תְּרַע (te.ra)
te.ra
door
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tera refers to a physical opening in a wall or fence, serving as a door or gate. In the biblical text, it marks the boundary between private and public space, functioning as the point of entry or exit for people and animals. Its meaning is straightforward and concrete, describing the architectural feature itself rather than any symbolic action.
This word appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Daniel. In Daniel 6:17, it describes the stone placed over the mouth of the lion’s den, sealing the entrance to protect the king’s interests while ensuring Daniel remained inside. The second occurrence is in Daniel 9:2, where Jeremiah’s prophecy concerns the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls and their gates, highlighting tera as part of the city’s defensive structure. These rare uses anchor the word in narratives of confinement and restoration.
While less common than related terms like sha’ar (gate) or pethach (opening), tera emphasizes the specific threshold of a building or enclosure. Translators typically render it simply as "door" or "gate," depending on whether the context suggests a house entrance or a city barrier. Its scarcity in Scripture means each instance carries significant narrative weight, often marking moments of judgment, protection, or hope.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word tera simply means a door or gate, marking the boundary between what is inside and what lies outside. It appears only twice in the entire Old Testament, both in the book of Daniel. In one instance, it describes the stone sealing the lion’s den, a moment of intense fear where protection seemed impossible. In the other, it refers to the gates of Jerusalem during a time of rebuilding and restoration.
These rare occurrences remind us that doors are not just architectural features but moments of transition. Whether we face confinement or the hope of returning home, God is present at the threshold. The story of Daniel shows that even when a door is sealed shut, no barrier can limit God’s power to deliver. We can trust Him with our most vulnerable moments, knowing He holds the key to both protection and new beginnings.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ [the] door of1×
- [was] in/ [the] gate1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לִ/תְרַע֮1×
- בִּ/תְרַ֥ע1×