### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tannâh**, represented by `{{H8568}}`, is defined as a **female jackal** or **dragon**. It is an exceedingly rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole usage associates it with a creature inhabiting a desolate and forsaken land.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical appearance of `{{H8568}}` is in the context of God's judgment upon Esau. The Lord declares that He has laid Esau's heritage waste "for the **dragons** of the wilderness" [[Malachi 1:3]]. Here, the term is not merely descriptive of wildlife but signifies the complete desolation of the land, making it a habitat for creatures associated with wild and ruined places.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H8568}}` is clarified by the words used alongside it in its only context:
* `{{H4057}}` **midbâr** (wilderness): This term describes a desert or pasture, an open and often desolate field. The **dragons** are specifically located "of the wilderness" [[Malachi 1:3]], emphasizing their connection to untamed and uninhabitable regions, which can also be a place of testing [[Deuteronomy 8:2]].
* `{{H8130}}` **sânêʼ** (to hate): This primitive root signifies personal hatred. The desolation that provides a home for the **dragons** is a direct result of God's stated hatred for Esau [[Malachi 1:3]]. This same word is used to describe God's opposition to evil and the attitude his followers should have toward wickedness [[Psalms 97:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8568}}` is tied directly to its singular, potent context.
* **Symbol of Judgment:** The presence of **dragons** serves as a tangible sign of divine judgment. They are the inheritors of a land that has been cursed and abandoned by God's favor [[Malachi 1:3]].
* **Marker of Desolation:** The word underscores the severity of the ruin brought upon Esau's heritage. The land is not just empty; it has become a haunt for creatures like the **dragon**, signifying a complete reversal from a blessed inheritance to a forsaken wasteland.
* **Consequence of Divine Disfavor:** By appearing in a context of God's hatred `{{H8130}}`, the **dragon** populates a land made desolate by God, as seen when the Lord declares His judgment against Esau [[Malachi 1:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8568}}` is a highly specific term whose meaning is entirely derived from its single appearance. It functions as a powerful symbol for desolation and the consequences of divine judgment. The word **tannâh** is inextricably linked to the curse on Esau's land, illustrating how the presence of certain animals in scripture can signify a territory that has fallen from divine favor into a state of ruin [[Malachi 1:3]].
TRV