תָּלָה (ta.lah)
ta.lah
to hang
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb talah means to suspend or hang something up, often with a specific focus on execution by hanging on a stake or tree. In the Old Testament, it describes both literal suspension, such as instruments hanging in a temple (Psalm 137:2), and the severe punishment of displaying bodies after death, as seen when Joseph’s butler was hanged in Genesis 40:19.
Its most significant theological weight appears in Deuteronomy 21:23, which states that anyone who is hanged on a tree is under God’s curse. This passage later becomes crucial in the New Testament for explaining Jesus’ crucifixion, where Paul writes that Christ redeemed believers by becoming a curse for them (Galatians 3:13). The word thus connects ancient legal practice with the core Christian understanding of atonement.
Translators typically render talah as "hang" or "hanged," preserving the stark physical reality of the act. Unlike words that might imply gentle suspension, talah carries a heavy, final tone when used in judicial contexts, emphasizing shame and public judgment rather than mere placement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word talah describes the act of hanging, often with a heavy and final tone. In the Old Testament, it appears in stories of execution, where bodies were displayed on trees or gallows as a sign of public judgment. It also describes objects suspended in temples or instruments hung on willows during exile. The physical reality of this word is stark, pointing to shame, death, or the weight of consequence.
Yet this same word carries profound hope for Christians today. In Deuteronomy 21:23, it states that anyone hanged on a tree is under God’s curse. The Apostle Paul later uses this connection in Galatians 3:13 to explain that Jesus became a curse for us by being hanged on the cross. This means that the very symbol of judgment and shame was transformed into the means of our redemption.
When you read about talah, remember that God does not leave us in the weight of our failures. He took the burden of the curse upon Himself so that we might be free. This truth invites us to rest in the finished work of Christ, knowing that our standing before God is secure because of His sacrifice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he hanged3×
- we hung up1×
- to/ hang1×
- they have hanged1×
- they have been hanged1×
- so/ people may hang1×
- people hanged1×
- let them hang1×
- hung up1×
- hanged1×
- hang/ him1×
- and/ you will hang1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תֹּ֥לֶה1×
- תָּלֽוּ\׃1×
- תָּלָ֥ה1×
- תָּלָ֑ה1×
- תָּל֣וּי1×
- תָּל֣וּ1×
- תָּל֖וּי1×
- תָּל֑וּי1×
- תָּ֝לִ֗ינוּ1×
- תְּלוּיִ֥ם1×
- תְּלֻ֥/הוּ1×
- תָלָֽה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 21:23
his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall surely bury him the same day; for he who is hanged is accursed of God. Don’t defile your land which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance.
This verse establishes the theological principle that being hanged on a tree signifies being under God's curse, which Paul later applies to Christ's crucifixion.
-
Genesis 40:19
Within three more days, Pharaoh will lift up your head from off you, and will hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh from off you.”
Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream using this word to predict the execution of the chief cupbearer's companion, showing its use for judicial death.
-
Esther 7:10
So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s wrath was pacified.
Haman is hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai, illustrating how the word can describe ironic justice where the punisher becomes the punished.
-
Psalms 137:2
On the willows in that land, we hung up our harps.
This verse uses the word to describe harps hung on willows, showing a non-judicial use for suspending objects during times of exile and sorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word talah mean?
Why is talah important for understanding the New Testament?
Does talah always mean execution?
How does this word relate to the concept of blessing?
Every Occurrence (23 verses across 10 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Within three more days, Pharaoh will lift up your head from off you, and will hang you on a tree; and the birds will…
Genesis 40:22but he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them.
Genesis 41:13As he interpreted to us, so it was. He restored me to my office, and he hanged him.”