### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tᵉchillâh**, represented by `{{H8462}}`, denotes a **commencement** or **beginning**. Its definition comes from a root sense of opening. It appears 22 times across 21 unique verses and is used to mark the start of an action, a period of time, or the first in a sequence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H8462}}` establishes a starting point for various events. It marks the commencement of agricultural seasons, such as "the **beginning** of harvest" [[2 Samuel 21:10]] and specifically the "beginning of barley harvest" [[Ruth 1:22]]. It is also used to ask who will go up "first" to battle ([[Judges 1:1]], [[Judges 20:18]]). The term can refer to the start of a royal administration, as in "the **beginning** of his reign" [[Ezra 4:6]], or to a previous state of being, like Abram's tent being where it had been "at the **beginning**" [[Genesis 13:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the concept of beginnings and endings:
* `{{H7223}}` **riʼshôwn** (first, in place, time or rank): This word is often used alongside `{{H8462}}` to emphasize a return to an original state, as in God's promise to restore judges "as at the **first**" and counselors "as at the **beginning**" [[Isaiah 1:26]].
* `{{H319}}` **ʼachărîyth** (the last or end, hence, the future): This term is used as a direct contrast, framing a complete duration of an event, such as when the **beginning** of a fool's words is contrasted with the **end** of his talk [[Ecclesiastes 10:13]].
* `{{H7105}}` **qâtsîyr** (harvest): This word frequently appears with `{{H8462}}` to specify the event that is starting, providing a concrete context for the commencement ([[2 Samuel 21:9]], [[Ruth 1:22]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8462}}` is significant, often pointing to foundational truths and divine action.
* **Foundation of Wisdom:** The most prominent theological use states that "The fear of the LORD is the **beginning** of wisdom" [[Proverbs 9:10]], establishing reverence for God as the starting point for all true knowledge.
* **Divine Initiative:** The word marks the start of God's revelation, as seen in "The **beginning** of the word of the LORD by Hosea" [[Hosea 1:2]]. It also highlights God's immediate response to His people, with an angel telling Daniel, "At the **beginning** of thy supplications the commandment came forth" [[Daniel 9:23]].
* **Prophetic Restoration:** The term is used to signify a future hope where God will restore Israel's counselors "as at the **beginning**," linking the concept of commencement with divine renewal and faithfulness [[Isaiah 1:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8462}}` is more than a simple temporal marker. It functions to structure biblical narratives, from the start of a harvest to the first move in a battle. Theologically, it points to the foundational principles of wisdom, the initiation of divine revelation, and the promise of future restoration, showing how the concept of a "beginning" is central to understanding God's relationship with humanity.
TRV