טָמֵא
To be foul , especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.
What does טָמֵא (tame) mean in the Bible?
טָמֵא (tame) is a Hebrew word meaning "to be foul , especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)". to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated) Usage: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, × utterly. It signals moral contamination that results in covenant expulsion. This term runs through the canonical themes of Covenant.
Meaning
Ritual impurity that defiles both person and sanctuary; moral and ceremonial contamination are inseparable.
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated) Usage: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, × utterly.
Why This Word Matters
It signals moral contamination that results in covenant expulsion. Micah 2:6-11
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 39×
Piel intensive active — emphasizes thoroughness or repeated action 22×
Niphal passive or reflexive — the subject receives or experiences the action 16×
Hithpael reflexive or reciprocal — the subject acts on itself or mutually with others 15×
Hithpolal 1×
Pual intensive passive — intensive action received by the subject 1×
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Old Testament Witnesses
Showing 8 of 162 occurrences in the biblical text.