Lexical Summary timmahon: Astonishment, bewilderment, confusion Original Word: תִּמָּהוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance astonishment From tamahh; consternation -- astonishment. see HEBREW tamahh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tamah Definition bewilderment NASB Translation bewilderment (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs תִּמָּהוֺן noun [masculine] bewilderment; — absolute ׳ת Zechariah 12:4; construct תִּמְהוֺן Deuteronomy 28:28; — bewilderment, slupefaction; לֵבָב ׳ת Deuteronomy 28:28, of those infatuated (see Dr.); ׳ת alone of bewildered horses Zechariah 12:4. Topical Lexicon Sense and Nuance תִּמָּהוֹן conveys the idea of a paralyzing bewilderment that seizes the mind in the moment of divine judgment. It is not mere surprise or temporary disorientation, but a profound inner stupefaction that renders a person unable to think or act rationally. Scripture presents this state as the opposite of the wisdom, clarity, and peace that come from walking in covenant fidelity with the LORD. Occurrences in Scripture • Deuteronomy 28:28 – “The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness, and confusion of mind.” Although limited to two verses, the term functions as a strategic marker of covenantal warning and eschatological intervention. Historical Setting 1. Deuteronomy 28 places תִּמָּהוֹן among the covenant curses pronounced on Israel should the nation break faith with the LORD. After hearing the blessings for obedience, Israel was warned that persistent rebellion would invite physical, agricultural, social, and psychological calamities. Mental bewilderment would leave the covenant-breaking community directionless and vulnerable before enemies. Theological Themes • Covenant Justice: The word underscores that disobedience invites not only external hardship but inner collapse. When people spurn divine wisdom, God may remove the gracious clarity that enables sound judgment. Intertextual Connections Other biblical passages echo the concept though employing different vocabulary: These texts confirm that mental disarray is a recurring instrument of divine judgment and a sign of spiritual estrangement. Ministerial and Practical Implications 1. Call to Obedience: Preachers may leverage Deuteronomy 28 to warn against willful sin. Disregarding God’s commands risks more than external discipline; it invites inward chaos. Summary תִּמָּהוֹן stands as a solemn witness that the LORD holds mastery over the human mind. In covenant context it warns the faithful against drifting into disobedience; in prophetic context it reassures the faithful that God will disorient their adversaries. Ultimately, the term magnifies both the moral seriousness of sin and the steadfast commitment of God to preserve His redemptive plan. Forms and Transliterations בַּתִּמָּה֔וֹן בתמהון וּבְתִמְה֖וֹן ובתמהון bat·tim·mā·hō·wn battimmaHon battimmāhōwn ū·ḇə·ṯim·hō·wn ūḇəṯimhōwn uvetimHonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 28:28 HEB: בְּשִׁגָּע֖וֹן וּבְעִוָּר֑וֹן וּבְתִמְה֖וֹן לֵבָֽב׃ NAS: and with blindness and with bewilderment of heart; KJV: and blindness, and astonishment of heart: INT: madness blindness bewilderment of heart Zechariah 12:4 2 Occurrences |