טָעַן (ta.an)
ta.an
to pierce
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ta’an carries the sharp, physical meaning of piercing or perforating something. In the biblical text, it appears only once, in a single form: the Pual stem, which typically indicates a passive or reflexive action. This specific usage is found in Isaiah 14:19.
In that context, the word describes the dishonored fate of a fallen king. Rather than receiving a proper burial, his body is cast out like an abominable branch, pierced by enemies with swords. The image is visceral and final, emphasizing total humiliation and the destruction of royal dignity. Translators often render this as "pierced" or "impaled," capturing the violent reality of the metaphor.
The rarity of this word makes its appearance in Isaiah particularly striking. By using a term associated with physical penetration, the text underscores the completeness of the king’s downfall. It is not merely a defeat in battle but a desecration that leaves no room for honor or restoration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ta’an appears only once in Scripture, describing a fallen king cast out without honor. His body is pierced by swords, denied burial, and left to be trampled. This vivid image reminds us that earthly power fades quickly when it opposes God’s purposes.
For believers, this passage offers comfort. No matter how high human pride rises, God remains sovereign. Our hope does not rest in temporary victories or worldly status but in Christ, who conquered death and rose again. Even in suffering, we are held by His enduring love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [who were] pierced of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְטֹ֣עֲנֵי1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 14:19
But you are cast away from your tomb like an abominable branch, clothed with the slain who are thrust through with the sword, who go down to the stones of the pit; like a dead body trodden under foot.
The word describes the king’s body being pierced by swords, emphasizing his complete humiliation and denial of burial rites.