### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun תְּשׂוּמֶת (tᵉsûwmeth, `{{H8667}}`) is derived from the verbal root שׂוּם (śûm, `{{H7760}}`), which carries the fundamental meaning "to put," "to place," or "to set." As a feminine noun, תְּשׂוּמֶת inherently denotes something that has been "placed" or "laid down." Its core semantic range thus encompasses concepts related to a "deposit" or a "pledge"—an item or commitment laid down as security or a sign of trust. The extended definition of "fellowship" often associated with this word is not a direct meaning of the noun itself, but rather an interpretive nuance derived from its specific use in a particular phrase, implying a mutual placing of trust or commitment within a relationship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word תְּשׂוּמֶת (tᵉsûwmeth, `{{H8667}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Leviticus. Its singular occurrence is within the phrase תְּשׂוּמֶת יָד (tᵉsûwmeth yād), literally "a placing of the hand" or "a deposit of the hand," found in [[Leviticus 6:2]] (which is [[Leviticus 5:21]] in many Hebrew Bibles).
The context of [[Leviticus 6:2]] is critical for understanding its meaning: "If a person sins and commits a trespass against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit (בְּפִקָּדוֹן, `{{H6487}}`) or security (בִתְשׂוּמֶת יָד), or by robbery, or by extorting his neighbor." Here, תְּשׂוּמֶת יָד stands in parallel with פִּקָּדוֹן (piqqadôn, `{{H6487}}`), which explicitly means "deposit." This parallelism strongly suggests that תְּשׂוּמֶת יָד refers to something entrusted to another, often as a pledge or security. The "placing of the hand" likely signifies the act of entrusting, handing over, or perhaps even a handshake as a sign of agreement or commitment. The sin described is a breach of trust, a deception concerning something that was placed into another's care or given as a guarantee. This specific usage underscores the importance of integrity in interpersonal dealings, particularly those involving financial or material trust. The implied "fellowship" or "relationship" aspect comes from the nature of the transaction: it is a betrayal within a trusted relationship between neighbors.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb שׂוּם (śûm, `{{H7760}}`), from which תְּשׂוּמֶת is derived. This verb is foundational, occurring hundreds of times in the Old Testament with a wide range of applications related to "putting," "placing," "setting," "appointing," or "establishing." This root's semantic breadth informs תְּשׂוּמֶת's meaning as something "placed" or "set aside."
Other related concepts and words in the biblical lexicon include:
* פִּקָּדוֹן (piqqadôn, `{{H6487}}`): "deposit," appearing alongside תְּשׂוּמֶת יָד in [[Leviticus 6:2]], highlighting the legal and ethical framework surrounding entrusted goods.
* עֵרָבוֹן (ʿērābôn, `{{H6162}}`): "pledge" or "guarantee," often used for a down payment or security (e.g., [[Genesis 38:17]], [[2 Kings 18:23]]).
* Concepts of trust, faithfulness, integrity, and covenant. The breach of תְּשׂוּמֶת יָד is a violation of trust, akin to a breaking of a solemn agreement or covenant between individuals.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of תְּשׂוּמֶת יָד in [[Leviticus 6:2]] carries profound theological weight. The passage explicitly states that deceiving one's neighbor in matters of deposit or pledge is not merely a civil offense but a "trespass against the LORD" (מַעַל בַּיהוָה). This elevates the act of dishonesty and breach of trust from a purely interpersonal wrong to a direct offense against God Himself.
This theological framing reveals several key insights:
1. **Divine Demand for Integrity:** God is intimately concerned with the ethical conduct of His people in their daily interactions. Honesty, especially in matters of trust and property, is not optional but a divine mandate.
2. **Holiness in Relationships:** The laws concerning deposits and pledges reflect God's desire for a society built on integrity and mutual trust, mirroring the covenant relationship He establishes with Israel. A violation of trust between humans is seen as a desecration of the sacred fabric of the community, which is under God's watchful eye.
3. **Atonement for Social Sins:** The passage in Leviticus outlines the process of restitution and a guilt offering for such a sin. This underscores that offenses against one's neighbor, particularly those involving deceit and breach of trust, require not only human reconciliation (restitution) but also divine atonement to restore the relationship with God. The sin of violating a tᵉsûwmeth yad demands a recognition of both its horizontal (human-to-human) and vertical (human-to-God) dimensions.
### Summary
The Hebrew word תְּשׂוּמֶת (tᵉsûwmeth, `{{H8667}}`), derived from the root שׂוּם (śûm, `{{H7760}}`) "to place," signifies a "deposit" or "pledge." Its sole biblical occurrence is in the phrase תְּשׂוּמֶת יָד (tᵉsûwmeth yād) in [[Leviticus 6:2]]. Here, it refers to something entrusted as security, and the context describes the sin of deceiving a neighbor concerning such an item. The theological significance of this rare word is profound: it highlights that a breach of trust in interpersonal dealings, particularly involving deposits or pledges, is considered a direct "trespass against the LORD." This emphasizes God's demand for integrity and honesty within the community, viewing such social sins as requiring both restitution to the wronged party and atonement before God.
TRV