תְּהִלָּה
Tehillah
Praise, hymn, song of praise
Tehillah (תְּהִלָּה) is a Hebrew word meaning “praise, hymn, song of praise,” pronounced “te-hil-LAH.” Derived from the root ה-ל-ל, tehillah appears 57 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H8416).
| Hebrew | תְּהִלָּה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Tehillah |
| Pronunciation | te-hil-LAH |
| Meaning | Praise, hymn, song of praise |
| Root Letters | ה-ל-ל |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 57× |
| Key Verse | Psalm 22:3 |
| Strong's Number | H8416 |
| Category | Worship & Prayer |
Psalm 22:3 contains one of the most stunning statements in all of Scripture: God is 'enthroned on the tehillot (praises) of Israel.' The Hebrew word tehillah (תְּהִלָּה) means that praise literally creates a throne for God's presence. This isn't metaphor — it's Hebrew theology. When you praise God, you build a seat for His glory. The entire Book of Psalms is called 'Tehillim' (Praises) in Hebrew, and the word 'Hallelujah' comes from the same root. Understanding tehillah will revolutionize your worship, because you'll realize that praise is not just something you do for God — it's the atmosphere in which God shows up.
Key Bible Verse: Psalm 22:3
“Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises (tehillot) of Israel.”
What Is the Root of Tehillah in Hebrew?
Tehillah comes from the root ה-ל-ל (he-lamed-lamed), the same root as 'Hallelujah' (Praise the LORD). The Book of Psalms is called 'Tehillim' (Praises) in Hebrew.
What Does Tehillah Mean in the Bible?
Tehillah appears 57 times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the Psalms. Psalm 22:3 reveals that God is 'enthroned' on the praises of His people — tehillah creates a throne room for God's presence.
How Is Tehillah Used in Modern Hebrew?
The word 'Hallelujah' combines 'Hallelu' (praise!) with 'Yah' (God). It appears 24 times in the Psalms and is one of the few Hebrew words used in virtually every language on earth.
How to Use Tehillah in Prayer & Worship
Enter God's presence with tehillah. When you praise God, you create an atmosphere for His presence. Even in difficult times, tehillah shifts your focus from problems to the Problem-Solver.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tehillah
How do you say “Praise” in Hebrew?
“Praise” in Hebrew is Tehillah (תְּהִלָּה), pronounced “te-hil-LAH.” Tehillah comes from the root ה-ל-ל (he-lamed-lamed), the same root as 'Hallelujah' (Praise the LORD). The Book of Psalms is called 'Tehillim' (Praises) in Hebrew.
What does Tehillah mean in the Bible?
Tehillah (תְּהִלָּה) means “Praise, hymn, song of praise” in Biblical Hebrew. Tehillah appears 57 times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the Psalms. Psalm 22:3 reveals that God is 'enthroned' on the praises of His people — tehillah creates a throne room for God's presence.
How do you pronounce Tehillah?
Tehillah is pronounced “te-hil-LAH.” The word comes from the Hebrew root ה-ל-ל.
What does Hallelujah mean in Hebrew?
Hallelujah (הַלְלוּיָהּ) combines 'Hallelu' (praise!) with 'Yah' (God/LORD). It literally means 'Praise the LORD!' It shares the same root (ה-ל-ל) as tehillah. Hallelujah appears 24 times in the Psalms and is one of the few Hebrew words used in virtually every language on earth — a truly universal word of worship.
Why is the Book of Psalms called Tehillim?
In Hebrew, the Book of Psalms is called 'Sefer Tehillim' (Book of Praises). Even though many psalms are laments, complaints, or cries for help, the overall collection is named for praise — because in Hebrew thought, even the cry of pain directed toward God is ultimately an act of faith and praise.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H8416: Tehillah
- Bible Gateway — Psalm 22:3 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for ה-ל-ל
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