תֹּ֫אַר (to.ar)
to.ar
appearance
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun to’ar refers to physical shape, form, or outward appearance. In the Hebrew Bible it describes the visible structure or figure of a person or object, focusing on how something looks rather than its inner character. It appears fifteen times, with notable usage in Genesis, where it describes the physical beauty of Joseph and Rebekah.
Unlike words that denote moral goodness or spiritual depth, to’ar is strictly aesthetic and anatomical. It captures the outline or contour of a body, often implying attractiveness or striking features. When the text notes that someone had a good to’ar, it highlights their physical appeal as an observable trait.
This term grounds biblical descriptions of beauty in tangible reality. It reminds readers that Scripture does not shy away from acknowledging physical form. The word appears in contexts where appearance plays a role in narrative events, such as when selections are made based on looks. It serves as a reminder that the human body has a visible presence that can be noted and described.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word to’ar points to the visible shape or outward form of a person or object. It describes physical appearance in a straightforward way, focusing on what can be seen rather than inner character. Scripture acknowledges this tangible reality without shame, noting when someone is handsome or beautiful in form.
This awareness grounds our understanding of the human body as something created and observable. In stories like those of Joseph or Esther, their to’ar plays a role in how others perceive them, yet it never defines their worth before God. The text uses these details to show that physical traits are part of our shared experience.
When we reflect on this word, we see that beauty is real but limited. It can attract attention or influence decisions, as seen when selections were made based on looks. Still, the Bible consistently points beyond surface features to deeper qualities like wisdom and faithfulness. This balance invites us to appreciate creation while trusting in God’s greater purpose for every life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- form7×
- appearance3×
- shape1×
- appearance/ their1×
- and/ form/ his1×
- [was] like/ [the] appearance of1×
- [is] appearance/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תֹּ֑אַר3×
- תֹּ֙אַר֙2×
- תֹּ֛אַר1×
- תֹּ֖אַר1×
- תֹּ֔אַר1×
- תָּאֳר֔/וֹ1×
- תָּֽאֳרָ֔/ם1×
- תֹ֥אַר1×
- תֹ֖אַר1×
- תֹ֔אַר1×
- כְּ/תֹ֖אַר1×
- וְ/תֹאֲר֖/וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 29:17
Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and attractive.
This verse contrasts Leah's weak eyes with Rachel's beautiful form, showing how to’ar highlights physical attractiveness in a narrative about family dynamics.
-
Genesis 39:6
He left all that he had in Joseph’s hand. He didn’t concern himself with anything, except for the food which he ate. Joseph was well-built and handsome.
Here Joseph’s handsome appearance is noted as he manages Potiphar’s household, illustrating how outward form can accompany responsibility and trust.
-
I Samuel 16:18
Then one of the young men answered and said, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and Yahweh is with him.”
The description of David as a 'handsome person' alongside his spiritual gifts shows that physical beauty is acknowledged but not prioritized over character.
-
Isaiah 52:14
Just as many were astonished at you— his appearance was marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men—
This verse describes the Servant’s marred appearance, using to’ar to emphasize suffering and humility rather than aesthetic appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word to’ar mean?
How is to’ar different from words for moral goodness?
Where does to’ar appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 9 books)
Genesis 4 verses
Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and attractive.
Genesis 39:6He left all that he had in Joseph’s hand. He didn’t concern himself with anything, except for the food which he ate.…
Genesis 41:18and behold, seven fat and sleek cattle came up out of the river. They fed in the marsh grass;
Genesis 41:19and behold, seven other cattle came up after them, poor and very ugly and thin, such as I never saw in all the land of…