תִּמָּהוֹן
𐤕𐤌𐤄𐤅𐤍
timmâhôwn
H8541 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state of bewilderment or stupefaction; profound astonishment or consternation, often as a reaction to an unexpected or overwhelming event. In biblical usage, emphasizes a deep psychological response—such as confusion, paralyzing fear, or shock—rather than mere surprise. The noun primarily denotes an involuntary state, resulting from the perception of something extraordinary, fearful, or incomprehensible.
Semantic Range
bewilderment, astonishment, stupefaction, terror-induced paralysis, profound consternation, mental confusion
Root / Etymology
From the root תמה (t-m-h), meaning to be amazed, astonished, or bewildered. The noun תִּמָּהוֹן forms a māsder (noun of action/state) pattern from the verbal root, signifying the state or condition resulting from being astonished.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term appears chiefly in exilic and post-exilic prophetic literature (e.g., Deuteronomy, Ezekiel, Isaiah), often describing the psychological state God will bring upon nations or peoples as a sign of judgment—particularly their confusion, terror, or psychological paralysis in the face of disaster or divine intervention. The nuance is generally stronger than simple 'amazement,' often involving literal bewilderment or psychic collapse rather than mild surprise. English translations tend to narrow the sense to 'astonishment' or 'consternation,' but the original context often implies a more intense emotional or psychological disturbance, sometimes akin to stupefaction or a breakdown of normal perception. Distinct from related terms like שַׁמָּה (shammah, 'desolation, horror'), which indicates the objective state or scene, תִּמָּהוֹן focuses on the subjective psychological response. Usage does not significantly shift across periods; the word is rare and always carries a sense of overwhelming psychological impact. The term is not anachronistically connected to any specific ethnic or religious group.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from תָּמַהּ; consternation; astonishment.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
תמה (t-m-h) — to be astonished, to wonder, to be bewildered
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8541-01 |
בַּ/תִּמָּה֔וֹן | batimahon | HRd/Ncmsa |
with panic | in the stupefaction | 1 |
H8541-02 |
וּ/בְ/תִמְה֖וֹן | uvetimehon | HC/R/Ncmsc |
and with confusion | and in bewilderment-of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8541-02 |
Deuteronomy 28:28 | וּ/בְ/תִמְה֖וֹן | uvetimehon | HC/R/Ncmsc |
and with confusion | and in bewilderment-of |
H8541-01 |
Zechariah 12:4 | בַּ/תִּמָּה֔וֹן | batimahon | HRd/Ncmsa |
with panic | in the stupefaction |