. The verse reads: "Look, O LORD, and see! To whom have you done this? Should women eat their offspring, the children of their nursing?" (ESV).
In this harrowing context, the prophet Jeremiah laments the horrific conditions during the siege and destruction of Jerusalem. The phrase "children of their nursing" (יַלְדֵי טִפֻּחִים, *yaldey ṭippuchim*) refers to infants or very young children who are still dependent on their mothers' milk and care. The question posed is one of profound rhetorical horror, highlighting the unimaginable depths of famine and desperation that drove mothers to cannibalize their own offspring. The use of ṭippuch here is particularly poignant. It emphasizes the natural state of tender dependency and maternal provision, contrasting sharply with the unnatural and abhorrent act described. The word underscores the extreme vulnerability of these infants and the complete breakdown of societal and familial norms under divine judgment. It evokes a powerful image of innocence utterly violated and natural bonds shattered by overwhelming suffering.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb H2946 (טָפַח, *ṭāp̄aḥ*), from which H2949 is derived. This root's dual meaning of "to spread/measure a span" and "to nurse/tend" provides the semantic foundation.
Other related concepts and words include:
* **Nurturing and Care:** H3243 (יָנַק, *yanaq*, "to suckle, nurse"), which often appears in parallel with H2949's nursing aspect, and H539 (אָמַן, *'aman*, "to nurse, support, make firm").
* **Infancy and Vulnerability:** H5768 (עוֹלֵל, *'olel*, "infant, babe"), H3243 (יוֹנֵק, *yoneq*, "suckling"), emphasizing the tender age and complete dependence of those described by ṭippuch.
* **Famine and Desperation:** H7458 (רָעָב, *ra'av*, "famine, hunger") and H7457 (רָעֵב, *ra'ev*, "hungry"), which directly inform the context of [[Lamentations 2:20]].
* **Divine Judgment and Suffering:** The broader theological themes of the Book of Lamentations, where the suffering is understood as a consequence of Judah's sin and God's righteous judgment.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of H2949 in [[Lamentations 2:20]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark descriptor of the ultimate horror and depravity that can be reached when divine judgment is fully manifest, or when humanity descends into the deepest pits of suffering. The "children of their nursing" represent the epitome of innocence and helplessness. The prophet's rhetorical question, "Should women eat their offspring, the children of their nursing?", is an appeal to God's own character and compassion, implicitly asking if such an unnatural and horrific outcome is truly His will or within the bounds of His justice.
The word highlights the breakdown of the most fundamental and sacred human bonds—that between a mother and her nursing child. This breakdown signifies not merely physical suffering but a spiritual and moral collapse. The use of ṭippuch underscores the extreme nature of the catastrophe, portraying a world turned upside down, where the most basic acts of love and preservation are annihilated by desperation. It compels the reader to confront the terrifying consequences of unfaithfulness and the severity of God's righteous indignation, while simultaneously evoking profound lament for the innocent caught in the vortex of judgment.
### Summary
H2949 (טִפֻּח, *ṭippuch*) is a rare but powerfully evocative Hebrew term, stemming from a root meaning both "to measure a span" and "to nurse." Its primary biblical significance lies in its sole appearance in [[Lamentations 2:20]], where it describes "children of their nursing." In this context of extreme famine and siege, ṭippuch underscores the profound vulnerability of infants and the horrific, unnatural act of maternal cannibalism. The word serves to intensify the lament over Jerusalem's destruction, highlighting the complete breakdown of natural order and human compassion under severe divine judgment. It stands as a poignant testament to the depths of suffering and the ultimate violation of tender care.
TRV