טוּשׂ

𐤈𐤅𐤔

ṭûws

H2907 verb

SILEX Entry

Root  to leap, to rush, to spring upon

Definition

To pounce, swoop down, or spring upon (as a bird of prey); by extension, to rush or hasten. The verb evokes the sudden, forceful motion of attacking or descending rapidly upon something, emphasizing the energetic and swift aspect of movement.

Semantic Range

to pounce (as a bird of prey), to swoop down, to spring upon, to rush, to move swiftly or with force

Root / Etymology

Root טושׂ (ṭ-w-s). The root is rare and its broader meanings are somewhat debated, but is generally associated with the notion of leaping or rushing forcefully. The exact derivational pathway to the pi'el stem (root verb form) with the sense of 'pounce' is uncertain but likely metaphorical based on the motion of birds of prey.

Historical & Contextual Notes

This root is exceedingly rare in the Hebrew Bible, attested only in poetic passages (e.g., Habakkuk 1:8). In this context, it refers to the dramatic, swift attack of the Babylonian cavalry compared to predatory birds. There is little evidence of the root being used outside of this meaning. The meaning 'to haste' found in older English translations is a narrowing based on context rather than the lexical core, which centers on the idea of a rapid, forceful motion, specifically with the imagery of a bird of prey. The verb is not related to the standard Hebrew words for 'haste' (such as מָהַר or חוּשׁ). No significant shift in meaning can be traced over time, as the verb is essentially limited to poetic or metaphorical use in later biblical poetry.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive root; to pounce as a bird of prey; haste.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.

+ Add Bantu Hebrew Word

Root Family

טושׂ (ṭ-w-s) — to leap, to rush, to spring upon

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H2907-01 יָט֥וּשׂ yatus HVqi3ms that swoops he will swoop down 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H2907-01 Job 9:26 יָט֥וּשׂ yatus HVqi3ms that swoops he will swoop down