טָחָה (ta.chah)
ta.chah
to shoot
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb taḥah means to hurl or shoot an object with force. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Genesis 21:16. In this single instance, it describes Hagar placing Ishmael under one of the desert bushes after she has cast him aside.
The text uses the piel participle form, which conveys the action of shooting or throwing. This specific usage highlights a moment of desperate separation in the narrative of Abraham’s family. The word captures the physical act of casting something away with energy and intent, marking a stark transition in the story.
Because it is so rare, taḥah does not develop a broad range of theological meanings across Scripture. Its significance lies entirely in its vivid depiction of that specific event. It serves as a concrete detail in the Genesis account, illustrating the physical reality of Hagar’s actions and the precarious situation of her son.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word taḥah appears only once in Scripture, in Genesis 21:16. It describes Hagar casting Ishmael under a bush with force and intent. This single occurrence captures a moment of desperate separation in the life of Abraham’s family.
While the text highlights physical hardship, it also shows God’s close attention to those in distress. Hagar weeps, yet she is not forgotten. This rare word reminds us that even in moments of profound loss or fear, God sees and hears. His care extends to the most vulnerable, offering hope where human strength fails.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like/ [the] shooters of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כִּ/מְטַחֲוֵ֣י1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 21:16
She went and sat down opposite him, a good way off, about a bow shot away. For she said, “Don’t let me see the death of the child.” She sat opposite him, and lifted up her voice, and wept.
This verse uses the participle form of taḥah to describe Hagar’s forceful act of placing Ishmael under a bush, marking the physical reality of their separation.