Lexical Summary ta'anah: Answer, response Original Word: תַּאֲנָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fig tree Or tonanah {to-an-aw'}; from 'anah; an opportunity or (subjectively) purpose -- occasion. see HEBREW 'anah Brown-Driver-Briggs [תַּאֲנָה noun feminine occasion, time of copulation; suffix תַּאֲנָתָהּ i.e. of wild ass Jeremiah 2:24. תֹּאֲנָה noun feminine opportunity, i.e. ground of quarrel; of Samson, followed by מִן Judges 14:4. אָֽנָּ֫ה see אָֽנָּ֫א. above Topical Lexicon Overview תַּאֲנָה denotes a decisive moment, occasion, or driving impulse. In Scripture it is found only twice, yet each setting illustrates a striking intersection between human passion and divine purpose. Old Testament Usage 1. Judges 14:4 “But his father and mother did not know that this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion against the Philistines. At that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel.” Here the word frames the LORD’s hidden strategy. Samson’s personal desire for a Philistine woman becomes the God-ordained “occasion” by which Israel’s oppressors will be confronted. The narrative reminds readers that God can harness even conflicted motives to advance covenant promises. “a wild donkey accustomed to the wilderness, sniffing the wind in her desire—who can restrain her lust? All who seek her need not weary themselves; in mating season they will find her.” The term is employed figuratively for the animal’s overpowering urge, portraying Judah’s relentless chase after idols. The prophet uses the imagery of an untamable appetite to expose the nation’s spiritual infidelity. Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency In both texts תַּאֲנָה underscores that neither political domination (Philistia) nor moral breakdown (idolatry) occurs outside God’s oversight. The same word that marks Samson’s “opportunity” also marks Judah’s “impulse.” The contrast teaches two complementary truths: Historical Setting Judges: Israel is fragmented and oppressed; Philistine supremacy appears unassailable. The LORD’s search for an “occasion” shows that deliverance often begins beneath the surface of ordinary life decisions. Jeremiah: Late seventh–early sixth century BC. Political alliances and idol worship have corroded Judah’s faith. The prophet likens national apostasy to an animal driven by instinct, unable to perceive looming judgment. Theological Reflections • Providence: תַּאֲנָה in Judges highlights the mystery of providence—God advancing His salvation plan through flawed individuals (compare Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). Ministry Insights 1. Discipleship: Teach believers to read personal circumstances through the lens of divine purpose. An unexpected “occasion” may be the LORD’s call to mission. Christological Foreshadowing Samson’s flawed deliverance anticipates the perfect Deliverer. Jesus Christ, free from sinful impulse, still enters our fallen context, using the cross—an “occasion” of apparent defeat—to overthrow the greater enemy (Colossians 2:15). Conversely, Jeremiah’s portrait of runaway passion magnifies the grace of the One who “sympathizes with our weaknesses” yet remains without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Conclusion תַּאֲנָה may appear rarely, but it pierces to the heart of biblical revelation: God’s absolute rule over events and motives, humanity’s need for redemption, and the call to align every impulse with His holy will. Forms and Transliterations תַּאֲנָתָ֖הּ תֹאֲנָ֥ה תאנה תאנתה ta’ănāṯāh ta·’ă·nā·ṯāh taanaTah ṯō’ănāh ṯō·’ă·nāh toaNahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 14:4 HEB: הִ֔יא כִּי־ תֹאֲנָ֥ה הֽוּא־ מְבַקֵּ֖שׁ NAS: for He was seeking an occasion against KJV: that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: INT: he for an occasion He was seeking Jeremiah 2:24 2 Occurrences |
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