תּוֹאָם (ta.om)
ta.om
twin
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun taom refers simply to a twin, one of two offspring born from the same pregnancy. It appears in five verses across the Old Testament, primarily within the narrative accounts of Genesis and Exodus, with a single mention in Song of Solomon. The word itself is straightforward, denoting the biological relationship without adding layers of metaphorical meaning.
In Genesis, taom identifies key figures such as Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:24-26) and Perez and Zerah (Genesis 38:27-30). These passages highlight the unique dynamics of twin births, including differences in birth order or physical characteristics. In Exodus 26:18, it describes the structural components of the Tabernacle, where "twin" boards were paired together to form the walls, emphasizing symmetry and support.
The term’s usage in Song of Solomon 4:5 stands out as poetic, comparing the beloved’s breasts to "two fawns, twins of a gazelle." This simile draws on the natural imagery of gentle, paired animals to convey beauty and harmony. While taom is not a complex theological concept, its presence in these varied contexts — from family lineage to sacred architecture and love poetry — shows how the idea of pairing and connection resonates throughout Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word taom simply means twin, referring to two offspring from one birth. In Genesis, it marks the lives of Esau and Jacob, as well as Perez and Zerah. These stories show that even those born together can have very different paths. God’s plan often unfolds in unique ways for each person, regardless of how similar their beginnings may seem.
Outside of family histories, this word appears in Exodus to describe the Tabernacle boards. These panels were paired as twins to provide strength and symmetry to the sacred space. This detail reminds us that God values order and partnership. He often uses connections between people or things to build something stable and beautiful.
In Song of Solomon, the term describes two fawns grazing together. This image highlights harmony and gentle companionship. Whether in family lines, sacred structures, or love poetry, the idea of twins points to connection. It invites us to appreciate the unique bonds we share with others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- twins4×
- twins of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תוֹמִ֖ם1×
- תוֹאֲמִם֮1×
- תְּאוֹמֵ֣י1×
- תֹֽאֲמִים֮1×
- תְאוֹמִ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 25:24
When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
This verse introduces Esau and Jacob, showing how twin births can involve distinct personalities and destinies from the very start.
-
Exodus 26:24
They shall be double beneath, and in the same way they shall be whole to its top to one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners.
Here the word describes paired boards for the Tabernacle, emphasizing that symmetry and mutual support are essential for sacred structure.
-
Song of Solomon 4:5
Your two breasts are like two fawns that are twins of a roe, which feed among the lilies.
The poet uses twins to describe fawns, creating an image of natural harmony and gentle beauty in romantic love.