תַּרְאֲלָה
𐤕𐤓𐤀𐤋𐤄
Tarealah
H8634 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Tar'ălah – a proper noun designating a specific location, likely a town or settlement listed in the allotment of land to the tribe of Benjamin. The precise meaning of the name is uncertain, and there is no clear evidence the word functions as a common noun. As a place name, it does not denote qualities or attributes in biblical usage; rather, it serves exclusively as a geographic marker.
Semantic Range
proper name of a location; possible connection to 'reeling' but no attested usage as a common noun; remains solely a geographic name in the biblical record
Root / Etymology
The root is uncertain, but it may be related to תַּרְעֵלָה (tar'elah), possibly from the root רעל (to shake, reel), which could imply 'reeling' or 'shaking.' However, for a proper name, direct derivation or semantic intent is unclear; the etymology remains uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Tar'ălah appears only once in the Hebrew Bible (Joshua 18:27), listed among towns given to the tribe of Benjamin. Scholars suggest a possible connection to the root רעל (to reel, stagger), but the evidence is tenuous and may simply reflect ancient naming conventions rather than describe a characteristic of the place. The location of Tar'ălah is not securely identified in the historical or archaeological record. English translations have often preserved the name as a transliterated proper noun (Taralah), and there is no theological or symbolic emphasis in the biblical text. The word appears exclusively as a place name and does not become a descriptor for people, objects, or events in Israelite history. It stands in contrast to many Hebrew place names whose meanings are transparent and sometimes call attention to historic or physical features; Tar'ălah's meaning and rationale for naming remain opaque.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably for תַּרְעֵלָה; a reeling; Taralah, a place in Palestine; Taralah.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רעל (r-ʿ-l) — to reel, to stagger, to be poisoned
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4831 | מַרְעֲלָה | and Maralah |
| H7477 | רָעַל | they were caused to stagger |
| H7478 | רַעַל | reeling state |
| H7479 | רַעֲלָה | and the fluttering veils |
| H7480 | רְעֵלָיָה | Yahweh Has Shaken |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8634-01 |
וְ/תַרְאֲלָֽה | vetarealah | HC/Np |
and Taralah | and Taralah | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8634-01 |
Joshua 18:27 | וְ/תַרְאֲלָֽה | vetarealah | HC/Np |
and Taralah | and Taralah |