טוּל
to pitch over or reel; hence (transitively) to cast down or out
Definition
The Hebrew verb טוּל (ṭûwl) fundamentally means 'to hurl' or 'to cast,' often with a sense of forceful or violent throwing. In its literal sense, it describes the physical act of throwing a spear, as when Saul 'hurled' his spear at David (1 Samuel 18:11) and Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:33). Figuratively, it extends to the idea of being cast out or sent away, such as the exile of Jehoiachin (Jeremiah 22:26) or the divine judgment of being 'hurled' out of one's land (Jeremiah 16:13). In a more providential context, it describes the casting of lots, seen as directed by God (Proverbs 16:33).
Biblical Usage
טוּל is used 14 times, primarily in narrative and prophetic books. Its usage falls into clear patterns: 1) Physical violence: hurling a spear (1 Samuel 18:11, 20:33). 2) Divine judgment and exile: being cast out of a land or position (Isaiah 22:17; Jeremiah 16:13, 22:26). 3) Providence: the casting of lots, understood as under God's control (Proverbs 16:33). It also appears in poetic imagery, such as God's power over Leviathan (Job 41:9) and the assurance that the righteous will not be 'hurled' into ruin (Psalm 37:24).
Etymology
טוּל is a primitive root, meaning its origin is not derived from another Hebrew verb. Its core meaning relates to a swift, circular, or hurling motion. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Akkadian, support the sense of 'to throw' or 'to wind.' The Hebrew meaning developed from the basic physical action to encompass metaphorical senses of rejection, exile, and divine disposition.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it bridges human action and divine sovereignty. In its violent human usage (spear-throwing), it illustrates human sin and conflict. In its judicial usage, it portrays God's active role in executing judgment, particularly exile. Most importantly, in Proverbs 16:33, it underscores the doctrine of God's providence—even the seemingly random 'casting' of a lot is ultimately under His control. Understanding this range enriches reading by showing how physical acts of 'hurling' connect to profound spiritual realities of judgment and God's sovereign will.
The act of 'hurling' a spear was a direct and intimate form of attempted violence in ancient warfare and court intrigue. The 'casting' of lots was a common cultural and religious practice for making decisions, seeking divine guidance, or allocating land (Leviticus 16:8, Joshua 18:6). The concept of being 'hurled' from one's land would resonate deeply with an agrarian society for whom land and inheritance were central to identity and covenant blessing.
שָׁלַךְ (shalak, H7993) — a more general term for 'to throw' or 'cast,' used for a wider variety of objects and contexts. יָטָה (yaṭah, H5186) — often 'to stretch out' or 'incline,' but can mean 'to throw' in the sense of directing or bending a bow. זָרָה (zarah, H2219) — 'to scatter' or 'disperse,' often used for winnowing grain or scattering people, emphasizing a broader distribution rather than a single hurling motion.
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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