ט
Tet
Goodness, hidden good, surrounding, womb
Tet (ט) is the ninth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and it carries a beautiful secret: it first appears in the Torah in the word טוֹב (tov, 'good') — when God looked at His creation and declared it 'good' (Genesis 1:4). The ancient pictographic form of Tet was a coiled snake or a woven basket, both of which suggest something hidden or contained within. This gives Tet its spiritual meaning: hidden goodness, the good that is not yet visible but is being formed in the darkness. Like a baby in the womb (nine months — Tet's number!) or a seed in the soil, Tet teaches that God's goodness is often at work in places we cannot see.
How to Pronounce Tet
Tet makes a 'T' sound, similar to the T in 'top.' In ancient Hebrew, it was a more emphatic, deeper T sound than Tav.
“God saw that the light was good (tov), and he separated the light from the darkness.”
Ancient Pictographic Form
The ancient pictographic Tet resembled a coiled snake or a container/basket. Some scholars see it as a wheel or a womb. It evolved through Phoenician and eventually influenced the Greek Theta (Θ).
Pictograph: A coiled snake or a woven basket
Spiritual Significance
Tet represents hidden goodness and the gestation of blessing. Its first appearance in Torah as 'good' (tov) sets its spiritual tone. The number 9 connects to pregnancy (nine months), truth emerging from hiddenness, and the fruits of the Spirit. Tet's shape — curved inward — suggests interiority, the good that is being formed within before it is revealed.
Connection to Scripture
The very first time Tet appears in the Bible is in Genesis 1:4 — 'God saw that the light was good (tov).' This establishes Tet as the letter of divine goodness. The word 'tahor' (pure/clean) also begins with Tet, connecting purity to goodness.
Words That Begin with Tet
Tov
Good
Tahor
Pure, clean
Teva
Nature
Tal
Dew
Ta'am
Taste, reason
Modern Hebrew Usage
In modern Hebrew, Tet appears in words like טוֹב (tov, good), טֶבַע (teva, nature), טָהוֹר (tahor, pure/clean), and טַל (tal, dew). The common greeting 'Shabbat Shalom u'mevorach' is often accompanied by 'Yom Tov' (Good Day), featuring Tet.
People Also Ask
What is the first word in the Bible that contains Tet?
The first word containing Tet in the Bible is טוֹב (tov, 'good') in Genesis 1:4 — 'God saw that the light was good.' This establishes Tet as the letter of divine goodness from the very beginning of Scripture.
What does Tov mean in Hebrew?
Tov (טוֹב) means 'good' in Hebrew. It's one of the most important words in the Bible, first appearing when God evaluates His creation. 'Mazel Tov' (Good fortune/Congratulations) is one of the most recognized Hebrew phrases worldwide.
Fun Fact
Tet is the only letter that does not appear in the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Some mystics interpret this as meaning that ultimate goodness (Tet/Tov) transcends tribal identity and belongs to all of God's people equally.
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