טָמֵא
Foul in a religious sense
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 "foul in a religious sense". foul in a religious sense BDB: unclean Usage: defiled, infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean. Exile involves cultic defilement. This term runs through the canonical themes of Canonical Anchor.
Meaning
Religious impurity that renders one unfit for worship, temple access, or covenant participation until purification
foul in a religious sense BDB: unclean Usage: defiled, infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean.
Why This Word Matters
Exile involves cultic defilement. Hosea 9:1-6
Grammatical Forms
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
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 88 occurrences in the biblical text.
Cross-Language Connections
Greek words that correspond to or develop the meaning of this Hebrew word in the New Testament.