תְּוַהּ
𐤕𐤅𐤄
tᵉvahh
H8429 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be astonished or to be struck with amazement or alarm, particularly in response to something unexpected, alarming, or extraordinary. The verb conveys a strong emotional reaction that may include shock, confusion, or fear, often as a response to a sudden or disturbing event. In reflexive contexts, it can also mean to be alarmed, inwardly disturbed, or thrown into confusion.
Semantic Range
be astonished, be amazed, be alarmed, be disturbed, react in confusion, be appalled
Root / Etymology
Aramaic verb likely derived from the root תוה (toh) which relates to being in a state of wonder, astonishment, or confusion. Some have proposed a connection to Hebrew תָּוֵה or שָׁאָה (to devastate, lay waste), highlighting the idea of being swept along by strong emotion, though this connection is speculative. The relationship to the Hebrew root תָּמַהּ (to wonder, be astonished) is also possible and sometimes suggested in lexicons, but exact etymology remains uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
תְּוַהּ occurs only in the Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible (notably in Daniel 4:19 and 5:9) and always in reference to strong emotional agitation, especially in the context of visions or ominous revelations. In Daniel, it describes the emotional state of Daniel or Babylonian officials who are struck with dread or confusion at the interpretation of dreams and divine messages. The emotional response is not mere curiosity or surprise, but a deeper disturbance or alarm. The word is functionally equivalent to the Hebrew תָּמַהּ in describing wonder or astonishment. English translations—'astonied,' 'alarmed,' 'appalled'—do not fully convey the depth of inner turmoil implied by the word in its biblical contexts. Distinct from other Aramaic or Hebrew terms for fear (e.g., דְּחַל, יָרֵא), תְּוַהּ centers on the psychological and emotional state rather than external terror or reverence. The verb is rare, with usage largely limited to later biblical Aramaic (post-exilic setting), and its nuance is best understood within the specific narrative contexts in which it appears.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to תָּמַהּ or perhaps to שָׁאָה through the idea of sweeping to ruin (compare תָּוָה); to amaze, i.e. (reflex. by implication) take alarm; be astonied.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
תוה (t-w-h) — astonishment, amazement, alarm, confusion
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H8420 | תָּו | the distinguishing mark |
| H8427 | תָּוָה | and he inscribed |
| H8428 | תָּוָה | they marked out |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8429-01 |
תְּוַ֖הּ | tevah | AVqp3ms |
was astonished | he was astonished | he was astonished | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8429-01 |
Daniel 3:24 | תְּוַ֖הּ | tevah | AVqp3ms |
was astonished | he was astonished | he was astonished |