The Term "Teiku"

What does it mean when the Talmud concludes an extensive debate with the word “Teiku?” There are a number of other interesting explanations of what this word 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 (Elijah) the Prophet] will resolve all questions and queries.” [1] According to another approach, the word teiku is related to the word tik , meaning “a pouch” or “pocket” as if to say that the answer 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. Finally, some explain that teiku is short for teikum (let it remain unanswered). 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.

According to the first answer given above, why is it specifically Eliyahu who will be the one to settle all the unresolved Talmudic disputes? When Eliyahu returns to this world at the Resurrection of the Dead, many other great sages will return, as well. Why won’t it be Moshe Rabbeinu or Avraham Avinu who reveal the answers to unanswered Talmudic disputes? Why does the job go to Eliyahu?

Among the answers offered to this question is that the difference between Eliyahu and Moshe Rabbeinu, and all other great leaders and sages from throughout the ages, is that we are told that Eliyahu Hanavi “never died.” We are taught that Eliyahu was one of the few people who ascended to heaven alive, and that he continues to interact with this world to this day. [2] For example, we are told that Eliyahu attends every brit mila and every Pesach Seder. He “interacts” with us and is aware of our lives and our challenges. 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. As great as Moshe Rabbeinu or anyone else was, they have been “out of touch” with the Jewish people for quite some time.

It is interesting to note that Eliyahu is referred to in three different ways: Eliyahu Hanavi, Eliyahu Hatishbi, and Eliyahu Hagiladi. The term “Hanavi” refers to Eliyahu in his role as a prophet, especially as it applies to his role in heralding the arrival of Mashiach.[3] The term “Hatishbi” is intended to correspond to the word tashiv , meaning “to return,” referring to Eliyahu’s role as the one who will return and arouse and inspire the Jewish people to repentance. [4] Finally, the term “Giladi” is another name for the lishkat hagazit , the chamber in the Beit Hamikdash where halachic matters were decided, referring to Eliyahu’s role in deciding halacha. Others suggest that “Hagiladi” refers to the village where Eliyahu lived, in Gilad, in northern Israel.

1  Tosafot Yom Tov , Eduyot 8:7.

2 Others who ascended to heaven alive include Serach (the daughter of Asher), Chanoch, Eliezer (the servant of Avraham), Batya, and several others.

3 Malachi 3:23.

4 Ibid., 3:24.