תִּמְנָה (tim.nah)
tim.nah
Timnah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Timnah, meaning "portion," appears ten times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the books of Genesis, Joshua, and Judges. It identifies a specific location that shifts in tribal assignment, first noted as part of Judah’s territory before being allocated to the tribe of Dan.
This geographical detail is central to the narrative of Samson. The text records him traveling to Timnah, where he encounters a Philistine woman (Judges 14:1-2). The town serves as the backdrop for his controversial marriage and the subsequent conflict that sparks his leadership against the Philistines.
Later, Joshua 19:45 lists Timnah among the cities given to Dan. This reflects the broader biblical theme of tribal inheritance, where land distribution often involved complex adjustments as tribes moved or expanded their influence in the Promised Land.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Timnah means "portion." In the biblical narrative, this place is not just a dot on a map but a setting where God’s providence works through ordinary human decisions. When Samson traveled there to find a wife, he was stepping into a personal choice that would ripple outward, affecting his family and his nation. It reminds us that our daily paths often intersect with larger divine purposes.
We see this location shift from Judah’s inheritance to Dan’s territory in Joshua. This movement reflects the complex reality of living in the Promised Land, where tribes adjusted their boundaries over time. For you, it may be a reminder that your own "portion" or calling might evolve as you grow in faith. God is faithful to guide us through these transitions.
Even in times of conflict, like when Philistines took Timnah later on, the land remains part of Israel’s story. It shows that our circumstances change, but God’s plan endures. We can trust Him with our own portions, whether they bring joy or challenge.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Timnah/ towards5×
- in/ Timnah/ <towards>2×
- Timnah2×
- and/ Timnah/ <towards>1×
- and/ Timnah1×
- Timnah/ <towards>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּמְנָ֑תָ/ה3×
- תִּמְנָֽתָ/ה\׃1×
- תִּמְנָֽה\׃1×
- תִּמְנָ֣ה1×
- תִמְנָ֖תָ/ה1×
- תִמְנָ֔תָ/ה1×
- וְ/תִמְנָ֖תָ/ה1×
- וְ/תִמְנָ֑ה1×
- בְּ/תִמְנָ֖תָ/ה1×
- בְ/תִמְנָ֖תָ/ה1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 14:1
Samson went down to Timnah, and saw a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines.
This verse marks the beginning of Samson’s controversial marriage, showing how a personal decision in Timnah triggered a chain of events leading to his leadership.
-
Genesis 38:12
After many days, Shua’s daughter, the wife of Judah, died. Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheep shearers to Timnah, he and his friend Hirah, the Adullamite.
Here, Judah travels to Timnah after his wife’s death, highlighting the town as a place of family life and routine that contrasts with the dramatic events surrounding Tamar.
-
Joshua 19:43
Elon, Timnah, Ekron,
Timnah is listed among the cities given to the tribe of Dan, illustrating the practical reality of tribal inheritance and land distribution in Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Timnah mean?
Why is Timnah important in the story of Samson?
Was Timnah always part of the tribe of Dan?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 4 books)
Genesis 3 verses
After many days, Shua’s daughter, the wife of Judah, died. Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheep shearers to…
Genesis 38:13Tamar was told, “Behold, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.”
Genesis 38:14She took off the garments of her widowhood, and covered herself with her veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in the gate…