תִּמָּהוֹן (tim.ma.hon)
tim.ma.hon
bewilderment
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun timmahon describes a state of deep bewilderment or stupefaction. It captures the feeling of being so overwhelmed by an event that one is left speechless and unable to process what has happened. This is not merely surprise, but a profound disorientation where understanding stalls.
Its rarity in Scripture underscores its intensity, appearing only twice, notably in Deuteronomy 28:28 and Zechariah 12:4. In these contexts, it depicts the confusion of those facing divine judgment or miraculous intervention. The word suggests a mental paralysis caused by events that defy normal explanation, leaving the observer in a state of stunned silence.
Etymologically, timmahon is linked to roots meaning "to be afraid" or "to tremble," suggesting that this bewilderment often carries an element of awe or terror. It reflects a moment where human logic fails, and one is forced to confront something far greater than themselves. Translators typically render it as "astonishment" or "bewilderment," preserving the sense of being struck dumb by the unexpected.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life throws events that defy all logic, we often feel a deep sense of disorientation. The Hebrew word timmahon captures this specific kind of stunned silence. It is not just surprise, but a profound paralysis where understanding stalls because the situation is so overwhelming. This rare term appears in Scripture to describe moments when human reasoning simply cannot keep up with what is happening.
In Deuteronomy 28:28, this word describes the confusion that comes from facing consequences beyond our control. It reminds us that there are seasons where we are left speechless, unable to process the weight of reality. Yet, even in this state of bewilderment, we are not abandoned. The text shows that God remains present, even when His actions seem mysterious or terrifying.
Zechariah 12:4 uses this same term to describe a divine intervention that strikes fear and confusion into enemies. Here, the bewilderment is part of a larger spiritual reality where human power is replaced by divine purpose. We can find comfort in knowing that when our minds fail to grasp a situation, God’s perspective remains clear. This word invites us to rest in His sovereignty when we feel lost.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with <the>/ bewilderment1×
- and/ with/ bewilderment of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בְ/תִמְה֖וֹן1×
- בַּ/תִּמָּה֔וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 28:28
Yahweh will strike you with madness, with blindness, and with astonishment of heart.
This verse uses timmahon to describe the heart's astonishment as a direct consequence of covenant failure, showing how divine judgment can lead to total mental disorientation.
-
Zechariah 12:4
In that day,” says Yahweh, “I will strike every horse with terror and his rider with madness. I will open my eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.
Here the word appears alongside madness and blindness inflicted on horses, illustrating how God’s intervention causes such shock that human strength is rendered useless and confused.