Towdah
Towdah is a Hebrew word that reminds us that thanksgiving is an offering pleasing to God. Here is a complete list of the worship words on this site:
Worship Terms
Worship – What is the meaning of the English word “Worship?”
Proskuneo – The primary Greek word for worship
Shachah – The primary Hebrew word for worship
Halal – A Hebrew word for crazy exuberant praise
Shabach – A Hebrew word for loud praise
Tehillah – A Hebrew word for song of praise
Zamar – A Hebrew word for making music accompanied by strings
Yadah – A Hebrew word for extending the hands in thanksgiving and praise
Towdah – A Hebrew word for a thanks offering
Barak – A Hebrew word for kneeling before God in humble submission
Hidden Meaning in Psalm 100:4 – See how understanding these words enhances the meaning of this popular praise verse.
Meaning of Shabach
According to LexiConcordance.com Towdah means
properly an extension of the hand, that is, (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically a choir of worshippers:—confession, (sacrifice of) praise, thanks (-giving, offering).
A Thank-Offering
Towdah is derived from Yadah and has as its root meaning to extend the hands. As in the case with Yadah, we see that worship is closely related to a physical action. By implication, Towdah means to thank or adore and is associated with sacrifice, offerings, and even choirs.
Most Christians understand the concept of a blood offering (for sin) and are also familiar with a financial offering, but are probably less familiar with the idea of an offering of thanksgiving. The word Towdah first occurs in the Bible in Leviticus 7:12. In this passage, God is informing His people about the proper way to bring a thank-offering.
If he presents it for thanksgiving, in addition to the thanksgiving sacrifice, he is to present unleavened cakes mixed with olive oil, unleavened wafers coated with oil, and well-kneaded cakes of fine flour mixed with oil. Leviticus 7:12 (HCSB)
A thank-offering is an offering to God, not because of sin, but because of one’s joy in God’s provision and care. The New Testament repeats this idea in Hebrews 13:15 where we are called to offer a sacrifice of praise.
Although a thank offering could be a financial sacrifice, in Hebrews it is called the “fruit of lips.” In other words, our songs and words of praise are considered a spiritual sacrifice or offering to God.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving (Towdah),
and his courts with praise (Tehillah)!
Give thanks to him (Yadah); bless his name! Psalm 100:4
Application
If we truly wish to enter God’s presence, we need to recognize the importance of thanksgiving. We must regularly offer Him Towdah – an offering of thanks.
Towdah redirects our minds to the beauty and joy of God’s goodness in our lives. It is so easy to focus only on our problems and miss out on the joy of God’s provision. As we rejoice in God’s goodness to us, we become more receptive to His Spirit and less focused on our problems.
Take some time right now to thank God. Do an inventory of your life and notice all the good things God has given to you. James tells us every good gift is from God (James 1:17). You cannot thank God for too many things. As you thank God, you will enter His presence and receive the joy that comes in knowing our wonderful God and Savior!
by Jerry Wyrick