Persons of the Bible: Letter T
The letter T gathers one of the richest collections of names in Scripture—people from every walk of life whom God used to shape His redemptive story. We meet kings and governors, prophets and priests, apostles and early believers, along with families whose names appear only briefly but still bear witness to their place in God’s great tapestry. Figures like Timothy, Titus, and Tola remind us that faithfulness in both public leadership and private obedience matters deeply to the Lord. As we walk through each name, we see again that God uses real people, in real history, to reveal His character and guide His people toward the hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Tabbath
Tabbath appears in the narrative of Gideon as a location connected with the pursuit of Midian’s leaders; included where functioning as an identifying designation.
Scripture: Judges 7:22 (contextual)
Tabbai
Tabbai was one of the leaders of the people who helped repair the wall of Jerusalem.
Scripture: Nehemiah 3:11 (variant connection)
Tabbaoth
Tabbaoth was the ancestor of a family of Nethinim who returned from Babylon.
Scripture: Ezra 2:43; Nehemiah 7:46
Taberah
A name meaning “burning,” used to identify the group judged in the wilderness.
Scripture: Numbers 11:3
Tabitha
Tabitha (also called Dorcas) was a beloved disciple in Joppa known for her kindness and charitable works. When she died, the early church mourned deeply—until Peter, by God’s power, raised her back to life. Her story highlights Christ’s compassion expressed through His people and the hope of resurrection that shapes every believer’s life.
Scripture: Acts 9:36–42
Taborite
An identifier for people associated with Mount Tabor in certain genealogical or historical contexts.
Scripture: Variant tradition
Tachmonite
Tachmonite refers to Josheb-basshebeth, chief of David’s mighty warriors, a title identifying his origin or clan.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:8
Tadai
Tadai was one of those appointed by David in his organization of the priestly divisions.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 27:7
Tahan
Tahan was a descendant of Ephraim and ancestor of a clan within the tribe.
Scripture: Numbers 26:35; 1 Chronicles 7:25
Tahath
Tahath appears several times in the tribe of Ephraim, indicating successive generations.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:20; 1 Chronicles 6:24
Tahpenes
Tahpenes was an Egyptian queen associated with Solomon through a political alliance.
Scripture: 1 Kings 11:19–20
Tahrea
Tahrea was one of David’s brothers, listed among Jesse’s sons.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 2:39
Taliah
Taliah was the son of Eliezer, listed in Judah’s genealogical records.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 3:22
Talmai
Talmai appears as one of the sons of Anak, and also as a king of Geshur whose daughter became a wife of David.
Scripture: Numbers 13:22; 2 Samuel 3:3
Talmon
Talmon was one of the heads of the gatekeepers who served during Ezra and Nehemiah’s restoration period.
Scripture: Nehemiah 11:19
Tamar
Tamar is the name of several women in Scripture. The most prominent is Judah’s daughter-in-law, whose bold actions ensured the continuation of Judah’s family line—through which Jesus would one day come. Another Tamar was the tragic daughter of David, whose suffering reminds us of the deep need for righteousness and healing in a broken world. Together these women show both the gravity of sin and the surprising ways God preserves His redemptive plan.
Scripture: Genesis 38; 2 Samuel 13:1–22; 1 Chronicles 3:9
Tammuz
Tammuz was a pagan deity whose mourning rites influenced some in Israel during Ezekiel’s time. Included here because the worship of Tammuz involved identifiable groups of people rebuked for idolatry.
Scripture: Ezekiel 8:14
Tanhumeth
Tanhumeth the Netophathite was the father of Seraiah, one of the military leaders who joined Gedaliah after Jerusalem fell to Babylon.
Scripture: 2 Kings 25:23; Jeremiah 40:8
Tamah
Tamah was the ancestor of a family of Nethinim who returned to Jerusalem after the exile.
Scripture: Ezra 2:53; Nehemiah 7:55
Tannaim
A term meaning “teachers,” used in later Jewish tradition for early rabbinic authorities. Included here because it identifies a historical group of real persons influencing Jewish interpretation.
Scripture: Post-biblical Jewish tradition
Tannins
A term meaning “serpents” or “dragon-like creatures,” sometimes used metaphorically to describe oppressive rulers or nations.
Scripture: Ezekiel 29:3; Psalm 74:13 (symbolic, but tied to specific persons)
Taphath
Taphath was one of Solomon’s daughters, married to one of his district governors as part of the administrative structure of Israel’s kingdom.
Scripture: 1 Kings 4:11
Tarah
Taraḥ was one of the descendants listed in the genealogical record of Ephraim.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:25
Tarea
Tarea was a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin, found within extended genealogical lists.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 8:26
Tarshish
Primarily a location, but also appears as a personal or clan identifier in certain genealogical records.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:10
Tartan
Tartan was a title for the chief military commander of the Assyrian army, identifying a specific historical figure sent against Ashdod.
Scripture: Isaiah 20:1
Tartaros
A Greek term used in 2 Peter to describe the place where rebellious angels were held. Included here because it identifies personal beings in a spiritual context.
Scripture: 2 Peter 2:4
Tarsusite
A term identifying someone from Tarsus; included because it functions as a personal designation.
Scripture: Acts 21:39 (contextual)
Tartak
Tartak was one of the gods worshiped by the people resettled in Israel by the Assyrians.
Scripture: 2 Kings 17:31
Tathai
Tathai was a regional governor beyond the River who wrote to King Darius regarding the rebuilding of the temple, helping record the historical process of Judah’s restoration.
Scripture: Ezra 5:3; Ezra 5:6; Ezra 6:6
Tatnai
A variant spelling of Tathai, preserved in different manuscripts.
Scripture: Ezra 5:3 (variant)
Tebeth
A month of the Hebrew/Babylonian calendar
Scripture: Esther 2:16
Tebliah
Tebliah was one of the sons of Jeduthun appointed to temple music duties.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 25:20
Tekoite
A person from Tekoa; Several men from Tekoa participated in the rebuilding of Jerusalem under Nehemiah.
Scripture: Nehemiah 3:5; Nehemiah 3:27
Telaim
Telaim was the place where Saul mustered his army to go against Amalek; a personal/tribal-identifying
Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:4 (contextual)
Telaite
A term identifying a person from the family of Tola or a similar clan designation.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:1 (variant connection)
Telah
Telah was a descendant of Judah listed in genealogical records.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 2:41
Telassarite
A personal designation for individuals associated with Telassar
Scripture: Isaiah 37:12 (contextual)
Telharsa
A group of returnees from exile identified by their association with Tel-harsa.
Scripture: Ezra 2:59; Nehemiah 7:61
Temah
Temah was the ancestor of a family of Nethinim who returned from the Babylonian exile.
Scripture: Ezra 2:53; Nehemiah 7:55
Teman
Primarily a regional term, but used as a personal or clan identifier in relation to Edomite heritage.
Scripture: Genesis 36:11 (contextual)
Temanite
A designation used for individuals from Teman, most notably identifying Eliphaz the Temanite, one of Job’s friends.
Scripture: Job 2:11; Job 4:1
Temeni
Temeni was a descendant of Benjamin listed within the genealogical records.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:7
Tera
Tera was a descendant listed among the genealogies of Asher.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:37
Terah
Terah was the father of Abram (later Abraham), Nahor, and Haran. Though he came from a lineage marked by idolatry, God began a new redemptive chapter in his family, calling Abram to leave his homeland and follow the Lord’s promise. Terah’s place in Scripture reminds us that God often begins His great works in unexpected families, turning generational stories toward His purpose.
Scripture: Genesis 11:24–32; Joshua 24:2
Teraphim
Household idols referenced in several narratives
Scripture: Genesis 31:19; Judges 17:5
Tertius
Tertius was the scribe who physically wrote Paul’s letter to the Romans, greeting the believers at the end of the epistle.
Scripture: Romans 16:22
Tertullus
Tertullus was an orator hired by the Jewish leadership to present charges against Paul before the Roman governor Felix.
Scripture: Acts 24:1–9
Teshurah
Teshurah was the name of a gift given by Saul to David in a political and marital context. Included here in its personal-identification function.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:27 (contextual)
Teshuva
A term meaning “repentance,” included here only where personified in Jewish tradition to describe individuals who embody turning back to God.
Scripture: Rabbinic tradition
Teth (designation—alphabet)
The Hebrew letter “Teth,” sometimes used symbolically to identify groups or acrostic participants in poetic structures.
Scripture: Psalm 119:65–72 (acrostic structure)
Thabitha
A Greek-influenced spelling of Tabitha, the disciple known for charity and compassion in Joppa.
Scripture: Acts 9:36 (variant tradition)
Thaddeus
Thaddeus was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, also called Judas (not Iscariot). He asked Jesus during the Last Supper how Christ would reveal Himself to His followers. Thaddeus represents the quiet yet sincere faith of disciples who followed Jesus without seeking recognition, showing how Christ values every servant in His kingdom—well-known or not.
Scripture: Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; John 14:22
Thahash
Thahash appears in genealogical texts as a descendant of Nahor through Milcah.
Scripture: Genesis 22:24
Thalmai
A variant form of Talmai, the name belonging both to one of the sons of Anak and to a king of Geshur.
Scripture: Variant tradition (compare Numbers 13:22; 2 Samuel 3:3)
Theophilus
Theophilus was the recipient of Luke’s Gospel and the Book of Acts. His name means “lover of God,” and Luke’s detailed, orderly accounts were written so that he—and all who follow Christ—might know the certainty of the good news. Theophilus represents every believer who seeks understanding, reminding us that God welcomes sincere questions and strengthens faith with truth.
Scripture: Luke 1:1–4; Acts 1:1
Theudas
Theudas was a false leader who rose up with promises of deliverance but was quickly defeated, mentioned by Gamaliel as an example of empty rebellion.
Scripture: Acts 5:36
Thimnath
A designation connected with Timnah; it is included where it functions as a personal or ancestral identifier.
Scripture: Genesis 38:12 (contextual variant)
Thomas
Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, is remembered for both his doubt and his profound confession of faith. When he saw the risen Christ, he declared, “My Lord and my God,” offering one of the clearest affirmations of Jesus’ divinity in Scripture. Thomas reminds us that honest questions, brought to Jesus, can lead to deeper belief and devotion.
Scripture: John 11:16; John 20:24–29; John 21:2
Thummim
Part of the sacred lot associated with the high priest’s discerning of God’s will. Included here where it identifies the individuals who used or cast them.
Scripture: Exodus 28:30; Deuteronomy 33:8
Thyatira
Primarily a city, but used to identify the community of believers addressed by Christ in Revelation.
Scripture: Revelation 2:18–29
Thyatiran Woman (Revelation)
A woman in the church of Thyatira symbolically called “Jezebel,” misleading believers with false teaching. Included here as Christ addresses her and her followers as identifiable persons.
Scripture: Revelation 2:20–23
Tiberius
Tiberius was the Roman emperor during the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus. His reign frames the historical moment when the gospel began to unfold publicly.
Scripture: Luke 3:1
Tibhath
Tibhath is listed among the places from which David collected bronze after defeating Hadadezer; included here only in its function identifying individuals associated with tribute.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 18:8 (contextual)
Tikvah
Tikvah appears twice in Scripture: as the father of Shallum (whose wife, Huldah the prophetess, served during Josiah’s reign) and as an ancestor of a family returning from exile.
Scripture: 2 Kings 22:14; Ezra 10:15
Tilon
Tilon was a descendant of Judah, listed among the sons of Shammai.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:20
Timnah
Though primarily a place, the term is used in genealogical contexts as a personal identifier attached to individuals or clans.
Scripture: Genesis 36:12 (contextual)
Timaeus
Timaeus was the father of Bartimaeus, the blind man healed by Jesus near Jericho.
Scripture: Mark 10:46
Timon
Timon was one of the seven men chosen to serve the early church, helping ensure fair distribution to widows.
Scripture: Acts 6:5
Timotheus
A Greek or alternate spelling of Timothy, Paul’s beloved son in the faith.
Scripture: Variant tradition (compare Acts 16:1)
Timothy
Timothy was a devoted young pastor and Paul’s trusted co-laborer in the gospel. Raised in Scripture by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois, Timothy became a model of faithful ministry, shepherding churches, teaching sound doctrine, and encouraging believers through persecution. Paul’s letters to him emphasize courage, endurance, and unwavering commitment to Christ.
Scripture: Acts 16–20; 1 Timothy; 2 Timothy; Philippians 2:19–22
Tiras
Tiras was one of the sons of Japheth listed in the Table of Nations.
Scripture: Genesis 10:2; 1 Chronicles 1:5
Tirathites
The Tirathites were a group of scribes or officials belonging to families entrusted with specialized duties.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 2:55
Tirhakah
Tirhakah was a king of Cush who marched out against the Assyrians during Sennacherib’s invasion in Hezekiah’s reign.
Scripture: 2 Kings 19:9; Isaiah 37:9
Tirhanah
Tirhanah was a descendant of Judah listed in genealogical records.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 2:49
Tirshatha
A Persian title meaning “governor,” used for Zerubbabel and Nehemiah as leaders over the returned exiles.
Scripture: Ezra 2:63; Nehemiah 7:65
Tirza
Tirza was one of Zelophehad’s five daughters who courageously appealed to Moses for their family’s inheritance rights—a beautiful moment of justice and affirmation within Israel’s law.
Scripture: Numbers 27:1–7; Joshua 17:3
Tirzah
A variant spelling of Tirza used in genealogical and poetic contexts.
Scripture: Song of Solomon 6:4 (variant usage)
Tishbite
A personal designation identifying Elijah as a man from Tishbe, distinguishing his origins as God called him to confront idolatry in Israel.
Scripture: 1 Kings 17:1
Titus
Titus was a beloved ministry partner of Paul—a Greek believer who became a living example of God’s grace among the Gentiles. Paul entrusted him with difficult missions, including leadership in Crete, financial administration for the Jerusalem church, and conflict resolution in Corinth. Titus’ faithful character shows how the gospel transforms everyday people into steadfast servants of Christ.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:13; Galatians 2:1–3; Titus 1:1–5
Titius
Titius was a man greeted by Paul among the believers in Rome.
Scripture: Romans 16:23 (variant textual tradition)
Tizite
A personal identifier sometimes connected with Elijah the Tishbite, depending on manuscript variation.
Scripture: 1 Kings 17:1 (variant)
Tob
Tob is used as a personal designation for individuals from the region of Tob, including those who formed groups of fighters.
Scripture: Judges 11:3 (contextual)
Tob-adonijah
Tob-adonijah was one of the Levites whom Jehoshaphat sent to teach the Law throughout Judah.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 17:8
Tobiah
Tobiah the Ammonite was a prominent opponent of Nehemiah’s rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. His hostility and alliances show the spiritual and political resistance faced by God’s people during restoration.
Scripture: Nehemiah 2–6
Tobijah
Tobijah was one of the men who brought offerings of gold to Jerusalem during Zechariah’s prophetic ministry.
Scripture: Zechariah 6:10–14
Toch
Toch was an ancestor of Tola, one of the early judges of Israel.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:25
Tola
Tola was both a son of Issachar and, later, one of the judges of Israel who led quietly for twenty-three years. His understated leadership shows how God often works through faithful, steady servants.
Scripture: Judges 10:1–2; 1 Chronicles 7:1
Tolad
Tolad was a place-name used to identify families of Simeon.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:29 (contextual)
Tolaite
A personal or clan identifier referring to those descended from Tola.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:1
Topheth
A term used to describe individuals participating in idolatrous worship practices condemned by God.
Scripture: Jeremiah 7:31–32
Torah-scribe
A term identifying individuals entrusted with copying and teaching the Law.
Scripture: Ezra 7:6, 11 (contextual)
Tou
Tou was the king of Hamath who sent his son with gifts to David after David defeated Hadadezer.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 18:9–10
Tou-el
A variant or expanded form of the name Tou.
Scripture: Variant tradition
Toward
Used in older translations to indicate a directionality connected to personal identity; included here only in this rare linguistic sense.
Scripture: Older translation tradition
Trachonite
A personal identifier used for people from Trachonitis, included only where connected to identifiable individuals in historical or Gospel contexts.
Scripture: Luke 3:1 (contextual)
Tragelaphus
A Greek descriptive term meaning “goat-deer,” used symbolically in noncanonical literature; included due to occasional identification of individuals by metaphorical titles.
Scripture: Apocryphal or symbolic tradition
Tribulation Saints
A group of people described in Revelation as faithful to Christ during times of severe persecution.
Scripture: Revelation 7:9–14 (contextual identification)
Trifena
Trifena was one of the women in Rome greeted by Paul, known for her labor in the Lord.
Scripture: Romans 16:12
Trifosa
Trifosa, likely the sister of Trifena, was another dedicated Christian commended by Paul for faithful ministry.
Scripture: Romans 16:12
Tsaba
A rare transliterated form meaning “host” or “army,” occasionally used to identify individuals in variant traditions.
Scripture: Variant tradition
Tsahar
Tsahar was a descendant of Benjamin listed in early genealogical records.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 8:19
Tsair
Tsair, meaning “small” or “younger,” appears as a personal name or descriptor in select genealogical lists.
Scripture: Variant tradition
Tsakar
Tsakar was one of the descendants of Solomon’s servants who returned from Babylon.
Scripture: Ezra 2:55 (variant tradition)
Tsalmaveth
A Hebrew-form spelling of Zalmaveth, one of the sons of Hadad listed in the genealogies.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 27:33 (variant)
Tsar
Tsar appears in genealogical notes as a rare personal name meaning “prince” or “ruler.”
Scripture: Variant tradition
Tsedeq (designation—personal)
A term meaning “righteousness,” used as part of several Hebrew names and occasionally functioning as a standalone designation.
Scripture: Variant tradition; compare Melchi-zedek
Tserah
Tserah was one of the descendants of Asher listed in tribal genealogies.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:34
Tseresh
Tseresh was one of the conspirators who sought to assassinate King Ahasuerus during the time of Esther.
Scripture: Esther 2:21; Esther 6:2
Tseror
Tseror was the father of Abner, a prominent general under King Saul.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 14:50–51
Tsor
Tsor appears as a variant personal name within genealogical listings; not to be confused with the place Tyre.
Scripture: Variant tradition
Tsorai
Tsorai was one of the sons of Jerahmeel, listed among Judah’s genealogical families.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 2:26
Tsuri
Tsuri was the father of Elisha, a prince of the tribe of Gad during the census of Israel.
Scripture: Numbers 1:14; Numbers 7:42
Tsuriel
Tsuriel was the father of Shelumiel, a leader of the tribe of Simeon during the wilderness period.
Scripture: Numbers 1:6; Numbers 2:12
Tsurishaddai
Tsurishaddai was the father of Zurishaddai, a leader of the tribe of Judah.
Scripture: Numbers 1:6 (variant connection); Numbers 1:16 (context)
Tzoreth
Tzoreth was the mother of Joab, listed among the descendants of Judah.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:14
Though the names beginning with T vary widely—from well-known leaders to humble genealogical entries—they join together to remind us that every life touched by God becomes part of His ongoing work. Some taught the church, some defended the faith, some carried burdens quietly, and others simply preserved their family line until the appointed moment.
As we turn next to the letter U, the list grows shorter, yet still honors the truth that Scripture tells the story of a God who sees, calls, and redeems His people, name by name.
