Teiku

What does the word "Teiku" mean?

Shalom! 

Thank you for your question. 

“Teiku” is the term used in the Talmud when an argument remains unresolved, or a final ruling cannot be reached. 

There are a number of interesting explanations of what the word “Teiku” means. 

The most popular explanation of the word teiku is that its letters are an acronym for the words “tishbi yetaretz kushiot u’vayot,” meaning, “Tishbi [another name for Eliyahu Hanavi] will resolve all questions and queries.” According to another approach, the word teiku is related to the word tik, meaning “a pouch,” implying that the resolution to the dispute is hidden in “a pouch” and unknown. It is also suggested that teiku derives from ishteku (silence), as if to say that no one knows the answer. Whenever a Talmudic dispute concludes with teiku, the halacha generally follows the stricter opinion if the matter is of a biblical nature, and the lenient opinion if the matter is of a rabbinical nature. 

We are taught that the reason it is Eliyahu who will be the one to resolve all the unresolved Talmudic arguments is because Eliyahu Hanavi “never died.” We are taught that Eliyahu was one of the few individuals who ascended to heaven alive, and that he continues to interact with this world to this day. Indeed, we are told that he comes to every brit mila and Pesach Seder. It is explained that only someone who is familiar with the current realities and challenges that the Jewish people face can be qualified to issue far-reaching halachic decisions that affect the entire nation. 

Tosafot Yom Tov, Eduyot 8:7.