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טַל

𐤈𐤋

ṭal

H2920 noun

SILEX Entry

Root טל to cover with moisture, to moisten

Definition

Atmospheric moisture in the form of dew found on ground or vegetation, usually appearing as a fine, condensed layer in the early morning. Occasionally used figuratively for refreshing blessing or divine favor.

Semantic Range

dew as atmospheric moisture, dew as a blessing or source of fertility, figurative use as refreshment or renewal

Root / Etymology

Root טל. The root meaning is 'to cover with moisture' or 'to moisten.' The noun טַל derives from this root with the specific sense of 'dew.' There is no evidence of significant semantic development from the base root in Hebrew, and it is paralleled in related Semitic languages (cf. Aramaic טַל, Ugaritic tl).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Ancient Israelite context, dew was critical in the agricultural cycle, particularly during the dry summer months when rainfall was sparse. References to dew often carry the connotation of life-sustaining refreshment (e.g., Gen 27:28, Deut 33:13, Hos 14:6), and it is sometimes contrasted with rain to indicate its gentle, consistent benefits. Poetic passages and blessings sometimes employ טַל figuratively for divine favor or renewal. Later biblical texts and post-exilic literature in Hebrew and Aramaic continue this usage, with little semantic drift. English translations usually render טַל as 'dew,' which captures the primary referent, though they may sometimes obscure the literary or symbolic richness in Hebrew idiom.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

(Aramaic) the same as טַל; {dew (as covering vegetation)}; dew.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

טל (ṭ-l) — to cover with moisture, to moisten

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H2920-01 וּ/מִ/טַּ֤ל umital AC/R/Ncmsc and-from-dew and from dew of 3
H2920-02 וּ/בְ/טַ֤ל uvetal AC/R/Ncmsc and by dew and in dew 2

Occurrences in Scripture

5 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H2920-02 Daniel 4:12 וּ/בְ/טַ֤ל uvetal AC/R/Ncmsc and by dew and in dew
H2920-02 Daniel 4:20 וּ/בְ/טַ֧ל uvetal AC/R/Ncmsc and-with-dew and in dew
H2920-01 Daniel 4:22 וּ/מִ/טַּ֤ל umital AC/R/Ncmsc and-from-dew and from dew of
H2920-01 Daniel 4:30 וּ/מִ/טַּ֥ל umital AC/R/Ncmsc and-from-dew and from dew of
H2920-01 Daniel 5:21 וּ/מִ/טַּ֥ל umital AC/R/Ncmsc and from dew and from dew of
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