תָּאַר (ta.ar)
ta.ar
to border; to delimit
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ta’ar appears only six times in the Old Testament, primarily within the books of Joshua and Isaiah. Its core sense involves drawing lines or marking boundaries, functioning as a term for delineation. In the Piel stem, it specifically means to trace out an outline or draw in detail, suggesting a deliberate act of defining limits.
While the Qal form is sometimes described with uncertain meaning, the context consistently points to spatial definition. It is used when describing how borders are established or extended, such as when land boundaries are set for Israelite tribes. The word emphasizes the precision of these divisions, highlighting the intentional nature of territorial demarcation in ancient legal and geographical records.
This term underscores the biblical importance of clear boundaries. Whether marking physical territory or defining spiritual limits, ta’ar reflects a worldview where order is maintained through distinct separation. Translators often render it as "border" or "delimit," capturing its function in establishing what belongs where.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ta’ar speaks to the careful work of drawing boundaries. In ancient Israel, this verb described how land was measured and assigned to tribes. It was not an arbitrary act but a precise one, ensuring that each family knew where their inheritance began and ended. This clarity provided stability and peace, removing disputes over territory.
Isaiah 44:13 offers a striking image of this concept. A carpenter uses a line to mark wood, ensuring the structure is straight and true. Similarly, God’s guidance in our lives often involves setting healthy limits. These boundaries are not meant to restrict us but to protect what is valuable and to keep us on a path that leads to flourishing.
When we feel lost or overwhelmed, remembering this divine precision can bring comfort. Just as the land was carefully defined for Israel, God knows exactly where you belong. His limits are acts of care, helping you find your place in His world without confusion or fear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ it turns5×
- he outlines/ it2×
- which/ is turned1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/תָאַ֤ר2×
- וְ/תָאַ֣ר2×
- יְתָאֳרֵ֑/הוּ1×
- יְתָאֲרֵ֣/הוּ1×
- וְ/תָאַ֨ר1×
- הַ/מְּתֹאָ֖ר1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 44:13
The carpenter stretches out a line. He marks it out with a pencil. He shapes it with planes. He marks it out with compasses, and shapes it like the figure of a man, with the beauty of a man, to reside in a house.
This verse uniquely applies the concept of marking boundaries to a carpenter’s work, illustrating how divine order is applied even in craftsmanship.
-
Joshua 15:9
The border extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of Mount Ephron; and the border extended to Baalah (also called Kiriath Jearim);
Here the word describes the specific extension of a border from a mountain peak, showing the exactness required in tribal inheritance.
-
Joshua 18:14
The border extended, and turned around on the west quarter southward, from the mountain that lies before Beth Horon southward; and ended at Kiriath Baal (also called Kiriath Jearim), a city of the children of Judah. This was the west quarter.
The text uses this term to define the western quarter’s limit, emphasizing how God’s allocation created distinct and recognized regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word ta’ar mean?
Where does ta’ar appear in the Bible?
Why are boundaries important in this context?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 2 books)
Joshua 5 verses
The border extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of…
Joshua 15:11and the border went out to the side of Ekron northward; and the border extended to Shikkeron, and passed along to Mount…
Joshua 18:14The border extended, and turned around on the west quarter southward, from the mountain that lies before Beth Horon…
Joshua 18:17It extended northward, went out at En Shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim. It…
Joshua 19:13From there it passed along eastward to Gath Hepher, to Ethkazin; and it went out at Rimmon which stretches to Neah.