תַּחַשׁ
a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope
Definition
The Hebrew word תַּחַשׁ (tachash) refers to a type of clean animal, likely a land mammal with a valuable hide. In all its biblical occurrences, its skin is used as a high-quality covering material for the tabernacle's outer layer and for certain sacred items (Exodus 25:5, 26:14). While its exact species is uncertain, it is traditionally translated as 'badger,' 'porpoise,' or 'dugong,' though modern scholarship often suggests a species of antelope or goat native to the Sinai region. The key point is that it provided a durable, protective leather for Israel's portable sanctuary.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the context of the tabernacle's construction in Exodus and Numbers. It describes the 'tachash skins' used as an outer covering over the tabernacle's tent (Exodus 26:14) and for wrapping sacred articles during transport (Numbers 4:6, 4:8). The pattern shows it was a material contributed by the people (Exodus 35:7, 23) and was integral to protecting the holy space from the elements.
Etymology
The origin of תַּחַשׁ is uncertain and likely foreign, as noted in many lexicons. It has no clear Hebrew root. Some propose connections to Egyptian or Akkadian words for leather or specific animals. This foreign derivation supports the idea it may refer to an animal or material obtained through trade in the wilderness region.
Semantic Range
The tachash skins contribute to the theology of God's dwelling (the tabernacle) being both glorious and protected. As the outermost covering, they served a practical, protective function, shielding the precious inner materials (like gold, blue, and purple cloth) from sun, sand, and rain. This illustrates how God's holiness is both beautifully presented and practically safeguarded in the midst of His people's journey. The use of a 'clean' animal's skin also maintains ritual purity in the sanctuary's construction.
In the ancient Near East, fine leathers from specific animals were valuable commodities for tents, clothing, and containers. The precise animal was likely familiar to the Israelites in the wilderness but is lost to modern identification, leading to varied translations ('badger,' 'dugong,' 'porpoise,' 'antelope'). Its exclusive use for the tabernacle suggests it was considered a high-quality, durable material worthy of sacred service.
עוֹר (ʿor, H5785) — A general term for 'skin' or 'leather,' whereas תַּחַשׁ specifies a type of skin from a particular animal.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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