### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma תְּנוּךְ (tᵉnûwk), Strong's `{{H8571}}`, is a masculine noun. Its etymological origin is suggested to be related to אֲנָךְ (ʾănāḵ), Strong's `{{H529}}`, meaning "plumb line," perhaps through the shared concept of something extended or protracted. The core meaning of תְּנוּךְ refers to an "extremity," "pinnacle," or "tip." In its biblical usage, it consistently denotes a precise anatomical extremity, emphasizing the outermost or terminal point of a body part.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word תְּּנוּךְ (tᵉnûwk) appears exclusively in the book of Leviticus, always within the context of highly specific purification and consecration rituals. It is consistently used in the construct state, modifying a body part to specify its "tip."
* **Leviticus 14:14, 17, 25, 28 (Purification of the Leper):** In the elaborate ritual for cleansing a person afflicted with leprosy, the blood of the guilt offering and then the anointing oil are applied to the תְּנוּךְ אֹזֶן (tᵉnûwk ʾōzen), "tip of the right ear," the תְּנוּךְ יָד (tᵉnûwk yāḏ), "thumb of the right hand," and the תְּנוּךְ רֶגֶל (tᵉnûwk reḡel), "big toe of the right foot" of the cleansed individual. This precise application signifies a thorough and complete purification, touching the extremities that represent the body's capacity for hearing, action, and movement, thereby restoring the individual to full participation in the community and worship. The emphasis on the "right" side often denotes strength, prominence, and efficacy.
* **Leviticus 8:23, 24 (Consecration of Priests):** During the ordination of Aaron and his sons, Moses applies blood from the ram of ordination to the תְּנוּךְ of Aaron's right ear, his right thumb, and his right big toe. The same ritual is then performed for his sons. This act symbolizes the dedication of the priests' entire being—their hearing (to obey God's commands), their hands (to perform sacred service), and their feet (to walk in holiness)—to the Lord. The application of blood signifies atonement, consecration, and setting apart for sacred duties, making them fit to mediate between God and His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary words related to תְּנוּךְ are the body parts it modifies, which are central to its symbolic meaning:
* **אֹזֶן (ʾōzen), Strong's `{{H241}}`: "ear."** Emphasizes listening, obedience, and reception of divine instruction.
* **יָד (yāḏ), Strong's `{{H3027}}`: "hand."** Represents action, work, service, and the execution of divine will. The "thumb" (tip of the hand) is crucial for grasping and manipulating.
* **רֶגֶל (reḡel), Strong's `{{H7272}}`: "foot."** Signifies one's walk, conduct, path, and overall lifestyle. The "big toe" (tip of the foot) is essential for balance and locomotion.
Other related concepts include:
* **כָּפַר (kāpar), Strong's `{{H3722}}`: "to atone, make atonement."** The rituals involving תְּנוּךְ are fundamentally acts of atonement and purification.
* **קָדַשׁ (qāḏaš), Strong's `{{H6942}}`: "to be holy, set apart."** The application of blood and oil to these extremities is a key component of sanctification, setting individuals apart for sacred purposes.
* The concept of "extremity" or "edge" is also found in other Hebrew words like קָצֶה (qāṣeh), Strong's `{{H7097}}`, though תְּנוּךְ carries a more specific anatomical and ritualistic connotation in its usage.
### Theological Significance
The precise application of blood and oil to the תְּנוּךְ (tᵉnûwk) of the ear, hand, and foot in Levitical law carries profound theological weight, underscoring the holistic nature of purification and consecration.
* **Holistic Cleansing and Dedication:** The ritual involving תְּנוּךְ signifies that the entire person—from hearing God's word (ear), to performing His will (hand), to walking in His ways (foot)—is brought under the domain of God's holiness and cleansing power. No part is left untouched or unconsecrated. This speaks to the comprehensive nature of salvation and sanctification, where God desires the dedication of one's mind, will, and actions.
* **Atonement and Restoration:** For the leper, the ritual symbolizes a complete cleansing from the defilement of sin, enabling re-entry into the community and fellowship with God. The blood applied to these extremities represents the life given for atonement, purifying the very avenues through which defilement might have entered or been expressed, thus restoring the individual to a state of ritual purity.
* **Empowerment for Sacred Service:** For the priests, the anointing with blood and oil on these specific points represents their complete dedication and empowerment for sacred service. Their hearing must be attuned to God's voice, their hands must perform the holy rituals with precision and purity, and their walk must be blameless before the Lord. It signifies that their entire being is consecrated to mediate between God and humanity, enabling them to serve effectively and acceptably.
* **Divine Precision and Thoroughness:** The repeated and highly specific nature of these rituals, down to the "tip" of these body parts, highlights the meticulousness of God's requirements for holiness and the thoroughness of His provision for atonement and sanctification. It teaches that God cares about every detail of our lives and desires our complete and unreserved dedication.
### Summary
The Hebrew word תְּנוּךְ (tᵉnûwk), Strong's `{{H8571}}`, consistently denotes an "extremity" or "tip," specifically found in the Pentateuch to refer to the "tip of the ear," "thumb of the hand," and "big toe of the foot." Its exclusive biblical occurrences in Leviticus are within the context of the purification rituals for lepers and the consecration of priests. Theologically, the application of blood and oil to these precise תְּנוּךְ points powerfully symbolizes a comprehensive and holistic cleansing and dedication. It underscores that every aspect of a person's being—their hearing, actions, and walk—is to be brought under the Lordship of God, set apart for His holy purposes, and thoroughly cleansed by His atoning provision.
TRV