תּוֹדָה
properly, an extension of the hand, i.e. (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically
Definition
The Hebrew word תּוֹדָה (tôwdâh) primarily means 'thanksgiving' or 'praise,' often expressed in worship. It can refer to a verbal confession or declaration of God's character and deeds, as seen when Joshua instructs Achan to 'give glory to the LORD... and make confession (תּוֹדָה) to him' (Joshua 7:19). More specifically, it denotes a 'thank offering' or 'sacrifice of thanksgiving,' a voluntary peace offering detailed in the Levitical law (Leviticus 7:12-15, 22:29). In some poetic contexts, it can also signify a choir or procession of thankful worshippers (2 Chronicles 29:31).
Biblical Usage
תּוֹדָה is used 29 times in the Old Testament, appearing in legal texts (Leviticus), historical narratives (Joshua, 2 Chronicles, Ezra), and the Psalms. Its usage splits between the concrete ritual sense of a 'thank offering' (e.g., Leviticus 7:12) and the more abstract concept of verbal 'praise' or 'thanksgiving' (e.g., Psalm 100:4, though not in the provided key references, is a classic example). A pattern emerges where it connects grateful acknowledgment of God with tangible acts of worship.
Etymology
Derived from the root יָדָה (yādâ, H3034), which means 'to throw, cast, or confess.' The core idea is 'to extend the hand' in praise or confession. תּוֹדָה is a noun form, concretizing the act of extending hands in thankful acknowledgment or avowal toward God.
Semantic Range
תּוֹדָה is a theologically rich word that links internal gratitude with external expression, both in speech and ritual. It embodies the biblical principle that true thankfulness to God should be proclaimed and enacted. Understanding it deepens appreciation for worship in the Old Testament, showing how thanksgiving was integral to both personal piety (confession) and communal worship (sacrifice). It prefigures the New Testament call to offer a 'sacrifice of praise' (Hebrews 13:15).
In ancient Israel, תּוֹדָה as a 'thank offering' was a specific, voluntary sacrifice from one's harvest or flock, shared in a communal meal (Leviticus 7:15). This differed from modern, purely verbal thanks by being a costly, tangible, and participatory act. The offering served as public testimony of God's provision and fostered community.
הַלֵּל (halēl, H1984) — focused on joyous, celebratory praise, often in song. יְדִידָה (yᵊḏîḏâ, H3032) — a song of love or praise, with a more intimate connotation. תְּהִלָּה (tᵊhillâ, H8416) — general term for praise, often highlighting God's glorious reputation.
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.
Full methodology & sources →