Original Word: טְפַר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: tephar
Pronunciation: tef-ahr'
Phonetic Spelling: (tef-ar')
Definition: Claw, nail
Meaning: a finger-nail, a hoof, claw

Word Origin: Derived from an unused root meaning to scrape

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Greek equivalent for "tephar," the concept of claws or nails can be related to Greek words like "ὄνυξ" (onyx), meaning claw or nail, used metaphorically in some contexts.

Usage: The Hebrew word "tephar" refers to the claw or nail of an animal. It is used in the context of describing the physical characteristics of animals, particularly those that are predatory or have significant strength and power. The term emphasizes the natural weaponry and defense mechanisms that God has endowed certain creatures with.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, animals with claws were often seen as symbols of power and ferocity. Claws were associated with the ability to hunt and protect, and they were sometimes used metaphorically to describe strength and dominance. The biblical context often uses such imagery to convey messages about God's creation and the natural order.

Word Origin
(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to tsaphar
Definition
a nail, claw
NASB Translation
claws (1), nails (1).

[טְפַר] noun masculine nail, claw (ᵑ7 טוּפְרָא, Syriac ; see Biblical Hebrew צִמֹּ֫רֶן, √ IV. צפר); — plural suffix of man טִפְר֫וֺהִי Daniel 4:30; of beast, טפריה (K^{§ 53, 2.} b)) Daniel 7:19, Qr טִפְרַהּ.

nail

(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to tsaphar, and meaning the same as tsipporen; a finger-nail; also a hoof or claw -- nail.

see HEBREW tsaphar

see HEBREW tsipporen

וְטִפְר֥וֹהִי וְטִפְרַ֣יהּ וטפרוהי וטפריה vetifRaih vetifRohi wə·ṭip̄·rayh wə·ṭip̄·rō·w·hî wəṭip̄rayh wəṭip̄rōwhîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts