Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Trevor & Julie Peterson" <06peterson AT cua.edu>]

Kevin wrote:

> What is the etymology of the word tallit?  I have seen
> the suggestion on the internet that it means "little
> tent," but I would like to verify whether that is
> correct.

The term generally refers to a covering, and I think it could apply equally
well to a tent of some sort and to a garment.

> As I understand it, the word is not attested
> in BH and derives from Mishnaic Hebrew.

It does seem to be derived from a verbal root that appears in BH, as well as
various Aramaic dialects, meaning "to cover."
>
> Further, is there any linguistic relationship between
> the tallit and the talitha in talitha cumi?  I
> understand that talitha is the feminine form of
> Aramaic talya, "lamb, youth."  Is the similarity of
> appearance just accidental?

I would think it is accidental. The stem of talitha seems to be final-yod,
whereas tallit appears to derive from a geminate root (tet-lamed-lamed).

Trevor Peterson
CUA/Semitics