תָּכָה

𐤕𐤊𐤄

tâkâh

H8497 verb

SILEX Entry

Root תכה to spread out, to stretch, to settle temporarily

Definition

To spread out or stretch oneself, to settle or encamp; in certain contexts, to place oneself or to lie down, typically for the purpose of resting or establishing a temporary habitation.

Semantic Range

to spread out (oneself or objects), to encamp, to settle or lie down, to sit or establish a temporary camp

Root / Etymology

Root: תכה (t-k-h). The root connotes the idea of spreading out or stretching, likely from the ancient practice of spreading a tent or laying oneself down. The form appears archaic and is considered rare, with possible connections to parallel Semitic roots indicating spreading or stretching.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The verb תָּכָה (tâkâh) is extremely rare in the Hebrew Bible and appears in only a handful of passages, including poetic or archaic texts. It is typically used in contexts suggesting encampment, rest, or establishing a temporary dwelling—often echoing pastoral or nomadic life. Later Hebrew employed other roots (e.g., חנה) more commonly for encamping, suggesting תָּכָה became archaic. English translations often render the term as 'encamp' or 'sit down,' but its sense is more vivid, evoking the physical act of spreading oneself or one's possessions. It is distinct from verbs meaning 'to dwell' (ישׁב) or 'to rest/make camp' (חנה), and its use may indicate older, possibly pre-monarchic Israelite lifestyle and terminology.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive root; to strew, i.e. encamp; sit down.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

תכה (t-k-h) — to spread out, to stretch, to settle temporarily

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H8497-01 תֻּכּ֣וּ tuku HVPp3cp sat down were spread out were spread out 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H8497-01 Deuteronomy 33:3 תֻּכּ֣וּ tuku HVPp3cp sat down were spread out were spread out