### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tânâh**, represented by `{{H8566}}`, is a primitive root defined as to present a mercenary inducement, or to bargain with and **hire**. This specific term appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, both within the same prophetic passage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Both uses of `{{H8566}}` are found in the book of Hosea and describe the unfaithful actions of Ephraim. The text states that "Ephraim hath **hired** lovers" [[Hosea 8:9]], directly associating the word with paying for illicit affection. This theme is immediately reinforced when the prophet declares, "though they have **hired** among the nations, now will I gather them" [[Hosea 8:10]], framing Israel's pursuit of foreign political alliances as an act of hiring prostitutes.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of this act of hiring:
* `{{H158}}` **ʼahab** (love(-r)): This word, meaning affection in a good or bad sense, is used for the **lovers** that Ephraim **hired**, highlighting the unfaithful nature of their transactional relationships [[Hosea 8:9]].
* `{{H1471}}` **gôwy** (nation): Defined as a foreign **nation** or Gentile, this term identifies the partners in Ephraim's unfaithfulness, as they "hired among the **nations**" instead of trusting God [[Hosea 8:10]].
* `{{H4853}}` **massâʼ** (burden): This word describes the direct consequence of Ephraim's actions. Their hiring results not in security but in a **burden**, specifically "the **burden** of the king of princes" [[Hosea 8:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8566}}` is focused on the concept of spiritual unfaithfulness.
* **Transactional Idolatry:** The act of "hiring" portrays Israel's alliances not as simple treaties, but as a form of spiritual harlotry, where they pay for the favor of foreign powers ("lovers") rather than relying on their covenant relationship with God [[Hosea 8:9]].
* **Fruitless Labor:** The consequence of this hiring is sorrow and a heavy **burden**, demonstrating that seeking security outside of God's provision is ultimately futile and leads to oppression [[Hosea 8:10]].
* **Divine Sovereignty:** Despite Israel's attempts to secure its own future by hiring help, God declares that He will **gather** them, showing that His plan and judgment override their faithless dealings with the nations [[Hosea 8:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8566}}` **tânâh** is a rare but powerful term used to condemn faithlessness. Though its appearances are limited to Hosea, it transforms the political act of making alliances into a vivid metaphor for spiritual adultery. It serves as a stark warning that hiring worldly powers for security ultimately results in a burdensome and sorrowful outcome, contrary to the faithfulness of God.
TRV