### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **Ṭarpᵉlay**, represented by `{{H2967}}`, refers to the **Tarpelites**, a collective term for the inhabitants of Tarpel, a place in Assyria. This word is of foreign derivation and appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the biblical text, marking its specific and limited use.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H2967}}` is in [[Ezra 4:9]]. In this verse, the **Tarpelites** are named as part of a large coalition of different peoples. This group, led by officials such as Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe, wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes to formally oppose the rebuilding of Jerusalem by the returning Jewish exiles. The term is used to identify one of the many foreign groups that had been settled in the region of Samaria.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H2967}}` places it alongside several other names and titles that describe the opposition to the Jews:
* `{{H7348}}` **Rᵉchûwm** (Rehum): The name of the chancellor who led the effort to write the letter against Jerusalem [[Ezra 4:9]]. He is identified as a key figure in the opposition.
* `{{H8124}}` **Shimshay** (Shimshai): The scribe who co-authored the letter with Rehum. His name means "sunny" and he is noted as a Samaritan [[Ezra 4:9]].
* `{{H3675}}` **kᵉnâth** (companions): This term refers to the colleagues or associates of Rehum and Shimshai. It collectively designates "the rest" of the groups who joined the complaint, including the Tarpelites [[Ezra 4:9]].
* `{{H1784}}` **Dîynay** (Dinaite): Listed immediately before the Tarpelites, the Dinaites were another of the foreign Assyrian tribes that made up the coalition opposing the rebuilding efforts [[Ezra 4:9]].
### Theological Significance
While the term `{{H2967}}` itself does not carry direct theological weight, its context is significant within the biblical narrative.
* **Organized Opposition:** The inclusion of the **Tarpelites** in a long list of peoples demonstrates the breadth of the formal, organized resistance to the rebuilding of God's house in Jerusalem.
* **Foreign Identity:** The name is one of many foreign-derived terms in [[Ezra 4:9]], such as **Dinaites** `{{H1784}}`, **Archevites** `{{H756}}`, and **Babylonians** `{{H896}}`. This highlights the diverse, non-Israelite population settled in Samaria that felt threatened by the restoration of Jerusalem.
* **Political Context:** The **Tarpelites** were signatories to an official letter of complaint sent by a **chancellor** `{{H1169}}``{{H2942}}` and a **scribe** `{{H5613}}`, situating their role within the political and legal challenges faced by the post-exilic community.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2967}}` **Ṭarpᵉlay** is a specific identifier for the **Tarpelites**, a people from an Assyrian territory. Its sole biblical mention is as part of a list of peoples who officially united to obstruct the reconstruction of Jerusalem. The word's importance lies not in its definition alone, but in its role as part of a collective body of opposition that the returning Israelites had to overcome.
TRV