טָמַן
to hide (by covering over)
Definition
The Hebrew verb טָמַן (ṭâman) primarily means 'to hide' or 'to conceal,' specifically by covering something over or burying it. It often describes physically hiding objects, such as idols (Genesis 35:4), stolen goods (Joshua 7:21-22), or even a person, as with Rahab hiding the Israelite spies (Joshua 2:6). In a more figurative sense, it can refer to hiding something in secret or keeping it stored away, as in treasuring up wisdom (Deuteronomy 33:19) or hiding plunder (2 Kings 7:8). The word also appears in poetic contexts, like Job's wish that he had been hidden in the grave (Job 3:16), extending the meaning to being covered in death.
Biblical Usage
טָמַן is used 29 times in the Old Testament, appearing in narrative, legal, and poetic books. Its most common context is the physical concealment of objects, often with moral or strategic implications. For example, it describes hiding evidence of sin (Joshua 7), protecting lives (Joshua 2:6, Exodus 2:12), or disposing of pagan idols (Genesis 35:4). It is also used for storing or hoarding valuables (2 Kings 7:8) and in metaphorical expressions about hiding in death (Job 3:16) or treasuring divine blessings (Deuteronomy 33:19). The usage consistently involves an intentional act of covering to remove from sight or access.
Etymology
טָמַן is a primitive root in Hebrew, meaning its etymology is not derived from another Hebrew word. It is related to the concept of being deep or hidden. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, such as Arabic and Aramaic, with similar meanings of concealing or burying. The root conveys the basic idea of making something inaccessible by covering it over, whether with earth, objects, or secrecy.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it often appears in contexts of human attempts to conceal sin or evidence from God, highlighting the futility of such actions before an all-knowing God (e.g., Joshua 7). Conversely, it is used in God's blessings, where treasures are hidden or stored by Him (Deuteronomy 33:19). Understanding טָמַן enriches reading by emphasizing themes of divine omniscience, human accountability, and the hiddenness of God's wisdom or judgment, reminding believers that nothing is truly hidden from God's sight.
In ancient Israelite culture, hiding by covering or burying was a practical means of protection, storage, or disposal, especially in an agrarian society without secure buildings. Hiding spies (Joshua 2:6) or valuables (2 Kings 7:8) was a survival strategy. The act also had ritual significance, such as burying idols to purify worship (Genesis 35:4). This contrasts with modern digital concealment, as טָמַן implies a tangible, physical act of covering, deeply connected to the land and material objects.
סָתַר (sāṯar, H5641) — to hide or conceal generally, often more abstract or for protection; כָּסָה (kāsâ, H3680) — to cover, clothe, or conceal, focusing on overlaying rather than burying; חָבָא (ḥāḇā, H2244) — to hide oneself or take refuge, usually for safety.
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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