טֵפַח
𐤈𐤐𐤇
ṭêphach
H2947 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A unit of linear measurement equivalent to the breadth of the palm of the hand, generally about 7–9 centimeters (approximately three inches); also applied architecturally to describe an element of support or projection, as with a corbel, likened to an outstretched hand. The term specifically denotes 'palm-breadth,' distinguishing it from the larger span (zeret).
Semantic Range
palm-breadth, hand-breadth, a unit of length, corbel or architectural projection resembling a hand, coping, extension or spread (by the hand)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root טָפַח (ṭ-p-ḥ), 'to spread, extend, or reach.' טֵפַח (ṭêphach) is a nominal form denoting that which is 'spread out,' specifically a measure defined by the width of the extended hand (from the base of the hand to the tips of the fingers). The root meaning relates to the action of spreading or extending, from which the measurement term developed.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical contexts, the טֵפַח is consistently used as a practical measurement, especially in the description of objects or structures, such as in the specifications of the tabernacle or temple (e.g., Exodus 25:25; 1 Kings 7:26; Ezekiel 40:5). As a measure, the 'palm-breadth' (ṭêphach) was smaller than the 'span' (זֶרֶת, zeret) and larger than a 'finger' (אֶצְבַּע, etzbaʿ). In Ezekiel, the טֵפַח also appears as a standard supplementary unit in cubit measurements (a 'long cubit' being a cubit plus a ṭêphach). Architecturally, the meaning extends metaphorically to describe structural protrusions (such as coping or corbels), invoking the imagery of a hand extending to support. Later translations, especially in English, sometimes imprecisely render טֵפַח as 'span,' leading to confusion with the actual term for span, זֶרֶת. The unit's use in ritual, ritual architecture, and daily life underscores its practical significance in ancient Israelite society. The term does not carry religious or ethnic connotations but reflects common measurement practice in the ancient Near East.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from טָפַח; a spread of the hand, i.e. a palm-breadth (not 'span' of the fingers); architecturally, a corbel (as a supporting palm); coping, hand-breadth.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
טפח (ṭ-p-ḥ) — to spread, extend, stretch out
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2946 | טָפַח | I spread out |
| H2948 | טֹפַח | a palm-breadth |
| H2949 | טִפֻּח | hand-spans |
| H4304 | מִטְפַּחַת | the spread-cloth wrap |
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2947-02 |
טֶ֔פַח | tefach | HNcmsa |
a handbreadth | palm-breadth | 2 |
H2947-01 |
הַ/טְּפָח֔וֹת | hatefachot | HTd/Ncmpa |
the coping | the palm-breadths | 1 |
H2947-03 |
טְפָח֨וֹת | tefachot | HNcmpa |
handbreadths | palm-breadths | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2947-01 |
1 Kings 7:9 | הַ/טְּפָח֔וֹת | hatefachot | HTd/Ncmpa |
the coping | the palm-breadths |
H2947-02 |
1 Kings 7:26 | טֶ֔פַח | tefach | HNcmsa |
a handbreadth | palm-breadth |
H2947-03 |
Psalms 39:6 | טְפָח֨וֹת | tefachot | HNcmpa |
handbreadths | palm-breadths |
H2947-02 |
2 Chronicles 4:5 | טֶ֔פַח | tefach | HNcmsa |
a handbreadth | palm-breadth |