The meaning of “תְּפִלָּה”
Understanding tᵉphillâh reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
prayer. - intercession, supplication - by implication, a hymn 1) prayer 1a) prayer 1b) pray a prayer 1c) house of prayer...
תְּפִלָּה
prayer. - intercession, supplication - by implication, a hymn 1) prayer 1a) prayer 1b) pray a prayer 1c) house of prayer 1d) hear prayer 1e) in Ps titles (of poetic or liturgical prayer)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Samuel 7:27 | “For thou, O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.” Word: תְּפִלָּה (tᵉphillâh) | |
| 2 Kings 20:5 | “Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord.” Word: תְּפִלָּה (tᵉphillâh) | |
| Nehemiah 1:11 | “O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer. ” Word: תְּפִלָּה (tᵉphillâh) | |
| Psalms 80:4 | “O Lord God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people?” Word: תְּפִלָּה (tᵉphillâh) | |
| Isaiah 38:5 | “Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.” Word: תְּפִלָּה (tᵉphillâh) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Prayer
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Prayer, intercession
The Hebrew tefillah (תְּפִלָּה) means prayer or intercession—communion with God through petition and praise. Solomon's temple was to be 'a house of prayer for all people' (Isaiah 56:7).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Prayer, petition
The Greek proseuche (προσευχή) denotes prayer—communication with God. Believers are exhorted to 'pray without ceasing' (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and 'in everything by prayer and supplication' present requests to God (Philippians 4:6).