### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun תַּעֲלֻמָּה (taʻălummâh, `{{H8587}}`) is derived from the verbal root עָלַם (ʻālam, `{{H5956}}`), which means "to hide," "to conceal," or "to be hidden." As a noun, תַּעֲלֻמָּה therefore signifies that which is hidden, concealed, or secret. Its semantic range primarily encompasses things that are intentionally kept secret, inherently unknown to human perception, or profoundly deep and beyond ordinary comprehension. It speaks to a state of being unrevealed, whether by design or by nature. The term often carries a nuance of profundity, referring to knowledge or matters that are not merely absent from view but are deeply embedded or intentionally obscured.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term תַּעֲלֻמָּה appears in the Hebrew Bible in only three instances, all of which are highly significant in their respective contexts:
* **[[Job 11:6]]**: In Zophar's speech, he challenges Job, asserting that God's wisdom is so vast that He could reveal "the secrets of wisdom" (תַּעֲלֻמוֹת חָכְמָה) to Job, which would be "double to that which is!" Here, the plural form תַּעֲלֻמוֹת refers to the profound, hidden, and unfathomable aspects of divine wisdom. It emphasizes the incomprehensibility of God's knowledge to finite human beings, highlighting a divine realm of understanding that far transcends human capacity.
* **[[Job 28:11]]**: Within the "Hymn to Wisdom," the text describes God's mastery over creation, stating, "He binds the floods from overflowing; and the thing that is hid (וְתַעֲלֻמָּה) brings he forth to light." In this context, תַּעֲלֻמָּה refers to the concealed elements or workings within the earth, such as precious minerals or hidden natural processes, which God, in His supreme wisdom and power, is able to discover and reveal. This verse underscores God's unique ability to penetrate all hidden realms and bring what is secret into manifestation.
* **[[Psalm 44:21]]**: In a communal lament, the psalmist poses a rhetorical question, "Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart" (תַּעֲלֻמוֹת לֵב). Here, the plural תַּעֲלֻמוֹת refers to the innermost, most private, and concealed thoughts, intentions, and motivations of the human heart. This passage powerfully asserts God's omniscience, affirming His ability to discern the deepest recesses of human consciousness, where even one's own self might not fully comprehend.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "hiddenness" is expressed through various Hebrew terms, each with distinct nuances:
* **עָלַם (ʻālam, `{{H5956}}`)**: The primary verbal root from which תַּעֲלֻמָּה is derived, meaning "to hide," "to conceal," or "to be hidden."
* **סֵתֶר (seter, `{{H5643}}`)**: Meaning "hiding place," "secret place," or "covering." This term often refers to a physical location of concealment or a state of being hidden for protection or privacy.
* **סוֹד (sod, `{{H5475}}`)**: Denoting "council," "secret," or "intimate counsel." This word often refers to confidential matters shared among a select group or, in a theological sense, God's divine counsel or intimate plans.
* **כָּסָה (kasah, `{{H3680}}`)**: A general verb meaning "to cover," "to conceal," or "to hide."
* **צָפַן (tsaphan, `{{H6845}}`)**: Meaning "to hide," "to store up," or "to treasure up." This often implies hiding something for preservation, future use, or as a valuable possession.
Thematically, תַּעֲלֻמָּמָה is closely associated with concepts such as divine omniscience, the profundity of divine wisdom, the hidden depths of human experience, and the contrast between human limitation and divine knowledge.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of תַּעֲלֻמָּה is profound and multifaceted, primarily underscoring the attributes of God:
* **Divine Omniscience and Omnipotence**: The most prominent theological implication is God's absolute knowledge. תַּעֲלֻמָּה consistently points to the fact that nothing is truly hidden from God. He possesses "the secrets of wisdom" ([[Job 11:6]]), can bring "hidden things" ([[Job 28:11]]) to light, and intimately knows the "secrets of the heart" ([[Psalm 44:21]]). This demonstrates not only His unparalleled knowledge but also His sovereign power to access and reveal all that is concealed.
* **Profound Divine Wisdom**: The "secrets of wisdom" (Job 11:6) suggest a depth of divine understanding that far surpasses human intellectual capacity. This emphasizes God's unique and infinite wisdom as the source of all knowledge, much of which remains veiled to human perception.
* **Human Limitation and Accountability**: By highlighting God's knowledge of the "secrets of the heart" (Psalm 44:21), the term underscores the inherent limitations of human self-knowledge and the ultimate accountability of humanity before a God who sees all, even the most private thoughts and intentions. This promotes humility and self-examination.
* **Divine Revelation**: While God holds all secrets, the instance in [[Job 28:11]] also hints at God's capacity and prerogative to reveal what was hidden. This sets the stage for the broader biblical theme of divine revelation, where God chooses to disclose aspects of His nature, will, and plans to humanity.
### Summary
תַּעֲלֻמָּה (taʻălummâh, `{{H8587}}`) is a potent Hebrew noun signifying that which is secret, hidden, or profoundly concealed. Derived from the root עָלַם (ʻālam, `{{H5956}}`), its rare yet impactful appearances in the Hebrew Bible illuminate key theological truths. It consistently points to the vastness of divine knowledge and the limits of human understanding. Whether referring to the unfathomable "secrets of wisdom" ([[Job 11:6]]), the hidden wonders of creation that God brings forth ([[Job 28:11]]), or the deepest "secrets of the heart" ([[Psalm 44:21]]), תַּעֲלֻמָּה serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute omniscience and sovereign power. It calls for a reverent humility before a God from whom nothing can be concealed, affirming His ultimate authority over all knowledge, both revealed and hidden.
TRV