תֹּאַר
outline, i.e. figure or appearance
Definition
The Hebrew noun תֹּאַר (tôʼar) primarily refers to the visible form, outline, or appearance of a person or thing. It often describes the physical figure or shape, as seen in Genesis 41:18-19 where Pharaoh dreams of cows of 'ill' and 'good' appearance. More specifically, it frequently denotes human physical beauty or handsome form, such as the description of Rachel's 'beautiful figure and lovely appearance' (Genesis 29:17) and Joseph being 'handsome in form and appearance' (Genesis 39:6). In some contexts, it extends to mean countenance or visage, as in the description of Abigail as 'intelligent and beautiful in appearance' (1 Samuel 25:3).
Biblical Usage
תֹּאַר is used 15 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in narrative books (Genesis, 1 Samuel, Judges). It consistently describes the physical form or beauty of individuals. In Genesis, it characterizes key figures like Rachel, Joseph, and the cows in Pharaoh's dream. In legal contexts, it appears in Deuteronomy 21:11 regarding a captive woman's 'beautiful form.' The usage pattern shows it is applied to both men and women to highlight their notable physical appearance, often as a narrative device to explain why they attracted attention or favor.
Etymology
Derived from the root תָּאַר (H8388), which means 'to outline' or 'to trace.' This root conveys the idea of drawing or marking a boundary or form. The noun תֹּאַר thus carries the core sense of a delineated shape or figure. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Arabic, support meanings related to form, shape, or description.
Semantic Range
This word matters theologically as it touches on the biblical view of physical beauty and human form as part of God's creation. While Scripture warns against judging by outward appearance alone (1 Samuel 16:7), תֹּאַר acknowledges that physical form is a real aspect of human identity and experience, sometimes used by God to accomplish His purposes, as with Joseph's appearance leading to his rise in Egypt. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting the narrative significance placed on characters' appearances in key stories.
In ancient Israelite culture, physical beauty and a handsome form (תֹּאַר) were highly valued attributes, often associated with divine favor or royal potential. A person's appearance could significantly influence their social standing and destiny, as seen with Joseph and David. This contrasts with some modern tendencies to separate spiritual value from physical form, whereas the biblical narrative often integrates them.
מַרְאֶה (marʼeh, H4758) — often 'sight' or 'appearance,' but can be more general than תֹּאַר, focusing on what is seen. תְּמוּנָה (tᵉmûnâ, H8544) — 'form' or 'likeness,' sometimes used for mental image or semblance. יֹפִי (yōp̄î, H3308) — 'beauty,' emphasizing aesthetic quality rather than physical outline. צוּרָה (ṣûrâ, H6697) — 'form' or 'shape,' can refer to structural form.
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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