טָלָא (ta.la)
ta.la
to spot
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ta’ala means to mark with spots or patches, creating a distinct pattern on a surface. In the Old Testament, it appears only five times, primarily in Genesis and Joshua. Its core sense is visual: describing something that is speckled, mottled, or colored in irregular patches rather than a single solid hue.
This word is most famous for its use in Genesis 30:37-42, where Jacob uses it to describe the breeding strategy for Laban’s flocks. He places peeled rods in the watering troughs so that the livestock would mate in front of them, resulting in "spotted" (ta’ala) offspring. Here, the term describes the physical appearance of the animals—sheep with dark spots on white wool or goats with white patches on dark coats.
The sources indicate that ta’ala functions as a straightforward descriptor of texture and coloration. It does not carry metaphorical weight in these texts but serves a precise agricultural purpose, distinguishing one type of animal from another by its markings. Translators typically render it as "spotted," "speckled," or "patched" to preserve this concrete imagery.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ta’ala describes a surface marked with spots or patches, creating a distinct visual pattern. In Genesis, it refers to livestock with irregular coloring—sheep with dark spots on white wool or goats with white markings on dark coats. This concrete imagery highlights how God often works through the ordinary details of daily life.
In Jacob’s story, these spotted animals became part of a complex arrangement involving peeled rods and breeding strategies. While some see this as clever manipulation, others view it as an opportunity where divine providence aligned with human action. The text leaves room for both interpretations, inviting us to trust that God can use even the smallest details in His larger plan.
For your faith, this word reminds you that nothing is too small or insignificant for God’s attention. Whether in the markings of an animal or the circumstances of your own life, He weaves together what seems ordinary into something meaningful. You can rest in the knowledge that He cares about every detail, no matter how minor it may appear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ spotted2×
- and/ <the>/ spotted2×
- and/ spotted [ones]1×
- and/ patched1×
- and/ [the] spotted1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מְטֻלָּאוֹת֙1×
- וּ/טְלֻאִֽים\׃1×
- וְ/טָל֥וּא1×
- וְ/טָל֜וּא1×
- וְ/טָל֗וּא1×
- וְ/הַ/טְּלֻאֹ֔ת1×
- וְ/הַ/טְּלֻאִ֗ים1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 30:32
I will pass through all your flock today, removing from there every speckled and spotted one, and every black one among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats. This will be my hire.
This verse introduces the term as Jacob defines his wages, setting up the narrative where spotted animals become central to God's provision.
-
Genesis 30:39
The flocks conceived before the rods, and the flocks produced streaked, speckled, and spotted.
Here the word describes the result of Jacob’s actions, showing how the flocks produced offspring with the specific markings he sought.
-
Joshua 9:5
and old and patched sandals on their feet, and wore old garments. All the bread of their food supply was dry and moldy.
The Gibeonites use patched sandals to deceive Israel, demonstrating how the concept of being marked or altered can serve purposes beyond agriculture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word ta’ala mean?
Why is ta’ala significant in Genesis 30?
How is ta’ala different from other Hebrew words for color?
Does ta’ala have any metaphorical meaning?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 4 verses
I will pass through all your flock today, removing from there every speckled and spotted one, and every black one among…
Genesis 30:33So my righteousness will answer for me hereafter, when you come concerning my hire that is before you. Every one that…
Genesis 30:35That day, he removed the male goats that were streaked and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and…
Genesis 30:39The flocks conceived before the rods, and the flocks produced streaked, speckled, and spotted.