The Hebrew word tâʼôwm, represented by H8380, is the word for twins. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. Its base definition describes a twin, used literally or figuratively, and appears in scripture only in its plural form.
The use of H8380 occurs in two distinct contexts. In Genesis, it is used literally to mark the births of actual twins. After her days were fulfilled, it is written that "behold, there were twins in her womb" Genesis 25:24, and similarly in a later account, "behold, twins were in her womb" Genesis 38:27. In the Song of Solomon, the word is used figuratively in a simile to express perfect symmetry and beauty, where the subject's breasts are described as "like two young roes that are twins" (Song of Solomon 4:5, Song of Solomon 7:3).
Several related words help to frame the context in which tâʼôwm is used:
- H8147 shᵉnayim (two): This word for a couple or pair is used to quantify the subjects being compared to twins. It appears directly before the mention of twins in Song of Solomon Song of Solomon 4:5 and is used in the prophecy preceding the birth of Jacob and Esau, stating "Two nations are in thy womb" Genesis 25:23.
- H7699 shad (breast, pap, teat): This is the subject of the figurative comparison in Song of Solomon, where two breasts are likened to twins Song of Solomon 7:3. It is also mentioned as part of a patriarchal blessing in Genesis Genesis 49:25.
- H6082 ʻôpher (a fawn; young roe): This word identifies the young animal used in the poetic simile for twins in Song of Solomon, highlighting themes of youth and natural beauty Song of Solomon 4:5.
- H6646 tsᵉbîyâh (a female gazelle; roe): Used alongside H6082, this term specifies the animal in the comparison, grounding the imagery of twins in the natural world Song of Solomon 7:3.
The significance of H8380 is tied directly to its literal and figurative applications.
- Literal Duality and Lineage: In Genesis, the arrival of twins is a significant event in the patriarchal lineage. The birth of twins from one womb marks a moment of shared origin from which two distinct peoples will emerge (Genesis 25:24, Genesis 38:27).
- Figurative Symmetry and Beauty: The usage in Song of Solomon employs twins as a symbol of perfect, identical beauty. The comparison to "two young roes that are twins" establishes an aesthetic ideal of a matched and harmonious pair Song of Solomon 4:5.
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: The literal birth of twins in Genesis 25:24 is the direct fulfillment of the prophecy in the preceding verse that "Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated" Genesis 25:23.
In summary, H8380 is a specific term whose meaning shifts dramatically with its context. It describes the literal birth of twins in the patriarchal narratives, marking moments of significant lineage, while also being employed as a poetic device in Song of Solomon to convey perfect symmetry and natural beauty. Though used infrequently, the word tâʼôwm effectively illustrates concepts of duality, from the physical birth of two individuals in one womb to the aesthetic ideal of a perfectly matched pair.
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