תּוֹלָעִי (to.la.i)
to.la.i
Tolaite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The Hebrew word tola‘i functions as a gentilic adjective meaning “Tolaites,” referring specifically to the descendants of Tola, a son of Issachar. This term appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Numbers 26:23, where it identifies this particular clan within the tribal census during the wilderness period.
Its formation follows a standard pattern for denoting lineage or origin, derived directly from the personal name Tola (H8439). While the root name Tola can mean “worm” or “caterpillar,” the adjective tola‘i here serves strictly as an ethnic marker rather than a descriptive metaphor about the people’s nature. It distinguishes this group of Issachar’s offspring from other clans listed alongside them.
Because the word occurs only in this genealogical context, its significance lies entirely in preserving tribal identity during the census preparations for entering the Promised Land. It highlights how ancient Israelite society organized itself around family lines, ensuring that each clan like the Tolaites was accounted for by name and heritage.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Tolaite appears in a single moment of biblical history, marking the descendants of Tola, a son of Issachar. In Numbers 26:23, this word serves as an ethnic marker, distinguishing one family line from another during the wilderness census. It reminds us that God pays attention to individual identities within the larger community of faith.
For your life today, this detail offers comfort in the knowledge that you are known by name. Just as each clan was recorded with care, your place in God’s people is secure and specific. This historical record preserves the dignity of every family line, showing that no one is overlooked in the grand narrative of Scripture.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Tolaite[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/תּוֹלָעִ֑י1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 26:23
The sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites; of Puvah, the family of the Punites;
This verse uses the term to identify the specific clan descended from Tola within the tribe of Issachar, highlighting its role in tribal genealogy.