טָנַף (ta.naph)
ta.naph
to soil
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb tanaph appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Song of Solomon 5:3. In this specific context, it means to soil or defile. The image is physical and immediate: the speaker describes having dirt on his feet from walking outside and refuses to remove his garments to wash, lest he soil them further.
This single usage highlights a practical concern for cleanliness rather than a complex theological concept of ritual impurity. The word focuses on the tangible act of staining or dirtying something that should remain pure. By using this term, the text emphasizes the physical reality of the moment and the desire to keep one’s clothing free from the dust of the journey.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tanaph, meaning to soil or defile, appears only once in Scripture within the intimate dialogue of Song of Solomon 5:3. Here, the speaker describes a moment of physical weariness after a journey. Having washed his feet, he hesitates to remove his outer garment because doing so would risk dragging dust and dirt onto his clean skin. This vivid imagery captures a simple human desire to preserve purity and comfort in a moment of closeness.
For your daily life, this word reminds us that God cares about the tangible details of our existence. He sees not just our spiritual state, but also our physical needs and the small boundaries we set to protect our peace. When you feel weary or overwhelmed, remember that preserving your well-being is a valid and holy concern. It is okay to rest, to clean up, and to guard your heart from unnecessary defilement.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will I dirty/ them1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲטַנְּפֵֽ/ם\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Song of Solomon 5:3
I have taken off my robe. Indeed, must I put it on? I have washed my feet. Indeed, must I soil them?
This verse highlights the physical act of avoiding dirt on washed feet, emphasizing a practical concern for cleanliness rather than abstract ritual impurity.