Lexical Summary tavah: To sink, to drown, to settle down Original Word: טָוָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance spin A primitive root; to spin -- spin. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to spin NASB Translation spun (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [טָוָה] verb spin (Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic מַטְוַוְיְתָא spider Job 8:14 ᵑ7 (but Syriac  = roast, broil, see DrJPh xi, 1882, 207); Assyrian ‰âmû (‰âuû), spin, HptZA, 1887, 274 DlHWB 302; Arabic  fold, wind; Ethiopic  : be twisted) — Qal Perfect3plural טָווּ work of women of Israel Exodus 35:25 absolute, Exodus 35:26 followed by accusative אֶתהָֿעִזִּים goats, i.e. goats' hair (P). Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture The verb appears twice, both in the narrative describing preparations for the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:25-26). In these verses the community’s “skilled women” or “wise-hearted” women spin yarn and goat hair into thread that will become part of the sanctuary’s curtains and coverings. Historical and Cultural Setting Spinning in the Ancient Near East was normally a domestic craft, executed with a drop spindle and distaff. Goat hair, flax, and dyed wool were common fibers. By calling attention to the women who spin, the text elevates what was usually mundane household labor, showing it indispensable for the dwelling place of God among His people. The Role of Skilled Women Exodus 35 repeatedly links craftsmanship to divine enablement (“whose hearts the LORD had given wisdom,” Exodus 35:25). The same wording used of Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 35:31) is applied to these women, placing their contribution on equal footing with the master artisans. Their service is voluntary, Spirit-prompted, and celebrated in Scripture, underscoring that meaningful ministry is not limited to public or overtly “sacred” roles (compare Proverbs 31:13; Acts 9:39). Theological Implications 1. Partnership in God’s work: The building of the Tabernacle required every skill present in the covenant community. Spinning illustrates how commonplace abilities become holy when offered to the Lord (Romans 12:1). Echoes in Later Biblical Revelation • Proverbs 31:19 portrays the virtuous woman who “spins” as embodying diligence and devotion to her household. Contemporary Ministry Lessons • Recognize hidden gifts: Congregations should identify and honor abilities—artistic, logistical, technical—that may seem peripheral yet are vital for kingdom work. Through the quiet rhythm of spinning, Scripture weaves a testimony that God delights to dwell amid the offerings of willing hearts and skillful hands, sanctifying everyday labor for His glory. Forms and Transliterations טָו֑וּ טָו֖וּ טוו ṭā·wū taVu ṭāwūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 35:25 HEB: לֵ֖ב בְּיָדֶ֣יהָ טָו֑וּ וַיָּבִ֣יאוּ מַטְוֶ֗ה NAS: women spun with their hands, KJV: hearted did spin with their hands, INT: hearted their hands spun and brought what Exodus 35:26 2 Occurrences |
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