תָּמַם (ta.mam)
ta.mam
to finish
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 51 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb tamam carries the core meaning of being complete, finished, or brought to an end. It describes a state where something has reached its full measure or ceased entirely. This can apply to physical objects, such as when the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and the waters stopped flowing, allowing the people to reach the far bank (Joshua 3:17). It also applies to time, as seen in Psalm 102:28, where God’s years are described as having no end.
Its range extends beyond simple completion to include moral integrity. In its Hithpael form, it means to act with uprightness or deal in integrity. This ethical usage appears in Psalm 19:14, where the psalmist prays that his words and meditations be acceptable before God. The word can also denote destruction or consumption, as when a generation is said to be consumed in the wilderness (Numbers 14:35), showing that "finishing" can have a negative outcome.
A key feature of tamam is its versatility across different verb stems. While the Qal stem focuses on being finished or complete, the Hiphil stem makes it transitive, meaning to finish or perfect something, such as completing a task. This flexibility allows the word to describe both the end of a process and the quality of wholeness achieved. Translators often render it as "complete," "finish," or "upright" depending on whether the context is physical, temporal, or moral.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tamam describes a state of wholeness or completion. It appears when processes reach their intended end, whether that is the crossing of the Jordan River or the writing of Scripture. This concept offers comfort to those waiting for God's promises to unfold. We can trust that His plans are not left unfinished but are brought to their full measure.
Beyond physical events, tamam also points to moral integrity. When used in its reflexive form, it describes a life lived with uprightness before God. This invites us to examine our own hearts and actions. We are encouraged to seek a consistency between what we believe and how we live, knowing that God values sincerity.
Even when the word signifies an ending, such as the passing of a generation, it reminds us of divine justice and order. The conclusion of one era makes way for the next chapter in God's story. We can rest in the knowledge that He brings closure to difficult seasons with purpose and care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 51 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was finished8×
- they had finished4×
- were finished/ they3×
- they will meet their end3×
- were complete/ they2×
- we have met our end2×
- they are finished2×
- and/ they will meet their end2×
- and/ it was finished2×
- ¿/ are they finished1×
- you show yourself blameless1×
- you make blameless1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תֹּם֙3×
- תֹּ֥ם3×
- תֻּמָּֽ/ם\׃2×
- תֻּמָּ֑/ם2×
- תֹּ֨ם2×
- תֹּ֣ם2×
- תַּ֥מּוּ2×
- תַּ֣מּוּ2×
- יִתַּ֔מּוּ2×
- תֻּמּֽ/וֹ\׃1×
- תֻּמָּֽ/ם\׃\ \פ1×
- תֻּמָּ/ם֙1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 31:24
When Moses had finished writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,
This verse highlights the careful preservation of God's law, showing that the written word was completed faithfully under Moses' direction.
-
Joshua 3:17
The priests who bore the ark of Yahweh’s covenant stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the nation had passed completely over the Jordan.
Here the term emphasizes the total safety of Israel as they crossed on dry ground, marking a definitive transition into the promised land.
-
Numbers 14:35
I, Yahweh, have spoken. I will surely do this to all this evil congregation who are gathered together against me. In this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.”
This occurrence illustrates the serious consequence of rebellion, where the generation was completely consumed in the wilderness as judged.