תָּנָה (ta.nah)
ta.nah
to hire
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb tanah means to hire or engage someone for a service, appearing only twice in the Old Testament. In its basic form, it describes a straightforward transaction where one party pays another for work. However, its usage in Hosea 9:1 introduces a darker dimension, referring to hiring a prostitute. This specific context highlights how the word can describe entering into a paid relationship that is morally or spiritually corrupt.
While the root simply denotes an agreement for compensation, the biblical application often carries a negative weight when applied to sexual immorality. The text in Hosea uses this term to criticize Israel’s reliance on foreign alliances and idolatrous practices, comparing them to paying for illicit favors rather than trusting in God. This usage underscores the seriousness of such transactions in the prophetic view.
Translators typically render tanah as "hire" or "engage," but the surrounding context is crucial for understanding its full impact. The rarity of the word means that each occurrence must be carefully examined to grasp its specific nuance. In Hosea, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the broken covenant between God and His people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tanah describes a simple commercial agreement: one person pays another for specific work or service. In everyday life, hiring someone to fix a roof or teach a skill is a neutral act of exchange. It reflects the practical reality that many tasks require specialized help and fair compensation.
In Hosea 8:9, however, the prophet uses this term in a striking metaphor. Israel is described as hiring lovers from Assyria instead of trusting God. This shifts the meaning from a standard business deal to a spiritual crisis. It shows how seeking security through political alliances or idolatry can replace our dependence on the Lord.
This rare verb reminds us that trust is a choice. When we look for safety in human power rather than divine promise, we enter into relationships that ultimately fail. The text invites reflection on where we place our confidence and whether we are paying a price for false security.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they will hire1×
- they have hired1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִתְנ֥וּ1×
- הִתְנ֥וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Hosea 8:9
For they have gone up to Assyria, like a wild donkey wandering alone. Ephraim has hired lovers for himself.
This verse uses the verb to metaphorically describe Israel's political alliance with Assyria as a corrupt transaction, highlighting their rejection of God's protection.