### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word tᵉqûwphâh (`{{H8622}}`), also rendered as tᵉqûphâh, is derived from the root nâqaph (`{{H5362}}`). The primary sense of nâqaph includes "to strike," "to beat," but also critically, "to go around," "to compass," or "to encircle." This root connection is fundamental to understanding tᵉqûwphâh.
Consequently, tᵉqûwphâh fundamentally denotes a "revolution," "circuit," or the "completion of a cycle." It conveys the idea of something coming full circle, reaching its natural conclusion or returning to its starting point. Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Revolution/Circuit:** The circular path or movement, particularly of celestial bodies.
* **Lapse/Completion:** The passing of a period of time, marking its full extent or end.
* **Coming About/End:** The culmination or conclusion of a specific period or event, indicating a full cycle has been traversed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term tᵉqûwphâh (`{{H8622}}`) appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, each shedding light on its specific application:
1. **[[Exodus 34:22]]**: "And you shall observe the Feast of Weeks, the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the year's end (תְּקוּפַת הַשָּׁנָה)."
* Here, tᵉqûwphâh is used in the phrase "תְּקוּפַת הַשָּׁנָה" (tᵉqûphath ha-shānāh), meaning "the circuit of the year" or "the end of the year." It refers to the completion of the agricultural and calendrical cycle, marking the time for the final harvest festival, Sukkot (Feast of Ingathering). This highlights the cyclical nature of seasons and God's appointed times for Israel's worship.
2. **[[1 Samuel 1:20]]**: "So it came about in the course of time (לִתְקֻפוֹת הַיָּמִים) that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel..."
* The phrase "לִתְקֻפוֹת הַיָּמִים" (li-tᵉqûphôth ha-yāmîm) translates to "at the circuit/completion of days" or "in the course of time." It signifies the natural progression and fulfillment of a period, leading to a significant event—Hannah's long-awaited conception and the birth of Samuel. This usage emphasizes the divine timing and the natural unfolding of events within a set period.
3. **[[2 Chronicles 24:23]]**: "Now it happened at the turn of the year (לִתְקוּפַת הַשָּׁנָה) that the army of Aram came up against Judah and Jerusalem."
* Similar to [[Exodus 34:22]], "לִתְקוּפַת הַשָּׁנָה" (li-tᵉqûphath ha-shānāh) denotes "at the turn/circuit of the year." This phrase indicates a specific time, likely spring, when the campaigning season for armies typically began following the winter rains. It underscores the predictable cycles that governed human activities and warfare in the ancient Near East.
4. **[[Psalm 19:6]]**: "Its rising is from one end of the heavens, and its circuit (וּתְקוּפָתוֹ) to the other end; and there is nothing hidden from its heat."
* In this poetic and theological psalm, tᵉqûwphâh describes the sun's "circuit" across the heavens. It speaks to the sun's regular, predictable, and complete journey from one horizon to the other, symbolizing its pervasive influence and the divine order embedded in creation. This is the most direct reference to the "revolution" or "circuit" meaning in a cosmic sense.
Across these contexts, tᵉqûwphâh consistently refers to the completion of a cycle, whether annual, daily, or a general passage of time, often implying divine regularity and purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H5362}}` נָקַף (nâqaph):** The verbal root from which tᵉqûwphâh is derived. Its meaning of "to go around," "compass," or "encircle" is crucial for understanding the noun's emphasis on cyclical movement and completion.
* **`{{H4150}}` מוֹעֵד (môʿēd):** "Appointed time," "season," "festival." While tᵉqûwphâh describes the *completion* of a cycle, môʿēd often refers to a specific *appointed point* within or at the end of such a cycle, frequently with a divine or communal purpose. The "end of the year" (תְּקוּפַת הַשָּׁנָה) in [[Exodus 34:22]] is precisely a môʿēd.
* **`{{H6256}}` עֵת (ʿēth):** A broader term for "time," "season," or "occasion." tᵉqûwphâh can be understood as a specific kind of ʿēth, one that marks a full cycle or completion, indicating not just a point in time, but the culmination of a temporal process.
* **`{{H3117}}` יוֹם (yôm):** "Day." The phrase "circuit of days" (תְּקוּפַת הַיָּמִים) in [[1 Samuel 1:20]] demonstrates how tᵉqûwphâh can qualify broader temporal units, indicating their full progression and the passage of time.
* **Cosmic Order:** The use of tᵉqûwphâh in [[Psalm 19:6]] to describe the sun's circuit connects it to the broader biblical theme of God's establishment and maintenance of cosmic order and the regularity of creation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of tᵉqûwphâh (`{{H8622}}`) is profound, underscoring divine order, faithfulness, and providential timing within creation and human history.
1. **Divine Order in Creation:** The most explicit theological implication arises from [[Psalm 19:6]], where the sun's "circuit" (תְּקוּפָתוֹ) across the heavens testifies to the glory and knowledge of God. This regular, predictable, and complete movement of the sun speaks to the Creator's meticulous design and the steadfastness of His cosmic laws. It portrays a universe not governed by randomness or chaos, but by divine wisdom, where all things have their appointed course and completion, reflecting the majesty of their Maker.
2. **God's Faithfulness in Time and Covenant:** The references to the "end of the year" (תְּקוּפַת הַשָּׁנָה) in [[Exodus 34:22]] and [[2 Chronicles 24:23]] highlight God's faithfulness in bringing about seasons and appointed times. The agricultural cycle, culminating in harvest festivals, reinforces the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience is tied to the bounty of the land, which itself depends on God's regular provision. The "course of time" (תְּקוּפַת הַיָּמִים) in [[1 Samuel 1:20]] further illustrates God's sovereign timing in human affairs, bringing about significant events (like Samuel's birth) at the precise moment of His choosing. This demonstrates that God works within and through the natural progression of time, fulfilling His purposes.
3. **The Sovereignty of God over All Cycles:** tᵉqûwphâh implies that all cycles – whether of the sun, the year, or human experience – are under God's ultimate control. There is no mere happenstance; rather, there is a divine rhythm and purpose to existence. This provides a profound sense of security and trust in God's overarching plan, even when human understanding is limited. The completion of a tᵉqûwphâh is not merely a natural phenomenon but a testament to God's enduring presence, His active governance, and His unwavering control over the unfolding of time.
### Summary
The Hebrew word tᵉqûwphâh (`{{H8622}}`), derived from the root nâqaph (`{{H5362}}`), fundamentally denotes a "revolution," "circuit," or the "completion" of a cycle. Its four occurrences in the Old Testament provide rich contextual understanding:
* In [[Psalm 19:6]], it describes the sun's celestial "circuit," emphasizing the divine order and glory in creation.
* In [[Exodus 34:22]] and [[2 Chronicles 24:23]], it marks the "end of the year," signifying the completion of an annual cycle, often tied to agricultural seasons and human activities.
* In [[1 Samuel 1:20]], it refers to the "course of time" or "completion of days," highlighting the natural progression and divine timing of events in human lives.
Theologically, tᵉqûwphâh profoundly underscores God's faithfulness, His meticulous design of the cosmos, and His sovereign control over all temporal and natural cycles. It points to a universe governed by divine purpose, where every "revolution" and "completion" testifies to the steadfastness, wisdom, and active governance of the Creator.
TRV