תָּמַךְ

tâmak /taw-mak'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep fast; figuratively, to help, follow close
KJV usage(take, up-) hold (up), maintain, retain, stay (up).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word tâmak, represented by H8551, is a primitive root used to mean to sustain. It appears 21 times in 20 unique verses. By implication, its meaning expands to include concepts like to obtain, keep fast, help, and follow close. It is translated in various ways, including to uphold, maintain, retain, and stay up.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, H8551 is used to describe both divine action and human responsibility. God promises to uphold his people with His righteous right hand, offering strength and help in times of fear Isaiah 41:10. This same divine support is shown toward His chosen servant, whom He upholds Isaiah 42:1. On a human level, the word conveys physical support, as when Aaron and Hur stayed up Moses' heavy hands Exodus 17:12. It is also used figuratively for holding onto intangible things, such as a heart that must retain God's words to find life Proverbs 4:4, or a person who retaineth wisdom Proverbs 3:18.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help illuminate the meaning of holding and sustaining:

  • H2388 châzaq (to fasten upon, seize, be strong): This term often implies strengthening or encouraging. It is used for laying hold of wisdom Proverbs 3:18 and for how David encouraged himself in the LORD 1 Samuel 30:6.
  • H1692 dâbaq (to cling or adhere): This word emphasizes a close bond, as seen when a soul followeth hard after God Psalms 63:8. It also describes the foundational union where a man shall cleave to his wife Genesis 2:24.
  • H3027 yâd (a hand): As the instrument of holding, the hand is frequently mentioned alongside H8551. God upholds with his right hand Isaiah 41:10, and Joseph held up his father's hand to move it Genesis 48:17.
  • H4131 môwṭ (to waver, slip, shake): This word often appears in contexts where H8551 provides the solution. A prayer is made to Hold up my goings so that my footsteps slip not Psalms 17:5.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of H8551 is centered on the concepts of divine support and human adherence.

  • Divine Sustenance: The word powerfully illustrates God's active role in preserving His people. He is the one who upholdeth the righteous in their integrity Psalms 41:12 and maintainest their lot in life Psalms 16:5. This is not a passive observance but an active, sustaining help.
  • Moral Adherence: Holding fast is a moral and spiritual discipline. The righteous person is one whose heart can retain God's words Proverbs 4:4 and who shaketh his hands from holding bribes Isaiah 33:15. Wisdom is a tree of life for those who retaineth her Proverbs 3:18.
  • Consequences of Being Held: The action of being "held" has consequences. While honor shall uphold the humble in spirit Proverbs 29:23, the wicked will be holden with the cords of his own sins Proverbs 5:22. One's path can take hold on hell Proverbs 5:5, showing that being held fast can lead to ruin as well as security.

Summary

In summary, H8551 is a dynamic term that describes a vital connection. It defines God's relationship to His people as an active sustainer and helper, and it outlines the human responsibility to cling to what is righteous and life-giving. From the physical act of holding up weary arms to the spiritual act of retaining God's truth in the heart, tâmak illustrates a foundational biblical principle: what one holds onto ultimately determines their stability and destiny.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 21 occurrences, inflected in 15 grammatical forms.

  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 4×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Qal Participle Singular Masculine Construct 2×
  • Qal Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 2×
  • Niphal Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Qal Infinitive Absolute 1×
  • Qal Infinitive Construct 1×
  • Qal Participle Plural Masculine Construct 1×
  • Qal Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 1×

+ 3 rarer forms

Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 20 verses across 7 books. Most frequent in Proverbs (8 verses).

1
Genesis
1
Exodus
1
Job
4
Psalms
8
Proverbs
3
Isaiah
2
Amos

Verse Explorer

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