טַלְטֵלָה (tal.te.lah)
tal.te.lah
captivity
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun taltealah appears only once in the Bible, in Isaiah 22:17. Its core meaning is a violent throwing or hurling. In this specific context, it describes God’s action of casting King Eliakim out of his position with force and finality.
While some lexicons translate this as "captivity," the primary sense here is not imprisonment but expulsion. The word conveys the physical act of being tossed aside, emphasizing the abruptness and severity of the king’s removal from power rather than a long-term detention.
This single usage highlights a vivid image of political upheaval. The prophet uses this term to illustrate how quickly human authority can be overturned by divine judgment, leaving the ruler cast out like an unwanted object.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word taltealah appears only once in Scripture, in Isaiah 22:17. It describes a violent throwing or hurling away. In this verse, God speaks of casting King Eliakim from his position with force and finality. The image is not of imprisonment but of expulsion. The ruler is tossed aside like an unwanted object, emphasizing the abruptness of his removal.
This single occurrence reminds us that human authority is temporary. Political power can shift in an instant under divine judgment. For believers, this offers a sobering perspective on worldly success. Our security does not rest in earthly positions or titles that can be overturned overnight.
Instead, we find stability in God’s enduring sovereignty. When our own plans seem secure, this word invites humility. It reminds us that all authority comes from above and rests at His discretion. We can trust Him even when circumstances change suddenly.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- hurling1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- טַלְטֵלָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 22:17
Behold, Yahweh will overcome you and hurl you away violently. Yes, he will grasp you firmly.
This verse uses taltealah to describe God violently hurling King Eliakim from his office, emphasizing expulsion rather than imprisonment.