תְּחוֹת (te.chot)
te.chot
under
A:PrepQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:Prep
Word Overview
The word te.chot is an Aramaic preposition meaning "under." It appears in only two verses, specifically within the books of Jeremiah and Daniel, which are written largely in Aramaic. This term functions as a direct equivalent to the Hebrew ta.chat (H8478), serving the same grammatical role of indicating position or location beneath something else.
Its usage is straightforward and spatial, describing physical placement rather than abstract concepts like substitution or exchange, which are common meanings for its Hebrew counterpart. In these rare biblical instances, it simply marks where an object or person is situated relative to another, providing a clear, literal sense of being below or underneath.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word תְּחוֹת simply means 'under.' It appears in the Aramaic sections of Jeremiah and Daniel to describe physical location. In Jeremiah 10:11, it marks the place where false gods will perish—'from under the heavens.' This is not a metaphor for spiritual depth but a clear statement about position. The word reminds us that created things exist beneath the Creator's authority.
In Daniel 7:27, the phrase 'under the whole sky' describes the scope of earthly kingdoms. These powers are temporary and situated below the eternal rule of God. The term grounds our understanding in reality: human empires rise and fall, but they do so within the boundaries set by God. We find comfort in knowing that no power operates outside His sight or control.
This simple preposition invites us to look up rather than down. When we feel overwhelmed by circumstances, remembering that all things are 'under' God's sovereignty can bring peace. It is a reminder that He holds the world together, even when it seems chaotic.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- under2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תְּח֥וֹת1×
- תְּח֣וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 10:11
“You shall say this to them: ‘The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth will perish from the earth, and from under the heavens.’”
The word specifies the location from which false gods will vanish, emphasizing their lack of power over creation.
-
Daniel 7:27
The kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole sky, will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions will serve and obey him.’
It defines the geographical and political extent of earthly kingdoms that are subject to God's eternal rule.