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תַּעַר

𐤕𐤏𐤓

taʻar

H8593 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ערה to bare, uncover, make naked

Definition

A cutting implement, primarily a knife or razor, used for shaving, cutting hair, or as a general sharp tool. In some contexts, refers to a sheath or scabbard for holding such a blade, with the implication of being 'bare' or exposed when empty. The primary lexical meaning is a sharp instrument (knife, razor), with a secondary usage for the container or covering of such a blade (sheath, scabbard).

Semantic Range

knife, razor, sharp-edged tool, shaving instrument, scabbard, sheath (for blade), container for knife

Root / Etymology

From the root ערה (ʿ-r-h), meaning 'to bare, uncover.' The noun תַּעַר derives from this root, indicating an implement that makes bare (i.e., a razor or knife) or something that is rendered bare (i.e., a scabbard/sheath when empty).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In early Israelite texts, תַּעַר most frequently refers to a razor or shaving knife, particularly in ritual, vow, or cultic contexts such as the Nazirite regulations (e.g., Numbers 6:5), where the absence or application of a razor signifies ritual status. It can also refer to the blade used by priests (Ezekiel 5:1) or by individuals for personal grooming. The secondary sense, 'scabbard' or 'sheath,' is rare and emerges in later or more poetic passages (e.g., 1 Samuel 17:51), emphasizing the empty container that holds a sword or knife. Standard English translations often narrow the meaning to 'razor' or 'knife,' but the Hebrew connotes any sharp-edged instrument for cutting or shaving, as well as the covering for such an implement. There is a semantic overlap in the root sense of 'making bare,' applying both to cutting hair and to the emptiness of a container. The term is not limited to one specific size or use (e.g., not strictly a barber’s razor or a dagger), but can encompass a range of edged tools within ancient Israelite daily, cultic, and martial life.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from עָרָה; a knife or razor (as making bare); also a scabbard (as being bare, i.e. empty); (pen-) knife, razor, scabbard, shave, sheath.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

ערה (ʿ-r-h) — to bare, uncover, make naked

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4626 מַעַר like the exposed part of
H4629 מַעֲרֶה from an exposed pasture
H4630 מַעֲרָה bare clearings of
H4631 מְעָרָה in the cave
H4632 מְעָרָה and Mearah

Word Forms

7 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H8593-04 מִ/תַּעְרָ/הּ֙ mitaerah HR/Ncbsc/Sp3fs from its sheath from her razor 4
H8593-05 תַּ֖עַר taar HNcbsa razor baring blade 3
H8593-01 בְּ/תַ֨עַר betaar HR/Ncbsa with a knife with a baring-razor 2
H8593-06 תַּעְרָ֑/הּ taerah HNcbsc/Sp3fs its sheath her razor 1
H8593-02 בְּ/תַעְרָ֔/הּ betaerah HR/Ncbsc/Sp3fs in its sheath in her razor 1
H8593-07 תַּעְרֵ֔/ךְ taerekhe HNcbsc/Sp2fs your-throat your razor 1
H8593-03 כְּ/תַ֥עַר ketaar HR/Ncbsa like a razor like a razor 1

Occurrences in Scripture

13 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H8593-05 Numbers 6:5 תַּ֖עַר taar HNcbsa razor baring blade
H8593-05 Numbers 8:7 תַ֨עַר֙ taar HNcbsa razor baring blade
H8593-04 1 Samuel 17:51 מִ/תַּעְרָ/הּ֙ mitaerah HR/Ncbsc/Sp3fs from its sheath from her razor
H8593-02 2 Samuel 20:8 בְּ/תַעְרָ֔/הּ betaerah HR/Ncbsc/Sp3fs in its sheath in her razor
H8593-01 Isaiah 7:20 בְּ/תַ֨עַר betaar HR/Ncbsa with a razor with a baring-razor
H8593-01 Jeremiah 36:23 בְּ/תַ֣עַר betaar HR/Ncbsc with a knife with a baring-razor
H8593-07 Jeremiah 47:6 תַּעְרֵ֔/ךְ taerekhe HNcbsc/Sp2fs your-throat your razor
H8593-05 Ezekiel 5:1 תַּ֤עַר taar HNcbsc razor baring blade
H8593-04 Ezekiel 21:8 מִ/תַּעְרָ֑/הּ mitaerah HR/Ncbsc/Sp3fs from-its-sheath from her razor
H8593-04 Ezekiel 21:9 מִ/תַּעְרָ֛/הּ mitaerah HR/Ncbsc/Sp3fs from its sheath from her razor
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