Lexical Summary tenuk: Infant, Baby Original Word: תְּנוּךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pinnaclePerhaps from the same as 'anak through the idea of protraction; a pinnacle, i.e. Extremity -- tip. see HEBREW 'anak NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition tip or lobe (of the ear) NASB Translation lobe (7), lobes (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs תְּנוּךְ noun [masculine] tip, i.e. lobe of ear (ᵐ5 λοβὸς τοῦ ὠτός, ᵑ9 extremum auriculae, and so most ancient authorities, compare Thes151l); — construct in phrase ׳אֹזֶן פ ׳תּ Exodus 29:20 (twice in verse); Leviticus 8:23,24; Leviticus 14:14,17,25,28 (all P). תְּנוּמָה see נום. תְּנוּפָה see I. נוף. Topical Lexicon Literal sense and range of usage The noun denotes the outer lobe of the ear. Every occurrence is bound to priestly or ritual activity, underscoring that, in Scripture, body parts are often named only when they carry theological weight. Occurrences in the Old Testament record Exodus 29:20; Leviticus 8:23; Leviticus 8:24; Leviticus 14:14; Leviticus 14:17; Leviticus 14:25; Leviticus 14:28 (with Exodus 29:20 forming the prototype for the Levitical occurrences). Priestly consecration In the inaugural ordination of Aaron and his sons (Exodus 29; Leviticus 8) blood from the ram of ordination is touched to three specific points: “Slaughter the ram, take some of its blood, and put it on the lobe of Aaron’s right ear, on the lobes of his sons’ right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet” (Exodus 29:20). The sequence moves from the head downward, signifying that all faculties are consecrated for holy service. The ear lobe leads the list, highlighting that listening to the voice of the Lord is the fountainhead of priestly fidelity (cf. Deuteronomy 6:4). Cleansing the leper Leviticus 14 applies the same blood-and-oil ritual to an Israelite healed of skin disease. “The priest is to take some of the blood of the guilt offering and put it on the lobe of the right ear of the one to be cleansed” (Leviticus 14:14; cf. verses 17, 25, 28). Here the ear lobe marks the re-entry of the restored person into covenant life. The one once isolated can now hear again the public reading of Torah and join in corporate worship. The anointing oil spread on the same points (verses 17, 28) seals the transition from impurity to communion. Symbolism of hearing and obedience Throughout Scripture hearing stands for obedient response (1 Samuel 15:22; James 1:22). By treating the ear lobe with atoning blood, the rite impresses that ministry begins with receptive submission to divine revelation. The outward act teaches the inward grace: forgiven ears are listening ears. Emphasis on the right side Hebrew thought associates the right side with strength, honor, and primary function (Psalm 110:1). Marking the right ear lobe declares that the priest’s best powers are reserved for God’s service. For the cleansed leper it proclaims full restoration, not a diminished status. Foreshadowing of Christ’s priesthood Hebrews portrays Jesus Christ as the consummate High Priest who needed no such ritual, yet whose blood truly sanctifies (Hebrews 9:14). The Old Testament ear-lobe anointings anticipate New Covenant realities in which believers are sprinkled spiritually (1 Peter 1:2) so that “faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17). Ministry implications today 1. Listening precedes speaking. Whether pulpit ministry or personal evangelism, attentiveness to Scripture and Spirit is foundational. Related New Testament echoes The healing of Malchus’s ear (Luke 22:51) and the repeated call, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15), keep the theological thread alive: redeemed ears are essential for recognizing and responding to the Word incarnate. Summary Hebrew תְּנוּךְ is more than anatomical detail. In the economy of redemption the ear lobe becomes a covenant touch-point where blood, oil, and divine speech converge, teaching that those cleansed by God must first and foremost be hearers who obey. Forms and Transliterations תְּנ֛וּךְ תְּנ֞וּךְ תְּנ֤וּךְ תְּנ֥וּךְ תְּנ֨וּךְ תְּנוּךְ֩ תנוך tə·nūḵ tenuCh tənūḵLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 29:20 HEB: וְנָֽתַתָּ֡ה עַל־ תְּנוּךְ֩ אֹ֨זֶן אַהֲרֹ֜ן NAS: and put [it] on the lobe of Aaron's KJV: and put [it] upon the tip of the right ear INT: and put on the lobe ear of Aaron's Exodus 29:20 Leviticus 8:23 Leviticus 8:24 Leviticus 14:14 Leviticus 14:17 Leviticus 14:25 Leviticus 14:28 8 Occurrences |
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