### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word tᵉshîyʻîy (`{{H8671}}`) is an ordinal number, directly translated as "ninth." It is derived from the cardinal number têshaʻ (`{{H8672}}`), meaning "nine." Its semantic range is strictly numerical and sequential, indicating a specific position within an ordered series. It carries no inherent qualitative or symbolic meaning beyond its function as a precise numerical designator, serving to establish order and sequence in various contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
tᵉshîyʻîy (`{{H8671}}`) appears consistently throughout the Hebrew Bible, primarily to denote the ninth item in a sequence, whether it be a period of time, an individual in a lineage, or a division within an organized structure.
* **Chronological Markers:** Most frequently, tᵉshîyʻîy serves as a precise chronological marker. It designates the "ninth year" of a king's reign, often marking significant historical events. For example, the "ninth year of King Zedekiah" is repeatedly cited as the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar ([[2 Kings 25:1]], [[Jeremiah 39:1]], [[Jeremiah 52:4]]). This usage highlights the meticulous attention to historical detail and chronology within the biblical narrative. It also refers to the "ninth month" (Chislev), a specific time of year for events such as the reading of Jeremiah's scroll ([[Jeremiah 36:9]]) or a fast ([[Zechariah 8:19]]).
* **Genealogical and Structural Order:** The word is also used to denote the "ninth" individual in a list, such as the ninth son of Jesse ([[1 Chronicles 2:15]]). In contexts of the division of land or priestly service, it signifies the "ninth lot" or the "ninth division" of priests or musicians, illustrating the highly organized and structured nature of Israelite society and temple worship ([[Joshua 19:35]], [[1 Chronicles 24:11]], [[1 Chronicles 25:16]]).
* The consistent employment of tᵉshîyʻîy across diverse contexts underscores the biblical authors' emphasis on precision, order, and the meticulous recording of events and structures, reflecting a worldview where divine order permeates all aspects of existence.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **têshaʻ (`{{H8672}}`):** The cardinal number "nine," which is the root from which the ordinal tᵉshîyʻîy is formed. This relationship is fundamental to understanding its meaning.
* **Ordinal Numbers (General):** tᵉshîyʻîy belongs to the broader category of Hebrew ordinal numbers (e.g., ri'shôn `{{H7223}}` "first," shênî `{{H8145}}` "second," shlishî `{{H7992}}` "third"). These words collectively establish sequence, order, and position, crucial for narrative flow, historical record, and ritual instruction.
* **Chronology and Genealogy:** The very concept of using precise numerical indicators is intrinsically linked to the biblical emphasis on accurate chronology (e.g., years, months) and detailed genealogy (e.g., generations, family lines), which serve to authenticate historical claims and establish lineage.
* **Divine Order and Structure:** The use of specific numbers, even seemingly mundane ones like "ninth," in contexts such as temple service divisions or land distribution, reflects a divinely ordained order and structure within the cosmos and within the covenant community of Israel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of tᵉshîyʻîy (`{{H8671}}`) is primarily derived from its contribution to the overarching themes of divine precision, order, and the reliability of God's word in history.
* **Divine Precision and Sovereignty:** The consistent and precise use of "ninth" in chronological and organizational contexts points to a God who is not chaotic but meticulously orderly. The detailed record of events, down to specific years and months, suggests a divine plan unfolding with exactitude. This precision underscores God's sovereignty over time and history, demonstrating that events, even those involving human agency, occur within His foreordained framework.
* **Reliability of Revelation:** The meticulous enumeration found throughout the biblical text, including the use of ordinal numbers like tᵉshîyʻîy, contributes to the historical reliability and trustworthiness of God's revelation. It suggests that the accounts are not vague myths but grounded in specific, verifiable realities, even if the "ninth" itself doesn't carry overt symbolic weight like "seven" or "three."
* **Covenantal Life and Structure:** In contexts where tᵉshîyʻîy refers to divisions of priests or the distribution of land, it highlights the structured nature of life under the Mosaic Covenant. God's covenant with Israel established a society characterized by order, responsibilities, and precise arrangements, all of which reflect the character of the covenant-making God.
### Summary
tᵉshîyʻîy (`{{H8671}}`) is the Hebrew ordinal number for "ninth," derived from the cardinal têshaʻ (`{{H8672}}`). Its core meaning is purely sequential, denoting the ninth position in an ordered series. In biblical occurrences, it functions primarily as a precise chronological marker (e.g., the ninth year of a king's reign, the ninth month) and an indicator of order in genealogies or organizational structures (e.g., the ninth son, the ninth division of priests). While the number "nine" itself does not carry profound symbolic weight in the Hebrew Bible, its consistent and precise usage underscores the divine attributes of order, meticulousness, and sovereignty over time and history. The employment of tᵉshîyʻîy contributes to the historical reliability of the biblical narrative and illustrates the structured nature of life within God's covenant.
TRV