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תַּחְתִּי

𐤕𐤇𐤕𐤉

tachtîy

H8482 adjective

SILEX Entry

Root תחת to be under, to be beneath, to serve as a substitute, to take the place of

Definition

Situated lowest or beneath; that which is lowest in vertical order or hierarchical arrangement. When functioning as an adjective, it describes a location as 'the lowest' or 'lowermost,' particularly with reference to spatial relationships (e.g., the bottom layer of a structure, the lowest region of land), or as a superlative ('the lowest part'). As a substantive (usually feminine plural תַּחְתִּיּוֹת tachtiyyot), it can denote the lowest regions, depths, or the underworld (Sheol/realm of the dead), as well as the innermost or most concealed parts, such as the womb.

Semantic Range

lowest, lowermost, lower, nether, depths (of earth or underworld), innermost parts, pit, womb

Root / Etymology

From the root תַּחַת (tachat), meaning 'under, beneath, below.' The adjectival form תַּחְתִּי is formed with the suffix ִי, which typically indicates relation or belonging, yielding the sense of something 'underlying' or 'below.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In biblical usage, תַּחְתִּי functions both attributively and substantively. As an adjective, it frequently describes relative positions (e.g., referring to lower levels of the Temple, Ezekiel 42:6, or the lower parts of a structure or landform). The feminine plural תַּחְתִּיּוֹת often carries a more abstract or specialized sense: it is used for the 'depths' (as in the underworld, cf. Psalm 63:10; Ezekiel 31:14,16,18), and at times the sense of 'the inner parts' or 'recesses' (as in the womb, Psalm 139:15). This term contrasts with עֶלְיוֹן ('upper' or 'most high'), establishing an upper/lower binary in spatial description. Standard English translations as 'nether,' 'lower,' or 'depths' often capture the basic spatial sense but sometimes obscure the rich metonymic referents (e.g., death, origins, or secrets). Usage extends from description of structures in the monarchic period to metaphorical language about death and the afterlife, especially in exilic and post-exilic literature.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from תַּחַת; lowermost; as noun (feminine plural) the depths (figuratively, a pit, the womb); low (parts, -er, -er parts, -est), nether (part).

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Root Family

תחת (t-ḥ-t) — to be under, beneath; lower position; substitution, taking the place of

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H8460 תְּחוֹת beneath
H8478 תַּחַת under, in place of
H8479 תַּחַת under him
H8480 תַּחַת in Tachath
H8481 תַּחְתּוֹן the bottommost

Word Forms

7 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H8482-04 תַּחְתִּיּֽוֹת tachetiot HAafpa lowest depths lowermost regions 7
H8482-05 תַּחְתִּ֑ית tachetit HAafsa nether lowermost 6
H8482-01 בְּֽ/תַחְתִּיּ֥וֹת betachetiot HR/Aafpc in the depths in the lowest regions of 2
H8482-06 תַּחְתִּיָּֽה tachetiyah HAafsa the depths lowermost place 1
H8482-07 תַּחְתִּיִּ֛ם tachetiyim HAampa lower lowermost ones 1
H8482-02 בְּ/תַחְתִּ֥ית betachetit HR/Ncfsc at the foot in the lowest part of 1
H8482-03 מִֽ/תַּחְתִּיּ֧וֹת mitachetiot HR/Aafpa the lowest parts from the lowest regions 1

Occurrences in Scripture

19 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H8482-07 Genesis 6:16 תַּחְתִּיִּ֛ם tachetiyim HAampa lower lowermost ones
H8482-02 Exodus 19:17 בְּ/תַחְתִּ֥ית betachetit HR/Ncfsc at the foot in the lowest part of
H8482-05 Deuteronomy 32:22 תַּחְתִּ֑ית tachetit HAafsa lowest lowermost
H8482-04 Joshua 15:19 תַּחְתִּיּֽוֹת tachetiot HAafpa lower lowermost regions
H8482-05 Judges 1:15 תַּחְתִּֽית tachetit HAafsa lower lowermost
H8482-04 Isaiah 44:23 תַּחְתִּיּ֣וֹת tachetiot HAafpc lower parts lowermost regions
H8482-04 Ezekiel 26:20 תַּחְתִּיּ֜וֹת tachetiot HAafpa lowest lowermost regions
H8482-05 Ezekiel 31:14 תַּחְתִּ֗ית tachetit HAafsa nether lowermost
H8482-05 Ezekiel 31:16 תַּחְתִּית֙ tachetit HAafsa the lowest lowermost
H8482-05 Ezekiel 31:18 תַּחְתִּ֗ית tachetit HAafsa beneath lowermost
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