Quranic root
جسس
j · s · s
The root denotes discerning something through subtle examination, originally by touch, and extends to attentive investigation and covert information-gathering.
Physical palpation for discovering an object's condition develops into visual scrutiny and the search for concealed information, yielding spy-related nouns and investigative constructions.
- Maqāyīs · row 1152
- Mufradāt · row 251
- 1
- Quran-attested forms
- 1
- Quran senses
- 1
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
تَجَسَّسَ
tajassasa
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form V
- Form
- V
- Quran occurrences
- 1 occurrence
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
To pry into, investigate, or spy into concealed or private matters.
In the Quranic construction وَلا تَجَسَّسُوا, the verb prohibits searching into circumstances or information that others conceal; this is a Form V use of covert investigation rather than ordinary inquiry.
- Lane · entry 46764
- Mufradāt · row 251
Selected Quran examples
Quran 49:12word 13
“spy”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 49:12تَجَسَّسُوا۟spy
Broader Classical Arabic meanings
Recorded for this root in the Classical lexicons beyond its Quran usage. These are secondary to the Quran senses above.
Show 12 Classical meanings
جَسَّ
To feel something with the hand in order to test it and form a judgment of its condition; especially, to palpate a patient or an animal.
The physical examination may be used to determine such conditions as heat, cold, fatness, or leanness.
- Lane · entry 46764
جَسَّ
To look sharply, intently, or attentively at someone or something for investigation and clear perception.
A reported figurative extension of examination by touch to examination by sight.
- Lane · entry 46764
جَسَّ
To traverse or range through a land.
A reported figurative use of the verb.
- Lane · entry 46764
جَسَّ
To search for news or information, inquire about a person, or investigate matters repeatedly or gradually.
This broader Form I usage concerns seeking information generally; it is distinct from the Quranic Form V use for prying into concealed private matters.
- Lane · entry 46764
جَاسُوسٌ
A spy who searches for and brings information, news, or tidings; also one acquainted with private affairs of an objectionable nature.
The characterization involving objectionable private affairs is a reported specialization of the spy noun, not a restriction on every use.
- Lane · entry 46770
جَاسَّةٌ
A sensory faculty; one of the five senses.
A dialectal variant and singular counterpart of the plural term for the senses.
- Lane · entry 46769
مَجَسٌّ / مَجَسَّةٌ
The place or point that one feels with the hand in order to test it and judge its condition; specifically, a physician’s palpation site.
The nouns are also used for the point examined when assessing a patient or an animal.
- Lane · entry 46771
مَجَسٌّ / مَجَاسٌّ
An external indicator or means by which an inner condition is discerned; in a camel expression, the mouth or palate used to test or crop herbage.
A reported figurative extension from physically testing something to using an outward sign to infer its inward quality.
- Lane · entry 46771
اِجْتَسَّ
Of camels: to seek out the first sprouts of herbage with the mouth, or to crop herbage with the mouth.
A Form VIII usage associated with the camels’ mouths as their means of seeking or testing the herbage.
- Lane · entry 46766
جَسَّاسٌ
A lion that marks its prey with its claws; in another reported use, one who traverses a land.
These are lexical uses of the intensive noun distinct from the spy noun.
- Lane · entry 46768
الجَسَّاسَةٌ
A certain beast said to inhabit islands, which searches for news and brings it to the Dajjāl.
A specific legendary creature designation.
- Lane · entry 46768
مَجَسٌّ
In idiomatic expressions, breadth or narrowness of heart or disposition: a wide majass indicates liberality, while a narrow one indicates lack of generosity.
This is a reported figurative idiom, including the expressions وَاسِعُ المَجَسِّ and ضَيِّقُ المَجَسِّ.
- Lane · entry 46771
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
The Quranic occurrence is an imperfect plural form; the public headword is normalized to the Classical Arabic perfect citation form تَجَسَّسَ.