### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tôwthâch**, represented by `{{H8455}}`, refers to a **club** or **darts**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its sole use describes a weapon that is utterly ineffective, serving to illustrate the concept of overwhelming and invulnerable power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H8455}}` is found in the book of Job, within a description of a mighty creature whose strength is beyond human measure. The word is used to emphasize this creature's invulnerability. The passage states, "**Darts** are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear" [[Job 41:29]]. In this context, the **tôwthâch** is not presented as a threat but as something so trivial it is considered worthless, like dry straw.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its only context help define its meaning:
* `{{H2803}}` **châshab** (to think, regard, value, compute): This verb explains how the **darts** are perceived. They are "counted" or regarded as insignificant. This same word is used when men wrongly "esteemed" the suffering servant [[Isaiah 53:3]] and when Abraham's faith was "counted" to him as righteousness [[Genesis 15:6]], indicating its role in assigning value.
* `{{H7179}}` **qash** (stubble): This noun provides the direct comparison for the **darts'** worthlessness. Stubble is portrayed throughout Scripture as fuel for fire [[Malachi 4:1]] and something easily driven away [[Isaiah 41:2]], making it a powerful image of impotence.
* `{{H3591}}` **kîydôwn** (a dart; lance, shield, spear, target): Mentioned in the same breath as `{{H8455}}`, this word for a spear or lance reinforces the theme. The creature not only dismisses **darts** but also laughs at the brandishing of a **spear** [[Job 41:29]], a common weapon of war [[Jeremiah 6:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8455}}` is derived entirely from its unique context, which illustrates God's supreme power.
* **The Futility of Human Strength:** The primary function of **tôwthâch** in Scripture is to demonstrate the limitation of human power. By showing that man-made **darts** are "counted as stubble" [[Job 41:29]], the text highlights that what humans see as formidable is trivial from a divine perspective.
* **A Lesson in Divine Perspective:** The use of "counted" `{{H2803}}` alongside **tôwthâch** creates a theme of valuation. Man may value his weapons, but in the face of God's creation, their worth is nullified. This teaches a lesson on humility and the vast difference between human and divine viewpoints.
* **Magnifying the Creator:** The ineffectiveness of the **darts** against the creature serves to magnify the might of its Creator. If a created being can laugh at human weapons [[Job 41:29]], the power of the God who made it is shown to be even more awesome and unchallengeable.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8455}}` **tôwthâch** is a word whose rarity is part of its impact. Appearing only once, it defines **darts** for the sole purpose of declaring them useless. This single reference in [[Job 41:29]] becomes a powerful metaphor for the inadequacy of human strength and ingenuity when confronted with the majesty of God's creation. It demonstrates how even a minor detail in Scripture can convey a profound truth about God's sovereignty.
TRV