תֵּעְתֻּעִים (ta.tu.a)
ta.tu.a
delusion
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 ta’tu’im refers to things that are false or deceptive, carrying the sense of errors, delusions, or mockeries. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 8:10 and 14:14). In these contexts, the word describes the empty prophecies of false prophets and the vain promises that lead people astray.
Its root is related to the verb ta’ah, meaning to go astray or wander. This connection highlights that delusion is not just a static error but a process of being led off course. The sources note that it can imply mockery, suggesting these false teachings are not merely mistaken but actively deceptive, offering worthless substitutes for truth.
Translators typically render ta’tu’im as "delusions" or "deceits." The word underscores the seriousness of spiritual misdirection in Jeremiah’s message. It serves as a stark contrast to the reliable word of God, reminding readers that not every claim to divine authority is genuine.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ta’tu’im describes things that are false or deceptive, often carrying the sense of errors, mockeries, or vain promises. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 8:10 and 14:14). In these contexts, the word describes the empty prophecies of false prophets and the vain promises that lead people astray.
Its root is related to the verb ta’ah, meaning to go astray or wander. This connection highlights that delusion is not just a static error but a process of being led off course. The sources note that it can imply mockery, suggesting these false teachings are not merely mistaken but actively deceptive, offering worthless substitutes for truth.
Translators typically render ta’tu’im as "delusions" or "deceits." The word underscores the seriousness of spiritual misdirection in Jeremiah’s message. It serves as a stark contrast to the reliable word of God, reminding readers that not every claim to divine authority is genuine.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mockery2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּעְתֻּעִ֑ים2×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 10:15
They are vanity, a work of delusion. In the time of their visitation they will perish.
This verse applies the term to idols, calling them a 'work of delusion' that will perish when God visits in judgment.
-
Jeremiah 51:18
They are vanity, a work of delusion. In the time of their visitation, they will perish.
Here the same phrase describes Babylonian idols as vanity and delusion, emphasizing their ultimate destruction.