### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun תַּאֲוָה (taʼăvâh), Strong's number `{{H8379}}`, derives from the verb תָּאָה (ta'ah), meaning "to mark out, delineate, describe a boundary." Thus, תַּאֲוָה itself carries the core meaning of "a limit," "a full extent," or "an utmost bound." Unlike the homographic noun תַּאֲוָה (taʼăvâh) `{{H8378}}` which signifies "desire" or "longing," `{{H8379}}` is exclusively tied to spatial or quantitative demarcation. It denotes the precise point or line that defines the furthest reach or boundary of something, emphasizing completion or finality within a defined scope. Its semantic range is narrow but precise, consistently referring to geographical borders or the full extent of a designated area.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of תַּאֲוָה (taʼăvâh) `{{H8379}}` in the Hebrew Bible are few, but remarkably consistent in their application, always pertaining to the precise delineation of geographical boundaries.
1. **Numbers 34:10-11**: Here, the word describes the eastern border of the land of Canaan that the Israelites were to inherit. Verse 10 states, "And ye shall point out for you the east border from Hazar-enan to Shepham." Verse 11 continues, "And the border shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward." In this context, תַּאֲוָה (transliterated as "reach unto" or "utmost bound") specifies the precise terminus of the eastern boundary, indicating the full extent of the divinely allotted territory. The meticulous detail underscores the importance of these God-ordained limits.
2. **Joshua 15:5**: This verse details the eastern border of the tribe of Judah's inheritance. "And the east border was the Salt Sea, even unto the end of Jordan." Here, "unto the end" or "unto the utmost boundary" (תַּאֲוָה) signifies the precise point where Judah's eastern border met the Jordan River at the Salt Sea, marking the absolute limit of their land in that direction.
3. **Joshua 18:14**: Describing the western border of Benjamin's tribal inheritance, the text reads, "And the border was drawn thence, and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lieth before Beth-horon southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjath-baal, which is Kirjath-jearim: this was the west quarter." The phrase "goings out thereof" or "its utmost bounds" (תַּאֲוָה) again denotes the definitive end or furthest extent of the boundary line, ensuring no ambiguity regarding the allocated territory.
Across these occurrences, תַּאֲוָה consistently functions to specify the precise, final point of a boundary, emphasizing the complete and unalterable nature of the territorial divisions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root from which תַּאֲוָה `{{H8379}}` derives: תָּאָה (ta'ah), meaning "to mark out, delineate, describe a boundary." This etymological connection reinforces the noun's focus on precise demarcation.
Other Hebrew words that convey concepts of "boundary" or "limit" include:
* גְּבוּל (gevul) `{{H1366}}`: This is the most common word for "border," "boundary," or "territory." While גְּבוּל refers generally to a border, תַּאֲוָה `{{H8379}}` often specifies the *utmost point* or *full extent* of such a border.
* קָצֶה (qatseh) `{{H7097}}`: Meaning "end," "extremity," or "border," this word shares some semantic overlap with תַּאֲוָה `{{H8379}}` in denoting a terminal point. However, תַּאֲוָה carries a stronger sense of a precisely marked or delineated limit.
Concepts related to תַּאֲוָה `{{H8379}}` include:
* **Inheritance (נַחֲלָה - nachalah `{{H5159}}`):** The word is used exclusively in contexts defining the boundaries of the tribal inheritances in the Promised Land.
* **Divine Allotment:** The precise definition of these boundaries underscores God's sovereign act of allocating land to His people.
* **Order and Delineation:** The use of such a specific term reflects a divine concern for order, clarity, and justice in territorial division.
### Theological Significance
The meticulous use of תַּאֲוָה `{{H8379}}` to define the "utmost bounds" of the Israelite territory carries profound theological significance.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness:** The precise demarcation of the land of Canaan, down to its "utmost bounds," vividly demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the earth and its inhabitants. It underscores His faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (e.g., [[Genesis 12:7]], [[Genesis 15:18-21]]) by providing a specific, tangible inheritance for His people. The exactness implied by תַּּאֲוָה speaks to the reliability and unchangeable nature of God's word.
2. **Order and Justice in Creation:** God is a God of order, not chaos. The detailed descriptions of boundaries, using words like תַּאֲוָה, reflect His character of establishing clear parameters and just divisions. This prevents disputes and ensures that each tribe received its designated portion, reflecting divine wisdom in governance and distribution. It highlights that even geographical limits are part of God's intentional design.
3. **The Scope of God's Gift:** By emphasizing the "full extent" or "utmost bound" of the land, the word suggests the completeness and sufficiency of God's provision. The Israelites were given a defined, unassailable territory, a tangible expression of God's comprehensive blessing and provision for their physical and spiritual flourishing within the Promised Land.
### Summary
The Hebrew word תַּאֲוָה (taʼăvâh), `{{H8379}}`, distinct from its homograph meaning "desire," precisely denotes "a limit," "a full extent," or "an utmost bound." Derived from the verb "to mark out," its rare but consistent biblical usage is exclusively found in geographical contexts, meticulously defining the exact borders and terminal points of the tribal inheritances within the Promised Land (e.g., [[Numbers 34:11]], [[Joshua 15:5]]). Theologically, its application underscores God's sovereign authority over territory, His unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling covenant promises, and His divine concern for order and justice in the allocation of blessings. It highlights the completeness of God's gift and the precise scope of His provision for His people.
TRV