טָלַל
𐤈𐤋𐤋
ṭâlal
H2926 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To cover, overlay, or plate (typically with beams or other structural elements); in the contexts where this verb appears, it specifically refers to the act of providing an overhead covering or roofing element as part of construction, particularly in the building or repairing of houses or sacred spaces.
Semantic Range
to cover with beams, to create an overhead covering, to roof, to overlay (with structural material); rarely, to plate or panel as part of construction
Root / Etymology
From the root ט-ל-ל, likely meaning 'to cover, shade, or overlay.' The verb form represents causation or application of such covering, whether with beams or similar materials. While the root is rare and not fully attested outside the verb form, the semantic development aligns with similar roots in Northwest Semitic languages for 'to overarch, shade, or overlay.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb טָלַל occurs only a few times in the Hebrew Bible, notably in the context of construction (1 Kings 6:9, 15, regarding the building of the Temple). Its usage indicates the action of forming a roof or overhead covering, generally through the placement of beams or panels that provide shelter or protection. Unlike other terms for 'to cover' or 'to roof' (such as כָּפַר, 'to cover, make atonement;' סָכַךְ, 'to cover, shelter'), טָלַל is architecturally specific, denoting structural work rather than metaphorical or ritual coverage. The rare use suggests it was a technical or specialized term, perhaps reflecting technical vocabulary of building. English translations render it as 'covered,' 'roofed,' or 'overlaid,' but the Hebrew term implies a focus on the physical act and materials. In later periods, related nouns (like טַל or טֶל) have distinct, unrelated meanings ('dew,' 'mound') and are not etymologically or semantically linked to this root.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; properly, to strew over, i.e. (by implication) to cover in or plate (with beams); cover.
Bantu Hebrew
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ט־ל־ל (ṭ-l-l) — covering, overlaying, roofing
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2926-01 |
וִ/יטַֽלְלֶ֔/נּוּ | vitalelenu | HC/Vpi3ms/Sp3ms |
and covered it | he will roof it over | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2926-01 |
Nehemiah 3:15 | וִ/יטַֽלְלֶ֔/נּוּ | vitalelenu | HC/Vpi3ms/Sp3ms |
and covered it | he will roof it over |