### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tᵉnûwk**, represented by `{{H8571}}`, refers to a **tip**, pinnacle, or extremity. It appears **8 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. This term is used exclusively in highly specific ritual contexts within the Mosaic law, denoting the extremity of a body part that is to be consecrated or cleansed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8571}}` is used in ceremonies for both priestly consecration and purification. During the consecration of Aaron `{{H175}}` and his sons `{{H1121}}`, blood `{{H1818}}` from a slaughtered ram `{{H352}}` is placed upon the **tip** of their right ear `{{H241}}`, their right thumb, and their right great toe [[Exodus 29:20]]. This specific act is performed by Moses `{{H4872}}` and detailed again in [[Leviticus 8:23-24]]. Similarly, in the ritual for a person being cleansed `{{H2891}}`, the priest `{{H3548}}` applies blood from a trespass offering `{{H817}}` and then oil `{{H8081}}` to the **tip** of the person's right ear ([[Leviticus 14:14]], [[Leviticus 14:17]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are essential for understanding the context of `{{H8571}}`:
* `{{H1818}}` **dâm** (blood): This is the substance applied to the **tip** of the ear. Blood is central to the concept of atonement, as the life of the flesh is in the blood [[Leviticus 17:11]].
* `{{H241}}` **ʼôzen** (ear): This is the body part to which the **tip** `{{H8571}}` belongs. The ear represents hearing and the reception of God's commands.
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (priest): These are the individuals who both perform the ritual of cleansing and are the subjects of the consecration ceremony involving the application of blood to the **tip** of the ear [[Leviticus 14:14]].
* `{{H931}}` **bôhen** (thumb, great toe): This word is always used in conjunction with `{{H8571}}` in these rituals, as blood or oil is also applied to the thumb of the right hand and the great toe of the right foot [[Exodus 29:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8571}}` is demonstrated in its ritual application.
* **Consecration for Service:** By applying blood to the **tip** of the ear, the thumb of the hand `{{H3027}}`, and the toe of the foot `{{H7272}}`, the priest is wholly set apart for God's service. This signifies that what he hears, the work he does, and the path he walks are all consecrated [[Leviticus 8:23-24]].
* **Atonement and Cleansing:** For an individual being purified, the blood of the trespass offering `{{H817}}` on the **tip** of the ear symbolizes the atonement required for cleansing [[Leviticus 14:25]]. The subsequent application of oil `{{H8081}}` to the same spot signifies blessing and restoration [[Leviticus 14:28]].
* **Comprehensive Dedication:** The use of the term **tip** highlights the totality of the dedication. Anointing the very extremities signifies that every part of the individual, from the point of hearing to their actions and walk, is claimed and sanctified for a holy purpose.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8571}}` is a precise term that carries significant ritualistic importance. Though it simply means **tip**, its use is confined to the ceremonies of consecrating priests and cleansing individuals. The application of blood and oil to this extremity of the ear, hand, and foot illustrates a foundational principle of complete dedication and purification, where every facet of a person's life—their hearing, their actions, and their walk—is brought under the authority and blessing of God.
TRV