תָּא (ta)
ta
chamber
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ta refers to a small enclosed room, often translated as "chamber" or "guardroom." It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both within historical narratives about royal architecture in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.
In these contexts, the word describes private or secure spaces within palace complexes. For example, it denotes a specific chamber where King Joash was hidden from Athaliah (2 Chronicles 23:4) and another room associated with Jehoiada’s preparations (2 Chronicles 23:19). These usages highlight its function as a confined, protected area rather than a general living space.
The term distinguishes itself by implying seclusion or security. Unlike broader words for house or room, ta suggests a designated compartment within a larger structure, often serving a specific protective or administrative purpose in the royal court.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ta points to a small, enclosed space within a larger building, often serving as a secure chamber or guardroom. In the biblical narrative, this term highlights places of safety and order amidst political turmoil. It reminds us that God provides specific refuges for His people when danger surrounds them.
When King Joash was hidden in such a chamber, it was not just an architectural detail but a moment of divine protection. These enclosed spaces symbolize how God can create shelter even in the heart of a palace or a time of crisis. We find comfort knowing that our faith offers a secure place where we are kept safe.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] guardroom of2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תָּ֥א2×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 12:11
As often as the king entered into Yahweh’s house, the guard came and bore them, then brought them back into the guard room.
This verse shows the guardroom as a place of honor and protection for the royal shields when the king visited the temple.
-
I Kings 14:28
It was so, that as often as the king went into Yahweh’s house, the guard bore them, and brought them back into the guard room.
Here the chamber serves as the secure storage area for the golden shields, emphasizing its role in safeguarding valuable items associated with worship and royalty.