### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase **Taʼănath Shilôh**, represented by `{{H8387}}`, refers to a specific location in Palestine. Its name translates to "approach of Shiloh." This place name appears only **1 times** across **1 unique verses** in the Bible, where it serves as a geographical marker.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H8387}}` is in the book of Joshua, during the description of the allotment of land for the tribes of Israel. It is mentioned as a landmark for the border of the territory. The scripture states that the border "went about eastward unto **Taanathshiloh**, and passed by it on the east to Janohah" [[Joshua 16:6]]. This places it as a key point in the demarcation of tribal inheritance in the Promised Land.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the geographical context of Taanath-Shiloh:
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (border, bound, coast): This word is central to the passage, as Taanath-Shiloh itself helps define a **border**. The establishment of these boundaries was a significant event, as God promised to set the **bounds** of the land for His people [[Exodus 23:31]].
* `{{H4366}}` **Mikmᵉthâth** (concealment; Michmethath): This is another place name used to define the same boundary line mentioned in the same verse. The border description runs "to **Michmethah** on the north side" before turning toward Taanath-Shiloh [[Joshua 16:6]].
* `{{H3239}}` **Yânôwach** (quiet; Janoah, Janohah): This location is mentioned immediately after Taanath-Shiloh, as the border "passed by it on the east to **Janohah**" [[Joshua 16:6]]. This shows the sequential nature of these landmarks in mapping the territory.
### Theological Significance
While mentioned only once, the context of `{{H8387}}` highlights important biblical concepts related to the land.
* **Territorial Demarcation:** Taanath-Shiloh's primary role is to serve as a precise marker in the division of the land. Its mention is part of a detailed survey that establishes clear and identifiable borders for the tribes [[Joshua 16:6]].
* **Fulfillment of Promise:** The act of defining borders, using landmarks like Taanath-Shiloh, is part of the larger narrative of God fulfilling his promise to give the land to Israel. The Lord had promised to enlarge their **borders** [[Exodus 34:24]] and bring His children back to their own **border** [[Jeremiah 31:17]].
* **Geographical Specificity:** The passage uses exact directional language, noting the border moving **eastward** `{{H4217}}` unto Taanath-Shiloh. This demonstrates the orderly and deliberate nature of the land distribution as recorded in scripture [[Joshua 16:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8387}}` is the proper name **Taanath-Shiloh**, a location mentioned once in the Old Testament. Its significance comes from its function as a landmark in the biblical account of the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. Although a minor detail, its inclusion in the sacred text underscores the importance of the land as a divine inheritance and the care with which its boundaries were recorded.
TRV