תָּו (tav)
tav
mark
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun tav, or tav, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Job 38:10. Its core meaning is "mark" or "sign," specifically functioning as a boundary marker that designates a limit beyond which something should not pass.
In this context, God describes setting limits for the sea, using tav to signify a sign of exemption from judgment or destruction. The word highlights divine control over chaos, marking where the waters are permitted to go and where they must stop. This single usage underscores the concept of a divinely established boundary that protects rather than merely restricts.
Though rare, this term provides a concrete image for understanding how Scripture portrays order emerging from chaos. The mark serves as a visible reminder of God's sovereignty, ensuring that the forces of nature remain within their appointed bounds.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tav appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in Job 38:10 where God sets a boundary for the sea. It signifies a mark or sign that defines limits, showing how divine order protects creation from chaos. This rare term reminds us that God establishes safe boundaries in our lives, keeping overwhelming forces at bay.
When we face situations that feel uncontrollable, this image offers comfort. The same God who marked the sea’s limit also marks the bounds of our trials. We are not left to drift into destruction; instead, we rest in the security of His sovereign care and protection.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mark/ my1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תָּ֭וִ/י1×