תְּקוּפָה

תְּקוּפָה

a revolution, i.e. (of the sun) course, (of time) lapse

Definition

The Hebrew noun תְּקוּפָה (tᵉqûwphâh) primarily refers to a complete circuit or revolution, especially of the sun marking the annual cycle of seasons. In its four biblical occurrences, it denotes the 'circuit' of the sun (Psalm 19:6), the 'end' or completion of a time period like a year (Exodus 34:22, 2 Chronicles 24:23), and the 'time' or appointed season of an event, such as a birth (1 Samuel 1:20). Thus, it conveys the idea of a cyclical completion or a decisive, appointed point in time.

Biblical Usage

This word is used four times in the Old Testament, appearing in narrative, poetic, and legal contexts. It describes the annual agricultural cycle for the Feast of Ingathering (Exodus 34:22), the appointed time for Hannah's childbirth (1 Samuel 1:20), the end of a year in a military context (2 Chronicles 24:23), and poetically for the sun's path across the sky (Psalm 19:6). Its usage consistently points to the completion of a divinely ordered cycle or a significant, God-appointed moment.

Etymology

Derived from the root נָקַף (nāqaph, H5362), meaning 'to go around, to compass, to strike.' This root conveys the core ideas of circular motion and decisive contact. תְּקוּפָה is a noun form indicating the result of that action—a completed circuit, revolution, or appointed point reached by the cycle.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it frames time not as a mere sequence but as God-ordained cycles and appointed moments. It underscores divine sovereignty over seasons (Genesis 8:22), agricultural rhythms (Exodus 34:22), and human events (1 Samuel 1:20). Understanding תְּקוּפָה enriches reading by highlighting that biblical history and personal lives unfold according to God's purposeful timing and cyclical faithfulness, as celebrated in Psalm 19:6 where the sun's circuit declares God's glory. In ancient Israelite culture, time was closely tied to observable agricultural and celestial cycles, not abstract chronology. The 'circuit' or 'appointed time' (תְּקוּפָה) was a practical marker for feasts, harvests, and significant life events, deeply connected to dependence on God's provision in nature. This differs from a modern, linear view of time, emphasizing instead recurring seasons of divine faithfulness and human response. מוֹעֵד (môʿēd, H4150) — an appointed meeting or fixed time, often for festivals. עֵת (ʿēt, H6256) — a general term for time or season. קֵץ (qēṣ, H7093) — an end or extremity, often of a period.

Word Details