Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "tale" can refer to a account, account, or report, often with implications of falsehood or exaggeration. The use of "tale" in Scripture can be seen in various contexts, ranging from the recounting of events to the spreading of rumors or falsehoods.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "tale" is "sippur," which can mean a account or account. However, the term can also carry a negative connotation, as seen in the context of gossip or slander. For example, in Exodus 23:1, the Israelites are instructed, "You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness." Here, the spreading of a false report can be understood as the telling of a false tale. Another Hebrew word, "dibbah," is used in a similar context, often translated as "slander" or "bad report." In Numbers 13:32, the spies sent to Canaan return with a "bad report" about the land, which discourages the Israelites. This "bad report" can be seen as a tale that is not entirely truthful, as it contradicts God's promise to give them the land. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the Greek word "muthos" is sometimes translated as "tale" or "myth." This term is used in a cautionary sense, warning against the acceptance of false teachings or accounts. In 2 Timothy 4:4, Paul warns, "So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." Here, "myths" or "tales" are seen as false teachings that lead people away from the truth of the Gospel. Moral and Ethical Implications The Bible consistently warns against the spreading of false tales, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness and integrity. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." This underscores the moral imperative to avoid falsehoods and to speak truthfully. The spreading of tales, particularly those that are false or misleading, is often associated with gossip and slander, which are condemned in Scripture. Proverbs 16:28 warns, "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." The destructive power of tales, when used to deceive or harm, is a recurring theme in biblical teachings. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient cultures, storytelling was a primary means of communication and education. While tales could be used to convey important truths and cultural values, they could also be manipulated to deceive or control. The biblical admonitions against false tales reflect a broader concern for maintaining truth and justice within the community. Conclusion The concept of a "tale" in the Bible serves as a reminder of the power of words and the responsibility to use them wisely. Whether recounting history, sharing news, or teaching others, the integrity of the message is paramount. The biblical narrative consistently upholds truth as a divine attribute and a foundational principle for righteous living. Easton's Bible Dictionary (1.) Hebrews tokhen, "a task," as weighed and measured out = tally, i.e., the number told off; the full number (Exodus 5:18; see 1 Samuel 18:27; 1 Chronicles 9:28). In Ezek. 45:11 rendered "measure." (2.) Hebrews hegeh, "a thought;" "meditation" (Psalm 90:9); meaning properly "as a whisper of sadness," which is soon over, or "as a thought." The LXX. and Vulgate render it "spider;" the Authorized Version and Revised Version, "as a tale" that is told. In Job 37:2 this word is rendered "sound;" Revised Version margin, "muttering;" and in Ezek. 2:10, "mourning." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) See Tael.2. (v. i.) That which is told; an oral relation or recital; any rehearsal of what has occurred; narrative; discourse; statement; history; story. 3. (n.) A number told or counted off; a reckoning by count; an enumeration; a count, in distinction from measure or weight; a number reckoned or stated. 4. (n.) A count or declaration. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TALEtal (tokhen, mithkoneth, micpar; leros): In the King James Version of the Old Testament (with one exception, Psalm 90:9) "tale" (in the sing.) means number. "Tell" often has the same meaning, e.g. "I may tell (i.e. reckon) all my bones" (Psalm 22:17). When Moses requested permission to go three days' journey into the wilderness to sacrifice to Yahweh, Pharaoh replied by demanding the full "tale" of bricks from the Israelites although they were compelled to provide themselves with straw (Exodus 5:8, 18; see also 1 Samuel 18:27 1 Chronicles 9:28). In Psalm 90:9, "as a tale that is told" is a doubtful rendering (see GAMES). The Septuagint and the Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) render "as a spider's web." The literal and perhaps accurate translation is "as a sigh" (Driver, in the Parallel Psalter, gives "as a murmur"). The word used in this psalm means "to whisper," or "speak sotto voce," as a devout believer repeats to himself the words of a favorite hymn or passage (Psalm 1:2). Greek 3454. muthos -- a speech, story, ie a fable ... story, ie a fable. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: muthos Phonetic Spelling: (moo'-thos) Short Definition: an idle tale, fable Definition: an ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3454.htm - 6k 3026. leros -- silly talk 1126. graodes -- characteristic of old women, anile Strong's Hebrew 8506. token -- a measurement... quota (1). measure, tale. From takan; a fixed quantity -- measure, tale. see HEBREW takan. 8505, 8506. token. 8507 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/8506.htm - 6k 4557. mispar -- number, tally 4971. mathkoneth -- measurement, tally, proportion 1899. hegeh -- a rumbling, growling, moaning 8510. tel -- a mound 4390. male -- to be full, to fill 1980. halak -- to go, come, walk 8521. Tel Charsha -- "mound of a craftsman," a city in Babylon 8512. Tel Abib -- "hill of grain," a place in Babylon 988. batal -- to cease Library Gathering Clouds: A Tale of the Days of St. Chrysostom A Tale About Words Whether Tale-Bearing is a Sin Distinct from Backbiting? Whether Backbiting is a Graver Sin than Tale-Bearing? Of Tale-Bearing [*'susurratio,' IE Whispering] (Two Articles) Life a Tale That Tale-Bearers are Accursed. Gathering Clouds: A Tale of the Days of St. Chrysostom Preface Light. Thesaurus Tale (7 Occurrences)... and Vulgate render it "spider;" the Authorized Version and Revised Version, "as a tale" that is told. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TALE. ... /t/tale.htm - 12k Tale-bearer (7 Occurrences) Talebearer (8 Occurrences) Slander (34 Occurrences) Self-inflicted (2 Occurrences) Judith (1 Occurrence) Story (92 Occurrences) Tobit Anaharath (1 Occurrence) Resources Is the Bible a fairy tale? | GotQuestions.orgThe Atheist Fairy Tale | GotQuestions.org Is it possible to sell your soul to the devil? | GotQuestions.org Tale: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Tale (7 Occurrences)Luke 24:11 Exodus 5:8 Exodus 5:18 1 Samuel 18:27 1 Chronicles 9:28 Psalms 65:3 Psalms 90:9 Subtopics Related Terms |
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