### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb תִּרְגַּל (tirgal), Strong's `{{H8637}}`, is a denominative verb derived from the noun רֶגֶל (regel), `{{H7272}}`, meaning "foot," or more directly from the verb רָגַל (ragal), `{{H7270}}`, meaning "to walk" or "to go." As a Piel conjugation verb, תִּרְגַּל carries an intensive or causative force. Its core meaning is "to cause to walk" or "to teach to go." This implies a deliberate, nurturing action of guiding someone, especially a child, in the fundamental skill of walking. The semantic range is narrow due to its singular occurrence, but it powerfully conveys the idea of patient instruction, tender assistance, and foundational training. It speaks to a relationship where one party, the teacher, actively enables the other to achieve mobility and independence, yet always within the context of the teacher's ongoing support.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb תִּרְגַּל (tirgal) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in the book of Hosea:
* **[[Hosea 11:3]]**: "Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them." (וְאָנֹכִי תִרְגַּלְתִּי לְאֶפְרַיִם קָחָם עַל־זְרוֹעֹתָיו וְלֹא יָדְעוּ כִּי רְפָאתִים)
In this poignant verse, the prophet Hosea conveys God's deep paternal love and care for Israel, personified as Ephraim. The imagery is profoundly intimate: God portrays Himself as a loving parent patiently teaching a young child, Ephraim, to walk. The phrase "I took them up by their arms" further reinforces this tender, supportive action, preventing falls and offering stability. The Piel form of תִּרְגַּל (tirgal) underscores the intensive, persistent effort God invested in nurturing His people. The tragic irony follows immediately: "but they did not know that I healed them." Despite God's tireless, foundational care, Israel remained oblivious or ungrateful, failing to recognize the source of their well-being and stability. This single occurrence thus paints a vivid picture of divine pedagogy and persistent, unrequited love in the face of human spiritual amnesia.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root from which תִּרְגַּל (tirgal) is derived:
* **רָגַל (ragal), `{{H7270}}`**: The verb "to walk, go," or "to spy" (when in the Piel). The denominative nature of תִּרְגַּל (tirgal) from this root emphasizes the action of "causing to walk."
* **רֶגֶל (regel), `{{H7272}}`**: The noun "foot," serving as the direct anatomical basis for the concept of walking.
Other related concepts and words that illuminate the broader theme of divine guidance and care include:
* **הָלַךְ (halakh), `{{H1980}}`**: The most common verb for "to walk" or "to go," often used metaphorically for one's conduct or way of life (e.g., "walking with God").
* **נָחָה (nachah), `{{H5148}}`**: "To lead, guide," often by God (e.g., God leading Israel through the wilderness).
* **דֶּרֶךְ (derekh), `{{H1870}}`**: "Way, path," frequently used to describe a course of life or conduct, often guided by divine instruction.
* **לָמַד (lamad), `{{H3925}}`**: "To learn, teach," emphasizing the pedagogical aspect of divine interaction.
The concept of parental care is central, aligning with other biblical metaphors of God as Father, Shepherd, or Teacher, who provides, protects, and instructs His people.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of תִּרְגַּל (tirgal) in [[Hosea 11:3]] is profoundly significant for understanding God's character and His relationship with humanity, particularly Israel.
1. **Divine Paternal Love and Nurturing:** The verb unequivocally portrays God as a tender, patient, and loving Father. He is not merely a distant ruler but one intimately involved in the developmental stages of His people, akin to a parent teaching a child a fundamental skill. This highlights God's personal, hands-on investment in the well-being and growth of His covenant people.
2. **Grace and Initiative:** God takes the initiative in this act of teaching and nurturing. It is "I who taught Ephraim to walk," emphasizing God's unprompted grace and persistent effort even when Israel was spiritually immature or rebellious. This act of "causing to walk" is an act of proactive grace, enabling movement and progress where there might otherwise be stumbling or stagnation.
3. **Covenant Faithfulness Despite Rebellion:** The context of Hosea is Israel's unfaithfulness and idolatry. Yet, even in the midst of their rebellion, God recalls His enduring love and foundational care. The act of teaching them to walk symbolizes the very beginning of their national journey with God, a reminder of His steadfast love from the outset of their relationship.
4. **The Path of Discipleship:** Metaphorically, "teaching to walk" can be understood as God instructing His people in the ways of righteousness and covenant obedience. It is not merely physical locomotion but spiritual formation—guiding them in the path they should follow. This resonates with the concept of discipleship, where believers are taught and enabled by God to walk in His ways.
5. **Human Unawareness and Ingratitude:** The pathos of the verse is heightened by Israel's failure to "know that I healed them." This underscores the tragic human tendency to forget or ignore God's persistent care, even when it is as fundamental as teaching one to walk. It serves as a somber warning against spiritual amnesia and ingratitude.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb תִּרְגַּל (tirgal), `{{H8637}}`, meaning "to cause to walk" or "to teach to go," is a rare but exceptionally rich word, appearing only once in [[Hosea 11:3]]. Derived from the root for "foot" or "to walk," its Piel form emphasizes an intensive, causative action. In its sole biblical occurrence, it vividly depicts God as a tender, patient parent teaching Ephraim (Israel) to walk, taking them by their arms. This single image powerfully conveys God's profound paternal love, His proactive grace, and His unwavering commitment to nurturing His covenant people from their earliest stages. The theological significance lies in its portrayal of divine initiative, steadfast faithfulness, and the intimate, hands-on nature of God's care, tragically contrasted with humanity's frequent unawareness and ingratitude for such foundational provisions. It stands as a poignant testament to the depth of God's enduring love and His role as the ultimate Guide and Sustainer.
TRV