or (masculine) תִּשְׁעָה; perhaps from שָׁעָה through the idea of a turn to the next or full number ten; nine or (ordinal) ninth; nine ([phrase] -teen, [phrase] -teenth, -th).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **têshaʻ**, represented by `{{H8672}}`, is the cardinal number for **nine** or the ordinal **ninth**. It appears **58 times** across **57 unique verses** in the Bible. Its root may suggest the idea of turning towards the next full number, ten. This number is used to quantify time, people, and objects throughout the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{H8672}}` is used to establish specific quantities and timeframes. It marks the extensive lifespans of the early patriarchs, such as Adam, who lived "nine hundred and thirty years" [[Genesis 5:5]]. The number is used to specify dates of critical importance, such as the "ninth day of the month" when a severe famine struck Jerusalem [[2 Kings 25:3]] and the appointed time to begin the sabbath of rest [[Leviticus 23:32]]. It also measures military strength, as seen with Sisera's "nine hundred chariots of iron" [[Judges 4:3]], and designates the division of inheritance for the "nine tribes" of Israel [[Joshua 13:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related numerical terms are often used in conjunction with `{{H8672}}` to form larger numbers:
* `{{H3967}}` **mêʼâh** (a hundred): A primitive numeral for one hundred, frequently used to describe large quantities or long lifespans, such as Noah's age of "nine hundred and fifty years" [[Genesis 9:29]].
* `{{H6242}}` **ʻesrîym** (twenty): Used to form numbers in the twenties, it often appears in descriptions of ages or reigns, such as Hezekiah who reigned "twenty and nine years" [[2 Chronicles 29:1]].
* `{{H8673}}` **tishʻîym** (ninety): As a multiple of nine, this word for ninety is used to specify ages, notably when Abram was "ninety years old and nine" when the LORD appeared to him [[Genesis 17:1]].
* `{{H6240}}` **ʻâsâr** (-teen): This term is used in combination with other numbers to create teens, such as in the "nineteenth year" of King Nebuchadrezzar [[Jeremiah 52:12]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H8672}}` is seen in its function as a precise marker in the biblical record.
* **Genealogical and Historical Record:** The number is crucial for structuring the historical and genealogical accounts. It defines the lifespans of figures in Genesis, like Methuselah who lived "nine hundred sixty and nine years" [[Genesis 5:27]], and records the length of reigns for multiple kings of Israel and Judah ([[2 Kings 17:1]], [[2 Chronicles 25:1]]).
* **Appointed Times and Judgment:** It marks specific moments of divine ordinance or historical crisis. The Day of Atonement begins on the "ninth day of the month" [[Leviticus 23:32]], a time of solemn rest. In contrast, the "ninth day of the fourth month" is recorded as the day the city of Jerusalem was broken up and a famine prevailed ([[Jeremiah 39:2]], [[2 Kings 25:3]]).
* **Quantification of a Nation:** The number is used to count and divide God's people and their inheritance. Land was commanded to be divided for the "nine tribes" [[Numbers 34:13]], and later, lots were cast to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem, leaving "nine parts" in other cities [[Nehemiah 11:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8672}}` functions as more than a simple digit. It is a structural component of biblical narrative, used to frame history, from the lifespans of patriarchs to the reigns of kings. It precisely marks divinely appointed times of worship and moments of national crisis. Whether counting chariots, cities, tribes, or years, **têshaʻ** provides a specific and meaningful measure within the scriptural account.
TRV