תָּאַם (ta.am)
ta.am
be double
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ta’am means to be double or joined together. It appears only twice in the Bible, both times in Song of Solomon, where it describes the physical beauty of the beloved’s neck (Song 7:4). In this context, the word paints a vivid picture of two columns standing side by side, creating an image of symmetry and strength.
Its root sense is simply "double," but the Hiphil form extends this to mean bearing twins. This usage highlights how the concept of doubling applies to life and reproduction. The word’s rarity makes its occurrences in Song of Solomon stand out as deliberate poetic choices, emphasizing harmony and completeness in physical description.
Translators typically render it "double" or "paired," capturing the sense of two things united. The word’s limited use suggests it was not a common term, making its appearance in love poetry particularly striking. Its focus on duality reflects a broader biblical appreciation for balance and wholeness in creation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ta’am appears in two verses of Song of Solomon, describing teeth that are like a flock where every one has twins. This rare Hebrew term emphasizes symmetry and completeness. It paints a picture of beauty through harmony rather than uniformity.
When we consider this imagery, it invites us to appreciate the intricate design of creation. The text uses this detail to celebrate physical attractiveness within the context of love. It reminds us that God values both the whole person and the specific details that make them unique.
This poetic language encourages a view of beauty that is grounded in wholeness. It suggests that true appeal comes from a balanced and complete nature. We can find comfort in knowing that our Creator attends to these fine details, weaving them into a picture of delight and affection.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [are] bearing twins2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַתְאִימ֔וֹת2×
Key Verses
-
Song of Solomon 4:2
Your teeth are like a newly shorn flock, which have come up from the washing, where every one of them has twins. None is bereaved among them.
This verse uses the word to describe teeth where every one has twins, highlighting symmetry in physical beauty.
-
Song of Solomon 6:6
Your teeth are like a flock of ewes, which have come up from the washing, of which every one has twins; not one is bereaved among them.
The repeated imagery here reinforces the idea of a flock with no bereaved members, emphasizing completeness and lack of loss.