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תֹּ֫כֶן (to.khen)

to.khen

Tochen

H8507 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

N:N--L

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N--L

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun tochen, meaning "measurement," appears only once in the Old Testament, specifically in 1 Chronicles 4:32. In this context, it serves as a proper name for a town located within the territory of the tribe of Simeon. The text lists it among other settlements that were held by the Simeonites prior to the reign of King David.

Its rarity in Scripture makes it a specialized geographical marker rather than a theological term. The name likely reflects the town's origins or characteristics related to land division or surveying, though the biblical record does not elaborate further. It stands as a small but specific detail in the genealogical and territorial records that trace the inheritance of Israel's tribes.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Tochen appears in a single verse within the Old Testament, specifically in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 4:32. It is listed among the villages held by the tribe of Simeon before King David’s reign. The word itself means "measurement" or "surveying," suggesting this town may have been established through careful land division or marked by precise boundaries.

While it might seem like a minor detail in a long list of names, its presence reminds us that God cares about the specific places and people in His story. Every village, no matter how small or obscure, has a place in the biblical narrative. This highlights the importance of community and inheritance in Israel’s history.

For believers today, Tochen serves as a quiet testament to God’s attention to detail. Just as this town was measured and named, each person is known and valued by God. His plan unfolds not only in grand events but also in the everyday lives of ordinary people and places.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • and/ Tochen1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • וְ/תֹ֖כֶן1×

Key Verses

  • I Chronicles 4:32
    Their villages were Etam, Ain, Rimmon, Tochen, and Ashan, five cities;

    This verse lists Tochen as one of five cities held by the Simeonites, illustrating its role as a specific geographical marker within tribal inheritance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word Tochen mean?

Tochen is a Hebrew noun that means "measurement" or "surveying." It appears only once in the Old Testament as a proper name for a town.

Where does Tochen appear in the Bible?

It is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:32, where it is listed among the villages of the tribe of Simeon. This is its only occurrence in Scripture.

Why is Tochen significant?

While not a theological term, Tochen highlights God’s attention to detail in recording Israel’s tribal lands. It shows that even small towns have a place in biblical history.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)