### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tishʻîym**, represented by `{{H8673}}`, is the numeral for **ninety**. It is derived from the word for nine, `{{H8672}}` **têshaʻ**, and appears 20 times in 20 unique verses. Its usage is primarily for counting significant ages, quantities of people or objects, and specific periods of time in both historical and prophetic contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8673}}` is most notably used to specify the ages of key patriarchal figures at moments of divine intervention. When Abram was **ninety**-nine years old, the LORD appeared to establish a covenant with him [[Genesis 17:1]]. This age is referenced again when Abraham was circumcised [[Genesis 17:24]]. The promise of a child is highlighted by Sarah's age of **ninety** [[Genesis 17:17]]. Beyond the patriarchs, the number is used to mark prophetic timelines, as when Ezekiel is commanded to bear Israel's iniquity for three hundred and **ninety** days [[Ezekiel 4:5]], and in architectural details, such as a building in Ezekiel's vision having a length of **ninety** cubits [[Ezekiel 41:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related numbers and terms help provide context for the use of `{{H8673}}`:
* `{{H8672}}` **têshaʻ** (nine): As the root word, this term for **nine** is often used in combination with `{{H8673}}` to form the number ninety-nine, such as when detailing Abram's age at the time of God's covenant promise [[Genesis 17:1]].
* `{{H8141}}` **shâneh** (a year): This word for **a year** is the standard unit of time paired with `{{H8673}}` when referring to ages, such as when Enos lived **ninety years** before he begat Cainan [[Genesis 5:9]].
* `{{H3967}}` **mêʼâh** (a hundred): The term for **a hundred** is used to emphasize the miraculous nature of God's promise, as Abraham questioned how he, at **an hundred** years old, could have a son with Sarah, who was **ninety** [[Genesis 17:17]].
* `{{H7657}}` **shibʻîym** (seventy): This numeral for **seventy** appears in similar contexts of counting and measurement. For example, a building in Ezekiel's vision has a breadth of **seventy** cubits and a length of **ninety** cubits [[Ezekiel 41:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8673}}` is tied to its specific applications in scripture.
* **Marking Covenantal Time:** The number is critically linked to the timing of God's covenant. It defines the advanced age of Abram at **ninety**-nine when the LORD appeared to him to establish the covenant of circumcision [[Genesis 17:1]]. Sarah's age of **ninety** underscores the miraculous nature of the promised fulfillment [[Genesis 17:17]].
* **Symbolic Periods of Judgment:** In prophecy, the number is a component of a larger figure that represents a defined period of iniquity or waiting. Ezekiel bore the iniquity of the house of Israel for three hundred and **ninety** days [[Ezekiel 4:5]], and Daniel's vision specifies one thousand two hundred and **ninety** days related to the end times [[Daniel 12:11]].
* **Quantifying Restoration:** The number is used to count the offerings brought by the Israelites returning from captivity, such as the **ninety**-six rams offered to the LORD, signifying a tangible act of restored worship [[Ezra 8:35]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8673}}` **tishʻîym** is a specific numeral for **ninety** that, while straightforward in its meaning, is used to mark events of profound significance. It defines the lifespans of patriarchal figures at the precise moment of divine promise, establishing it as a number connected to God's covenant timing. Furthermore, it functions within prophetic declarations to delineate periods of judgment and is used in census and sacrificial counts, consistently serving to quantify matters of divine importance.
TRV