a primitive root; apparently; to trip (with short steps) coquettishly; mince.
Transliteration:ṭâphaph
Pronunciation:taw-faf'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root ṭâphaph (H2952) is a primitive root, denoting a specific manner of walking. Its core meaning encompasses the actions "to trip," "to mince," or to walk with "short steps." The definition often includes a nuance of "coquettishly" or "dainty," suggesting a deliberate, perhaps affected or self-conscious, gait. Unlike general verbs of walking (e.g., hâlak `{{H1980}}`), ṭâphaph emphasizes the *style* of movement—light, precise, and often indicative of an underlying attitude or intention, particularly one of vanity or affectation. It describes a walk that is not natural or utilitarian, but rather performed for display or to convey a certain impression.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root ṭâphaph (H2952) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence highly impactful and specific.
* [[Isaiah 3:16]]: "Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet."
In this passage, the prophet Isaiah delivers a scathing indictment against the women of Jerusalem (the "daughters of Zion") for their arrogance and moral depravity. The verb ṭâphaph is translated as "mincing," vividly portraying their affected and ostentatious walk. This "mincing" gait, accompanied by "stretched forth necks" and "wanton eyes," and the "tinkling" of their ankle ornaments, is presented as a direct manifestation of their "haughtiness" (גָּבַהּ, gâvah `{{H1361}}`, to be high, exalted). The context is one of divine judgment against a people who have abandoned spiritual integrity for superficiality and pride. The way they walk is not incidental but a deliberate expression of their rebellious and self-absorbed hearts, drawing the Lord's righteous condemnation.
### Related Words & Concepts
While ṭâphaph is unique in its specific description of a mincing walk, it relates to broader biblical concepts and other Hebrew terms:
* **General Movement:** It contrasts with general verbs of walking like hâlak `{{H1980}}` ("to walk, go") or yâlaḵ `{{H3212}}` ("to walk, proceed"), by specifying the *manner* of walking rather than just the act.
* **Pride and Haughtiness:** The "mincing" walk is directly linked to "haughtiness" (gâvah `{{H1361}}`) in [[Isaiah 3:16]]. Other words for pride include gâ'ôwn `{{H1346}}` (pride, majesty) or zâdôn `{{H2087}}` (presumption, arrogance). The walk is an outward manifestation of an inward spiritual state.
* **Wantonness and Sensuality:** The "wanton eyes" (shâqar `{{H8265}}`, to ogle, cast glances) mentioned alongside the mincing walk connect ṭâphaph to a broader theme of immodesty and provocative behavior.
* **Adornment and Display:** The "tinkling with their feet" (likely referring to ankle chains or ornaments) further emphasizes the deliberate display and superficiality associated with this walk. This relates to concepts of outward show versus inner character.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ṭâphaph in [[Isaiah 3:16]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark illustration that even seemingly minor aspects of human behavior, such as one's gait, can be deeply revealing of the heart's spiritual condition. The "mincing" walk of the daughters of Zion is not merely a fashion statement but a symbolic act of rebellion against God, demonstrating their pride, self-indulgence, and disregard for divine standards.
This passage underscores the comprehensive nature of God's scrutiny and judgment, extending even to the affected mannerisms that betray a spirit of vanity and worldliness. It highlights the biblical principle that outward actions are often reflections of inner character. The Lord condemns not just overt sin but also the subtle expressions of arrogance and self-worship.
The theological significance lies in its warning against superficiality and the pursuit of external show over genuine piety and humility. It implicitly calls for a walk that is humble, righteous, and focused on God, contrasting sharply with the condemned "mincing" walk driven by pride and self-adornment.
### Summary
The Hebrew word ṭâphaph (H2952) is a primitive root meaning "to trip" or "to mince," characterized by short, deliberate, and often coquettish steps. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Isaiah 3:16]] is highly significant, where it vividly describes the haughty women of Zion whose "mincing" walk epitomizes their pride and moral corruption. This specific manner of walking, coupled with other outward displays, serves as a powerful symbol of their spiritual rebellion and vanity, drawing God's condemnation. The word thus transcends mere description of movement, becoming a potent theological indicator that even subtle behaviors can reveal the heart's condition and invite divine judgment.
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