Lexical Summary talal: To cover, overshadow, protect Original Word: טָלַל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cover A primitive root; properly, to strew over, i.e. (by implication) to cover in or plate (with beams) -- cover. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to cover over, roof NASB Translation covered (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. [טָלַל] verb cover over, roof, Aramaic loan-word, see צלל ( cover over, especially put on roof,  roof, στέγη: so Palmyrene see EutSBAk, 1885, 669) — only Pi`el Imperfect3masculine singular suffix וִיטַלֲלֶנּוּ Nehemiah 3:15 he built it (kept on building it, i.e. a city-gate) and covered it over (laid timbers to cover it, compare קֵרוּהוּ they laid its timbers Nehemiah 3:3; Nehemiah 3:6; see also בְּצֵל קֹרָתִי Genesis 19:8 in the shadow of my roof). טלם (√ of following; perhaps compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Historical Setting in Nehemiah The single biblical occurrence of טָלַל falls in Nehemiah 3:15, during Jerusalem’s post-exilic restoration. Nehemiah’s record details the communal labor that re-established the city’s defenses and worship life after the Babylonian captivity. In this verse Shallun “rebuilt it, covered it, installed its doors, bolts, and bars”. The verb translated “covered” (טָלַל) highlights the strategic act of placing a protective roof or canopy over the Fountain Gate—an opening critical for the city’s water supply and thus for both daily life and ritual purity. By naming this specific action, the text underscores the builders’ concern not merely to erect walls but to provide enduring shelter for what lay beneath. Symbol of Protective Covering Throughout Scripture a secure covering communicates safety, provision, and ordered worship. Roofing the gate signified more than architectural completeness; it testified that the renewed Jerusalem would again live under defense, order, and covenant fidelity. The same passage links the work to the “Pool of Shelah near the King’s Garden,” recalling the living-water imagery later amplified by the prophets and by Jesus Christ (John 7:37-38). The shielded Fountain Gate thus prefigures the promise that God's people will draw water with joy from the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3) while resting under His protection. Divine Covering Motif Across Scripture 1. Edenic provision: garments of skin for Adam and Eve speak of God’s first act of redemptive covering (Genesis 3:21). Nehemiah 3:15 therefore joins a canonical chorus proclaiming that God both commands and Himself supplies protective covering for His people. Christological Fulfillment The protective motif finds its culmination in the incarnation. The Spirit “will overshadow you” in Luke 1:35, echoing the same idea of divine covering that ensured the Messiah’s holy conception. At Calvary the Savior becomes the ultimate shelter, bearing wrath so that believers are hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). The Fountain Gate’s roof thus foreshadows the finished work of the greater Nehemiah, Jesus Christ, who shields the living water He gives (John 4:14) within the fortress of His own body and blood. Ministry and Discipleship Implications • Shepherding: Spiritual leaders imitate Nehemiah and Shallun by erecting safeguards—doctrinal clarity, accountability, compassionate discipline—so that the “fountain” of the gospel remains pure and accessible. Related Passages for Study Psalm 27:5; Isaiah 25:4; Jonah 4:6-11; Matthew 23:37; Revelation 7:15-17. Devotional Reflection When God calls His people to rebuild, He also calls them to cover. He does not leave the Fountain Gate exposed. Trust the Lord who both opens springs of salvation and roofs them with His steadfast love; then extend that covering to others, that the world may taste living water under the shelter of grace. Forms and Transliterations וִיטַֽלְלֶ֔נּוּ ויטללנו vitalLennu wî·ṭal·len·nū wîṭallennūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 3:15 HEB: ה֤וּא יִבְנֶ֙נּוּ֙ וִיטַֽלְלֶ֔נּוּ [וְיַעֲמִידוּ כ] NAS: He built it, covered it and hung KJV: he built it, and covered it, and set up INT: He built covered abide doors 1 Occurrence |
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; Aramaic טְלַם, 
; Ethiopic 
all oppress, injure; in this case טֶלֶם, טַלְמֹן will be Aramaic names, since 
= Hebrew צ).