טָרַד (ta.rad)
ta.rad
to pursue
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ta.rad primarily means to pursue or chase, but its usage in Scripture carries a distinct physical rhythm. In the two verses where it appears, most notably in Proverbs 25:22, it describes the act of pursuing an enemy with bread and water. This is not a violent hunt, but a persistent, almost relentless kindness that seeks to overwhelm hostility with generosity.
A fascinating nuance arises from its grammatical form. The sources note that the participle can mean "dripping" or "be continuous," suggesting a steady, unbroken flow. When applied to the act of pursuing here, it implies a persistence that does not break or falter. It is a chase defined by continuity rather than speed.
This word offers a unique window into ancient wisdom literature. By using a term that can evoke both pursuit and dripping, the text paints a picture of love that is as persistent as rain and as active as a pursuer. It challenges the reader to see kindness not as a passive state, but as an active, unwavering force.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ta.rad carries a physical rhythm of persistence. In ancient wisdom, it describes pursuing someone not with weapons, but with bread and water. This image challenges our instinct to meet hostility with force. Instead, the text invites us to chase down an enemy with steady generosity. It is a relentless kindness that seeks to overwhelm anger with grace.
This pursuit is defined by continuity rather than speed. The Hebrew root suggests a continuous flow, like dripping water. When we offer help consistently, we create an environment where hostility cannot survive. This active love does not wait for the other person to change first. It moves forward with quiet determination.
For your daily life, this means kindness is a verb. You can pursue peace even when it feels one-sided. Let your generosity be as steady as rain. This approach transforms conflict into an opportunity for healing. It offers a path forward that honors both truth and love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- continuous2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- טֹ֝רֵ֗ד1×
- ט֭וֹרֵד1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 19:13
A foolish son is the calamity of his father. A wife’s quarrels are a continual dripping.
The phrase 'continual dripping' uses the same root to describe a persistent annoyance, highlighting how consistency defines both conflict and compassion.
-
Proverbs 27:15
A continual dropping on a rainy day and a contentious wife are alike:
Here the word describes a contentious wife as a constant drip, illustrating how steady repetition shapes relationships whether for good or ill.