Lexical Summary tophach: Handbreadth Original Word: טֹפַח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hand-breadth broad From taphach (the same as tephach) -- hand-breadth (broad). see HEBREW taphach see HEBREW tephach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom taphach Definition a span, handbreadth NASB Translation handbreadth (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs טֹ֫פַח noun masculineEzekiel 40:43 span, hand-breadth — always absolute טֹפַח Exodus 25:25; Exodus 37:12 (both P), width of border of table in tabernacle; Ezekiel 40:5; Ezekiel 43:13 addition to common cubit; Ezekiel 40:43 width of border (ledge) of four tables in new temple (Sm Co). Topical Lexicon Measure of a HandbreadthA handbreadth—about the width of an adult palm—was the smallest fixed unit in Israel’s system of length. Five times Scripture uses טֹפַח to express this palm-width, always in connection with structures or furnishings set apart for the worship of the LORD. Occurrences in Scripture • Exodus 25:25; 37:12 — A “border of a handbreadth” surrounds the Table of the Bread of the Presence, capped with a gold molding to secure the sacred bread (cf. Berean Standard Bible). • Ezekiel 40:5 — The prophet’s guide carries “a measuring rod six long cubits, each consisting of a long cubit plus a handbreadth,” establishing an enlarged standard for the visionary temple. • Ezekiel 40:43 — “Double hooks, each a handbreadth, were fastened to the wall all around; the flesh of the offerings was to be laid on the tables”, ensuring orderly preparation of sacrifices. • Ezekiel 43:13 — Altar dimensions begin, “the cubit is one cubit and a handbreadth,” confirming that even the base measure for restored worship exceeds the ordinary. Architectural Function in Sacred Spaces The added palm-width finishes, stabilizes, or protects holy objects: a rim for the Table, thickness for walls, length for hooks, and capacity for the altar. In every case meticulous conformity to divine specification is required, echoing Exodus 25:40, “See that you make them after the pattern shown you on the mountain.” Symbolic Resonance 1. Precision in Worship — Fidelity to God extends to the smallest detail; obedience is measured, not approximate. 2. Accessibility — A handbreadth is graspable by all, expressing nearness. The God who spans the heavens still attends to dimensions measured by a human palm. 3. Abundance — The rim around the Table prevents loss; the enlarged cubit invites more sacrifice. God’s provision is ample and safeguarded. Relevance for Ministry Today • Faithfulness in “little things” (Luke 16:10) completes service to God, just as the handbreadth completes the sacred furnishings. • Ministry planning must align with the revealed pattern, for only what matches God’s measure endures (1 Corinthians 3:10-14). • Hands, the measure’s namesake, remind believers that worship is both precise and practical—hands lifted in prayer, extended in generosity, and engaged in diligent work. Harmony with the Whole Counsel of God From the Tabernacle in the wilderness to Ezekiel’s ideal temple and the measured city of Revelation 21:15-17, Scripture portrays a God who orders His dwelling “with perfect measure, number, and weight.” The humble טֹפַח testifies that divine sovereignty governs not only the vast cubits of grand design but also the smallest increments that secure and beautify His holy house. Forms and Transliterations וָטֹ֑פַח וָטֹ֔פַח וטפח טֹ֖פַח טֹ֧פַח טפח ṭō·p̄aḥ Tofach ṭōp̄aḥ vaTofach wā·ṭō·p̄aḥ wāṭōp̄aḥLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 25:25 HEB: לּ֥וֹ מִסְגֶּ֛רֶת טֹ֖פַח סָבִ֑יב וְעָשִׂ֧יתָ NAS: for it a rim of a handbreadth around KJV: unto it a border of an hand breadth round about, INT: shall make A rim of a handbreadth around shall make Exodus 37:12 Ezekiel 40:5 Ezekiel 40:43 Ezekiel 43:13 5 Occurrences |
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