תְּחִלָּה (te.chil.lah)
te.chil.lah
beginning
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun techillah means a beginning or the first point in time. Derived from a root sense of opening, it marks the start of an event or era rather than just a moment. In Scripture, this word appears twenty-one times, often anchoring narratives in their earliest phases.
It carries a range of nuances, from "in the beginning" to "at the first time." For instance, Genesis 13:3 describes Abraham traveling back to his original campsite, while Judges 20:18 refers to the initial battle strategy. The word emphasizes the origin or the preliminary stage of an action.
A notable feature is its use in Proverbs 9:10, where it denotes the start of wisdom. This usage highlights that true understanding begins with a specific foundational attitude. Translators typically render techillah as "beginning" or "first," preserving its sense of chronological or logical priority without adding emotional weight.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word techillah points to the start of something significant. It is not just a moment in time, but the foundation upon which what follows is built. When Scripture uses this term, it often highlights that the origin of an event or attitude determines its ultimate direction.
This concept encourages us to look at where our lives begin. Proverbs 9:10 reminds us that true wisdom starts with a specific posture toward God. It suggests that understanding does not come from accumulating facts alone, but from starting with reverence. This foundational step shapes how we navigate every subsequent challenge.
Whether you are facing a new season or reflecting on past decisions, remembering the importance of beginnings offers hope. You do not need to have everything figured out immediately. By anchoring your heart in what matters most at the start, you allow God to guide the rest of the journey with clarity and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- at/ [the] beginning of6×
- at the/ beginning6×
- at the/ first3×
- the/ beginning1×
- from/ [the] beginning of1×
- as/ at the/ beginning1×
- [will be] at the/ first1×
- [the] beginning of1×
- [the] beginning1×
- [is the] beginning of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בִּ/תְחִלַּ֖ת4×
- בַּ/תְּחִלָּ֔ה3×
- תְּחִלַּ֥ת2×
- בַּ/תְּחִלָּ֖ה2×
- תְּחִלַּ֣ת1×
- מִ/תְּחִלַּ֣ת1×
- כְּ/בַ/תְּחִלָּ֑ה1×
- הַ/תְּחִלָּה֙1×
- בַּ/תְּחִלָּה֙1×
- בַּ/תְּחִלָּֽה\׃1×
- בַּ/תְּחִלָּ֑ה1×
- בִּ/תְחִלַּת֙1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
This verse establishes that wisdom is not merely intellectual but begins with a reverent relationship with God.
-
Genesis 13:3
He went on his journeys from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,
Abraham’s return to his original campsite shows the value of returning to foundational places of faith and stability.
-
Daniel 9:23
At the beginning of your petitions the commandment went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved. Therefore consider the matter and understand the vision.
Gabriel’s message connects divine response directly to the very start of Daniel’s prayer, highlighting God's attentiveness from the outset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word techillah mean?
How is techillah different from other words for 'start'?
Where does techillah appear in the Bible?
Why is the 'beginning' important in Proverbs 9:10?
Every Occurrence (21 verses across 13 books)
Genesis 4 verses
He went on his journeys from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between…
Genesis 41:21and when they had eaten them up, it couldn’t be known that they had eaten them, but they were still ugly, as at the…
Genesis 43:18The men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “Because of the money that was…
Genesis 43:20and said, “Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food.