תָּאָה (ta.ah)
ta.ah
to mark
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ta’ah, found primarily in the Book of Numbers, carries the specific meaning of marking out or pointing something out. In its only occurrences, it appears in the Piel stem, which intensifies the action to indicate a deliberate act of delineation.
This word is used in the context of establishing boundaries, specifically when describing how the land was to be divided among the tribes of Israel. The sources highlight its use for marking out territory, suggesting a physical or legal demarcation rather than a abstract concept. It serves as a precise term for defining limits and ownership within the community.
Its rarity in Scripture underscores its specialized function. Unlike general words for seeing or knowing, ta’ah is tied to the concrete act of setting boundaries, reflecting the importance of clear territorial distinctions in ancient Israelite society. The word ensures that each tribe’s portion was distinctly identified and recognized.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ta’ah appears in the biblical text to describe the deliberate act of marking boundaries. In Numbers, it is used when God instructs the leaders to define the borders of the Promised Land. This was not a vague suggestion but a precise legal and physical demarcation. Each tribe needed to know exactly where their inheritance began and ended.
For your life today, this word reminds us that God provides clear guidance. Just as the tribes were given specific boundaries to prevent conflict and ensure fairness, God gives us moral and spiritual limits that protect us. These boundaries are not restrictions meant to hinder us, but safeguards that help us live in peace with our neighbors and clarity in our walk with Him.
When you feel uncertain about your path, remember that God is a God of order. He marks out the way for His people so they can dwell securely. Trusting in His defined boundaries brings stability and peace to your daily life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will mark out2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תְּתָא֥וּ1×
- תְּתָא֖וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 34:7
“‘This shall be your north border: from the great sea you shall mark out for yourselves Mount Hor.
This verse uses ta’ah to show the specific command to mark Mount Hor as part of the northern border, highlighting the physical act of delineation.
-
Numbers 34:8
From Mount Hor you shall mark out to the entrance of Hamath; and the border shall pass by Zedad.
Here the verb continues the instruction for the northern boundary, showing how the marking process extended from Mount Hor to Hamath to define the territory clearly.