טַחֲנָה
𐤈𐤇𐤍𐤄
ṭachănâh
H2913 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A hand-operated mill used for grinding grain, typically composed of two stones between which grain is crushed. In extended or figurative usage, refers to the act of grinding or chewing as a process resembling the movement and result of a mill.
Semantic Range
hand mill, device for grinding grain, act of grinding, process of chewing (figuratively)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root טָחַן (ṭ-ch-n), meaning 'to grind.' The noun טַחֲנָה is a feminine substantive form, signifying an implement associated with the root action — specifically, a hand-operated grinding mill.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, טַחֲנָה occurs in contexts describing daily household activity in ancient Israel, often with reference to women who operated such mills (e.g., Judges 16:21; Isaiah 47:2). The hand mill was a staple of Israelite domestic life from the patriarchal through post-exilic periods, essential for grinding grain into flour. This device was typically small and portable, distinct from larger communal or animal-powered mills, and was operated by hand. The figurative meaning, such as 'chewing' or 'grinding' in one's mouth, is rare and based on an analogy to the mechanical action of the millstones. English translations may use 'hand mill,' 'mill,' 'grinder,' or less frequently, expressions like 'chewing' where a metaphorical sense is intended, though the literal reference almost always predominates. There is a notable distinction in Hebrew between טַחֲנָה (hand mill), רֵחַיִם (either the pair of millstones or the larger mill apparatus), and טָחַן (the act of grinding). The term does not carry cultic or ritual connotation, referring strictly to ordinary daily subsistence or, in special cases (Judges 16:21 regarding Samson), to the state of forced labor.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from טָחַן; a hand mill; hence (figuratively) chewing; grinding.
Bantu Hebrew
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+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
טחן (ṭ-ḥ-n) — to grind, crush
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2913-01 |
הַֽ/טַּחֲנָ֑ה | hatachanah | HTd/Ncfsa |
of the grinding | the grinding-mill | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2913-01 |
Ecclesiastes 12:4 | הַֽ/טַּחֲנָ֑ה | hatachanah | HTd/Ncfsa |
of the grinding | the grinding-mill |