or תַּנִּים; (Ezekiel 29:3), intensive from the same as תַּן; a marine or land monster, i.e. sea-serpent or jackal; dragon, sea-monster, serpent, whale.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tannîyn**, represented by `{{H8577}}`, is a term for a **marine or land monster**. It appears **28 times** across **28 unique verses** in the Bible. Based on its usage, the word can refer to a sea-serpent, jackal, dragon, sea-monster, serpent, or whale, signifying a powerful and often fearsome creature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8577}}` is used in several distinct contexts. As part of God's original creation, it refers to the "great **whales**" made on the fifth day [[Genesis 1:21]]. It serves as a sign of divine power, as when Aaron's rod is transformed into a **serpent** `{{H8577}}` before Pharaoh [[Exodus 7:10]]. The term is also frequently used symbolically. Hostile powers, like Pharaoh of Egypt, are called "the great **dragon**" [[Ezekiel 29:3]], and King Nebuchadrezzar of Babylon is said to have swallowed Israel "like a **dragon**" [[Jeremiah 51:34]]. Finally, it represents desolation, with ruined cities like Jerusalem and Babylon becoming a "den of **dragons**" ([[Jeremiah 9:11]], [[Jeremiah 51:37]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and symbolism of `{{H8577}}`:
* `{{H3882}}` **livyâthân** (a wreathed animal, i.e. a serpent... or some other large sea-monster): This term appears alongside `{{H8577}}` in a vision of God's ultimate judgment, where the LORD punishes Leviathan the serpent and slays the **dragon** in the sea [[Isaiah 27:1]].
* `{{H5175}}` **nâchâsh** (a snake... serpent): This general term for a serpent is used in parallel with `{{H8577}}`, highlighting the reptilian and serpentine aspects of the creature God defeats [[Isaiah 27:1]].
* `{{H7294}}` **Rahab** (Rahab (i.e. boaster), an epithet of Egypt): This name, representing Egypt, is directly linked to `{{H8577}}` when God's power is recalled in the rhetorical question, "Art thou not it that hath cut **Rahab**, and wounded the **dragon**?" [[Isaiah 51:9]].
* `{{H4294}}` **maṭṭeh** (a rod... staff... tribe): The connection is demonstrated when Aaron's **rod** `{{H4294}}` is miraculously turned into a **serpent** `{{H8577}}`, showing God's authority over both nature and human rulers [[Exodus 7:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8577}}` is significant, often representing forces in opposition to God's divine order.
* **Symbol of Primordial Chaos and Evil:** God's sovereignty is displayed by His power over these monstrous creatures. He broke "the heads of the **dragons** in the waters" [[Psalms 74:13]] and will ultimately slay the **dragon** that is in the sea [[Isaiah 27:1]].
* **Embodiment of Hostile Nations:** World powers that oppress God's people are depicted as dragons. Pharaoh is the "great **dragon**" of Egypt [[Ezekiel 29:3]], and Babylon is the **dragon** that devoured Israel [[Jeremiah 51:34]]. Defeating the dragon symbolizes God's victory over these enemy nations [[Isaiah 51:9]].
* **Sign of Divine Judgment:** The presence of dragons signifies a place that has been made desolate by God's judgment. The prophets declare that great cities will become a "dwellingplace for **dragons**" as a result of their sin ([[Jeremiah 51:37]], [[Isaiah 34:13]]).
* **A Creature Within God's Creation:** Despite its fearsome symbolism, `{{H8577}}` is also presented as part of God's created order. God created "great **whales**" [[Genesis 1:21]], and the psalmist calls upon "ye **dragons**, and all deeps" to praise the LORD [[Psalms 148:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8577}}` is a multifaceted term that moves beyond a simple biological classification. It represents a range of large, powerful creatures, from the whale in the sea to the serpent on land. The word carries immense symbolic weight, used to depict hostile empires, divine judgment, and the chaotic forces over which God is sovereign. Through this term, scripture illustrates God's ultimate power as both Creator of all creatures and the judge of all nations.
TRV