### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tâphêl**, represented by `{{H8602}}`, describes things that are foolish, unsavoury, or untempered. From a root meaning to smear, it can refer to a weak plaster or, figuratively, to frivolity. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses**, highlighting its specific application in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical context, `{{H8602}}` is most prominently used by the prophet Ezekiel as a powerful metaphor. He condemns false prophets who have "daubed" a poorly built wall with **untempered** morter [[Ezekiel 13:10]]. This act represents their preaching of a false peace to seduce God's people. God warns that this flimsy structure will inevitably fall under the assault of a "stormy wind" and "great hailstones" [[Ezekiel 13:11]]. The term also appears in Job to describe that which is **unsavoury** and tasteless, like eating the white of an egg without salt [[Job 6:6]], and in Lamentations to describe the **foolish things** seen by false prophets [[Lamentations 2:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H8602}}`:
* `{{H2902}}` **ṭûwach** (daub, plaister, overlay): This verb describes the action performed with the "untempered" morter. The prophets "daubed" the people with false assurances, covering up structural weaknesses instead of repairing them [[Ezekiel 22:28]].
* `{{H5030}}` **nâbîyʼ** (a prophet or generally inspired man): This term identifies the very people who used **tâphêl**. The prophets of Israel were supposed to speak for God, but some offered "foolish things" and daubed with untempered morter ([[Lamentations 2:14]], [[Ezekiel 22:28]]).
* `{{H7023}}` **qîyr** (wall): This is the object of the futile labor in Ezekiel's prophecy. God declares He will "break down the **wall** that ye have daubed with untempered morter," exposing its weak foundation [[Ezekiel 13:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8602}}` is centered on the concepts of deception and judgment.
* **False Security:** The "untempered" plaster is a symbol of false teaching that provides a superficial sense of security. The prophets claimed "Peace; and there was no peace," covering deep-seated problems with a thin veneer of falsehood [[Ezekiel 13:10]].
* **Divine Judgment:** God promises that such flimsy work will not stand. His judgment, depicted as a storm, will wash away the **untempered** morter and cause the wall to "fall," consuming those who trusted in it ([[Ezekiel 13:11]], [[Ezekiel 13:14]]).
* **Spiritual Emptiness:** The use of **tâphêl** as "unsavoury" connects structural inadequacy with a lack of spiritual substance. False prophecy is not just weak; it is tasteless, lacking the "salt" of truth and failing to address the people's true iniquity ([[Job 6:6]], [[Lamentations 2:14]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8602}}` serves as a potent biblical metaphor for anything that is superficially appealing but fundamentally unsound and deceptive. Whether used to describe weak plaster, tasteless food, or foolish prophecies, **tâphêl** warns against the dangers of accepting comforting lies over hard truths. It illustrates that any spiritual or moral structure not built on a firm foundation of God's word will ultimately collapse under judgment.
TRV