### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun tᵉphôwtsâh (`{{H8600}}`) is derived from the verbal root pûts (`{{H6327}}`), which fundamentally means "to scatter," "to disperse," or "to spread abroad." As a noun, tᵉphôwtsâh denotes the *act* or *state* of being scattered, a "dispersal" or "dispersion." It describes the outcome of an event that causes a breaking up and spreading in various directions, often implying a forced or divinely orchestrated scattering rather than a simple spreading. The term carries connotations of fragmentation, loss of cohesion, and often, judgment or exile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term tᵉphôwtsâh (`{{H8600}}`) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the prophetic book of Ezekiel, highlighting its specific contextual relevance to the Babylonian exile.
1. **[[Ezekiel 17:21]]**: "And all his fugitives with all his troops, by the sword they shall fall, and those who remain shall be scattered to every wind; and you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken." In this verse, tᵉphôwtsâh describes the scattering of the remnant of Zedekiah's forces and supporters after the siege of Jerusalem. It is depicted as a direct consequence of divine judgment and military defeat, signifying a complete and irreversible dispersion of power and people. The phrase "scattered to every wind" emphasizes the totality and wide reach of this dispersion.
2. **[[Ezekiel 34:12]]**: "As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day that he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of cloud and thick darkness." Here, tᵉphôwtsâh refers to the people of Israel, metaphorically depicted as sheep, who have been scattered due to the negligence and corruption of their human shepherds (leaders). Crucially, this instance introduces a redemptive dimension: God Himself promises to act as the true Shepherd, seeking out and gathering His dispersed flock. The "day of cloud and thick darkness" refers to a time of judgment and distress, from which God promises deliverance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb pûts (`{{H6327}}`), which is frequently used throughout the Old Testament to describe various forms of scattering, often in the context of divine action. Examples include the scattering of enemies (e.g., [[Psalm 68:1]]), dust (e.g., [[Exodus 9:8]]), or nations (e.g., [[Genesis 11:4]]).
Other related Hebrew terms include:
* gâlâh (`{{H1540}}`): "to go into exile," "to be carried away captive." This often describes the process that leads to tᵉphôwtsâh.
* nāpaṣ (`{{H5310}}`): "to dash to pieces," "to break up," "to scatter," often with violent connotations.
* zārâ (`{{H2236}}`): "to scatter," "to winnow," often used for agricultural processes but also metaphorically for judgment.
In the New Testament, the Greek term diaspora (`{{G1290}}`) directly corresponds to the concept of tᵉphôwtsâh, referring specifically to the dispersion of the Jewish people among the nations.
### Theological Significance
The term tᵉphôwtsâh (`{{H8600}}`) is profoundly significant in articulating the theological consequences of covenant disobedience in the Old Testament. The scattering of Israel among the nations was a prominent curse outlined in the Mosaic Covenant for disobedience (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:64]]). In Ezekiel, tᵉphôwtsâh graphically illustrates this judgment, depicting the complete disarray and fragmentation of a people who had turned away from God. It underscores the severity of divine wrath and the profound disruption that sin brings to national and communal life.
However, the dual usage of tᵉphôwtsâh in Ezekiel also reveals a critical redemptive theological truth. While the scattering in [[Ezekiel 17:21]] is a punitive act, the scattering described in [[Ezekiel 34:12]] serves as the backdrop for God's compassionate intervention. God's promise to seek out and gather His scattered sheep highlights His enduring faithfulness to His covenant people, even in their state of dispersion. It demonstrates that divine judgment is not necessarily the final word, but can pave the way for divine restoration and the ultimate demonstration of God's sovereign power to re-gather and renew His people. The tᵉphôwtsâh thus anticipates the future ingathering and restoration of Israel.
### Summary
The Hebrew word tᵉphôwtsâh (`{{H8600}}`), meaning "dispersal" or "scattering," appears twice in Ezekiel, serving as a powerful descriptor of the consequences of sin and divine judgment. In [[Ezekiel 17:21]], it portrays the devastating fragmentation of a rebellious people. Yet, in [[Ezekiel 34:12]], tᵉphôwtsâh describes the very state from which God promises to deliver and re-gather His scattered flock, revealing His compassionate and redemptive purpose. Thus, tᵉphôwtsâh encapsulates both the severity of divine judgment and the profound hope of divine restoration, a crucial theme in biblical theology concerning Israel's exile and future return.
TRV