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תַּלְאֻבָה (tal.u.vah)

tal.u.vah

drought

H8514 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-F

Quick Reference

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

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun tal’uvah refers to a severe drought, specifically one that results in crop failure and famine. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Hosea 13:6, where it is used in the plural form to intensify the meaning.

In this context, the prophet describes how God will become like a lion or a leopard to Israel because they have forgotten Him. The drought is not just a lack of rain; it is a direct consequence of their spiritual abandonment. The word highlights the tangible suffering that follows covenant unfaithfulness, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

Its rarity in Scripture underscores the seriousness of the judgment Hosea proclaims. By using this specific term for drought, the text emphasizes the totality of the devastation, leaving no room for ambiguity about the severity of the situation.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word tal’uvah describes a severe drought that leads to crop failure and famine. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Hosea 13:6. The prophet uses this term to show how spiritual abandonment brings tangible suffering. When people forget God, the consequences are real and deep.

Yet this word also reminds us of God’s faithfulness. In Hosea 13:5, He remembers Israel in the wilderness, a land of great drought. Even in harsh conditions, God provides and cares for His people. This contrast offers hope when we face our own trials.

Your faith can grow stronger through difficult seasons. Trust that God sees your struggles and walks with you. He promises to sustain you, just as He sustained Israel in the desert. May you find peace in His constant presence.

How it's translated

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

  • drought<s>1×

Forms in the text

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

  • תַּלְאֻבֽוֹת\׃1×

Key Verses

  • Hosea 13:5
    I knew you in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.

    This verse contrasts God's provision with the harshness of drought, showing His faithfulness even in barren places.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does tal’uvah mean?

Tal’uvah is a Hebrew noun meaning severe drought that causes crop failure and famine. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Hosea 13:6, emphasizing the seriousness of judgment for spiritual unfaithfulness.

Why is tal’uvah significant in Hosea?

In Hosea, tal’uvah illustrates the tangible consequences of forgetting God. It shows how covenant unfaithfulness leads to real suffering, yet also highlights God’s past faithfulness in providing for His people in difficult times.

How is tal’uvah different from other words for drought?

While other terms may describe general dryness, tal’uvah specifically denotes a devastating drought leading to famine. Its rarity in Scripture underscores the unique severity of the judgment described in Hosea.

Where does tal’uvah appear in the Bible?

Tal’uvah appears only once, in Hosea 13:6. However, Hosea 13:5 mentions a 'land of great drought,' providing context for God’s faithfulness during such harsh conditions.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)