### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tôwʻâh**, represented by `{{H8442}}`, is a term for **mistake** or **error**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The word carries connotations of moral **impiety** or a deliberate act of **political injury**, and is translated as **error** or **hinder**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H8442}}` describes two distinct types of transgression. In Isaiah, it denotes a spiritual and moral **error**. It is what a vile person with a wicked heart utters against the LORD, an act associated with hypocrisy and iniquity [[Isaiah 32:6]]. In Nehemiah, the term shifts to a physical and political context, where the enemies of Jerusalem conspired together to fight against the city and to **hinder** the work of rebuilding [[Nehemiah 4:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H8442}}` appears:
* `{{H5039}}` **nᵉbâlâh** (villany): This term describes **foolishness** or moral **wickedness**. It is used in [[Isaiah 32:6]] to describe what a vile person speaks, in parallel with uttering **error** `{{H8442}}` against the LORD.
* `{{H7194}}` **qâshar** (conspire): Meaning to **tie** or form a league, this word sets the stage for the action in Nehemiah. The enemies of Jerusalem first **conspired** together [[Nehemiah 4:8]] before attempting to cause the injury described by `{{H8442}}`.
* `{{H205}}` **ʼâven** (iniquity): This word signifies **wickedness**, trouble, or vanity. According to [[Isaiah 32:6]], it is the **iniquity** that the heart of a vile person works, which leads to them uttering **error** `{{H8442}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8442}}` is found in its portrayal of deliberate opposition to God.
* **Corrupt Speech:** The word highlights the connection between a corrupt heart and deceptive speech. In [[Isaiah 32:6]], a heart that works **iniquity** `{{H205}}` and practices **hypocrisy** `{{H2612}}` inevitably produces verbal **error** `{{H8442}}` against God.
* **Active Opposition:** The concept extends from moral failure to active opposition against God's purposes. The conspiracy in [[Nehemiah 4:8]] shows that this **error** can manifest as a physical or political plan designed to **hinder** divine work on earth.
* **Intentional Transgression:** The **error** of `{{H8442}}` is not presented as an innocent mistake. It is a calculated action rooted in **villany** `{{H5039}}` and aimed at undermining divine truth or frustrating a divine plan.
### Summary
In summary, **tôwʻâh** `{{H8442}}` captures a specific type of **error** that is both intentional and harmful. Though it appears infrequently, its two uses illustrate a critical distinction between moral **impiety** spoken against God and tangible **political injury** designed to thwart the work of His people. It defines a deliberate deviation from righteousness, whether expressed in word or in a coordinated physical act.
TRV