תַּחַת (ta.chat)
ta.chat
underneath: under
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 397 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word tachath primarily denotes physical position, meaning "underneath" or "below." As a noun it refers to the lower part of something, but it functions most often as an adverb or preposition describing location. This usage appears frequently in narratives where spatial relationships are important, such as when objects are placed beneath other items or people stand under specific structures.
Beyond simple location, tachath carries a significant secondary meaning: "in place of" or "instead of." This sense of substitution is crucial in legal and covenantal contexts. For example, in Genesis 22:13, God provides a ram to serve as a substitute for Isaac. The word also appears in this sense when describing exchanges or replacements, highlighting how one thing takes the position or role of another.
Its versatility allows it to bridge physical space and relational substitution. Translators choose between "under" and "instead of" based on context. This dual nature reflects a Hebrew worldview where location and identity are closely linked; being in someone's place implies both physical proximity and functional equivalence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word tachath carries a dual meaning that shapes how we understand both space and substitution. Physically, it describes what is underneath or below, marking clear boundaries in creation. Theologically, it points to one thing taking the place of another, offering a glimpse into God’s provision and justice.
In Genesis 22:13, this word highlights a profound moment of grace. When Abraham found the ram caught in the thicket, he offered it as a burnt offering instead of his son. This act of substitution reveals a pattern where God provides a way out when human effort falls short. It reminds us that we do not face our burdens alone.
Whether we are looking at the waters under the sky or considering how one life stands in for another, this word invites reflection on God’s order and care. We can trust that He establishes boundaries and provides substitutes when needed, guiding us through both physical and spiritual challenges with steady hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 397 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- under118×
- in place of/ him69×
- in place of68×
- from/ under30×
- in place/ its12×
- in place of/ them12×
- because12×
- and/ under11×
- and/ in place of9×
- <from>/ beneath9×
- for8×
- [were] under7×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּ֣חַת75×
- תַּ֥חַת49×
- תַּ֖חַת34×
- תַּחְתָּֽי/ו\׃\ \פ29×
- תַּחְתָּֽי/ו\׃19×
- תַּחְתָּ֔י/ו18×
- תַּֽחַת\־15×
- תַּ֚חַת15×
- מִ/תַּ֖חַת14×
- תַּ֤חַת8×
- תַּ֗חַת7×
- מִ/תַּ֣חַת7×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 22:13
Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and saw that behind him was a ram caught in the thicket by his horns. Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering instead of his son.
This verse uses tachath to describe the ram offered as a substitute for Isaac, highlighting the theme of divine provision in place of human sacrifice.
-
Genesis 1:7
God made the expanse, and divided the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so.
Here tachath defines the spatial relationship of the waters under the expanse, establishing the physical order of creation.
-
Genesis 4:25
Adam knew his wife again. She gave birth to a son, and named him Seth, saying, “for God has given me another child instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.”
Adam names his new son Seth because God gave him another child instead of Abel, using the word to express replacement after loss.
-
Genesis 36:33
Bela died, and Jobab, the son of Zerah of Bozrah, reigned in his place.
The text records that Jobab reigned in Bela's place, showing how tachath functions in historical narratives to denote succession.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does tachath mean in Hebrew?
How is tachath different from other words for 'under'?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Why is the substitution meaning important?
Every Occurrence (397 verses across 34 books)
Genesis 30 verses
God made the expanse, and divided the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse;…
Genesis 1:9God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together to one place, and let the dry land appear;” and it was so.
Genesis 2:21Yahweh God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. As the man slept, he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh…
Genesis 4:25Adam knew his wife again. She gave birth to a son, and named him Seth, saying, “for God has given me another child…
Genesis 6:17I, even I, will bring the flood of waters on this earth, to destroy all flesh having the breath of life from under the…
Genesis 7:19The waters rose very high on the earth. All the high mountains that were under the whole sky were covered.
Genesis 16:9Yahweh’s angel said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hands.”
Genesis 18:4Now let a little water be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.
Genesis 18:8He took butter, milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them. He stood by them under the tree, and…
Genesis 21:15The water in the container was spent, and she put the child under one of the shrubs.
Genesis 22:13Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and saw that behind him was a ram caught in the thicket by his horns. Abraham…
Genesis 24:2Abraham said to his servant, the elder of his house, who ruled over all that he had, “Please put your hand under my…
Genesis 24:9The servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and swore to him concerning this matter.
Genesis 30:2Jacob’s anger burned against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in God’s place, who has withheld from you the fruit of the…
Genesis 30:15Leah said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son’s mandrakes,…
Genesis 35:4They gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the rings which were in their ears; and Jacob…
Genesis 35:8Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried below Bethel under the oak; and its name was called Allon Bacuth.
Genesis 36:33Bela died, and Jobab, the son of Zerah of Bozrah, reigned in his place.
Genesis 36:34Jobab died, and Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place.
Genesis 36:35Husham died, and Hadad, the son of Bedad, who struck Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. The name of his…
Genesis 36:36Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place.
Genesis 36:37Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river, reigned in his place.
Genesis 36:38Shaul died, and Baal Hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place.
Genesis 36:39Baal Hanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his place. The name of his city was Pau. His wife’s name was…
Genesis 41:35Let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and store grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the…
Genesis 44:4When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men.…
Genesis 44:33Now therefore, please let your servant stay instead of the boy, my lord’s slave; and let the boy go up with his…
Genesis 47:29The time came near that Israel must die, and he called his son Joseph, and said to him, “If now I have found favor in…
Genesis 49:25even by the God of your father, who will help you, by the Almighty, who will bless you, with blessings of heaven above,…
Genesis 50:19Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for am I in the place of God?