English · KJV
H8420

תָּו

tâv /tawv/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom תָּוָה
Meaninga mark; by implication, a signature
KJV usagedesire, mark.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of tâv — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word tâv, represented by H8420, is derived from the root H8427 and primarily means a mark. It also carries the implications of a signature or a desire. Despite appearing only 3 times in 3 unique verses, its usage is significant, representing a sign of divine protection in one context and a deeply personal appeal in another.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its most prominent use, H8420 is a literal mark of preservation. The LORD H3068 commands a celestial figure to go through Jerusalem H3389 and set a mark on the foreheads H4696 of the men H582 who sigh H584 and cry H602 over the city's abominations H8441 Ezekiel 9:4. This sign then serves as a shield from impending judgment, as the executioners are explicitly commanded not to come near any man H376 who has the mark Ezekiel 9:6. In contrast, Job uses the term to express his personal plea, stating, "behold, my desire is, that the Almighty H7706 would answer H6030 me" Job 31:35, framing it as his personal signature to his case before God.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of H8420:

  • H8427 tâvâh (set a mark): The primitive root of H8420, this verb means "to mark out" or "imprint." It is used in the direct command to set the mark upon the foreheads of the righteous in Jerusalem Ezekiel 9:4.
  • H4696 mêtsach (forehead): This is the specific location where the protective mark is placed, signifying a visible and public identification of those set apart for deliverance Ezekiel 9:4.
  • H2026 hârag (to slay): This word, meaning "to smite with deadly intent," describes the judgment from which those bearing the mark H8420 are spared Ezekiel 9:6.
  • H7706 Shadday (the Almighty): In Job's case, his "desire" H8420 is a direct appeal to the Almighty, shifting the context from a mark of public preservation to one of personal, legal testimony before God Job 31:35.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of H8420 is tied to themes of divine distinction and preservation.

  • A Mark of Preservation: The primary function of the mark in Ezekiel is to identify and preserve a faithful remnant from widespread judgment. It is a sign of God's deliverance for those who belong to Him Ezekiel 9:6.
  • Identification with Godly Sorrow: The mark is not arbitrary; it is given specifically to those who "sigh and cry" over the sins committed around them. This indicates that the sign identifies those whose hearts are aligned with God's perspective on sin Ezekiel 9:4.
  • A Signature of Testimony: In Job, the word's use as "desire" functions as a signature on his declaration of innocence. It represents Job's personal and final appeal for vindication from the Almighty Job 31:35.

Summary

In summary, while tâv H8420 has few occurrences, it carries profound weight. It functions as both a physical mark of divine separation and protection from judgment and as a symbolic signature of personal desire and legal testimony. The word powerfully illustrates God's commitment to preserving a righteous remnant and the deeply personal nature of an individual's cry for justice before the Almighty.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 3 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • תָּו
  • תָּוִ

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H8427 תָּוָה a primitive root; to mark out, i.e. (primitive) scratch or (definite) imprint; scrabble, set (a mark). H3068 יְהֹוָה from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹו H3389 יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם rarely יְרוּשָׁלַיִם; a dual (in allusion to its two main hills (the true pointing, at least of the former reading, seem H4696 מֵצַח from an unused root meaning to be clear, i.e. conspicuous; the forehead (as open and prominent); brow, forehead, [phrase H582 אֱנוֹשׁ from אָנַשׁ; properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified אָדָם); hence,; a man in general (singly or H584 אָנַח a primitive root; to sigh; groan, mourn, sigh.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 3 verses across 2 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Ezekiel (2 verses); never once in the other 37.

1
Job
2
Ezekiel

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.