Original Word: אַל תַּשְׁחֵת
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: Al tashcheth
Pronunciation: al-tash-KHAYT
Phonetic Spelling: (al tash-kayth')
Definition: "Do not destroy"
Meaning: Thou must not destroy'

Al-taschith

From 'al and shachath; Thou must not destroy; probably the opening words to a popular song -- Al-taschith.

see HEBREW 'al

see HEBREW shachath

Word Origin
from al and shachath
Definition
"destroy not," a phrase in Psalm titles.

Word Origin: Derived from the Hebrew root שָׁחַת (shachat), meaning "to destroy" or "to ruin."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Greek equivalent for the Hebrew phrase אַל תַּשְׁחֵת. However, the concept of preservation and protection can be related to Greek terms such as σῴζω (sózó • Strong's Greek 4982), meaning "to save" or "to preserve," and φυλάσσω (phylassó • Strong's Greek 5442), meaning "to guard" or "to keep." These Greek terms capture the essence of seeking divine protection and deliverance, similar to the plea expressed in אַל תַּשְׁחֵת.

Usage: This phrase is used in the context of a plea or command to refrain from destruction. It appears in the titles of several Psalms, indicating a tune or a theme of preservation and protection.

Context: The phrase אַל תַּשְׁחֵת is notably found in the titles of Psalms 57, 58, 59, and 75. These Psalms are attributed to David and are often associated with times of distress or danger, where David seeks divine intervention and protection. The phrase is understood to be a musical or liturgical term, possibly indicating the melody to which these Psalms were to be sung or the thematic focus of the plea for God's deliverance and mercy. In these contexts, the phrase underscores a deep reliance on God's power to preserve and protect from harm or destruction. The use of אַל תַּשְׁחֵת reflects a theological understanding of God's sovereignty and the believer's trust in His ability to save and sustain.

תַּ֭שְׁחֵת תַּשְׁחֵ֑ת תַּשְׁחֵ֗ת תַּשְׁחֵת֮ תשחת taš·ḥêṯ Tashchet tašḥêṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts