Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the etymology of the word “totafos,” referring to the head tefilin (Shemos 13:16).

Rabbi Akiva explains that the word is composed of two foreign terms meaning “two”: “tat” in the language of Katfei and “pat” in Afriki, totaling four. Why would the Torah use such obscure terminology instead of simply saying “four”?

Sefer Daf Al Daf cites the Pri Ha’Aretz, who explains that since Hebrew is the root language, remnants of it remain embedded in other languages as spiritual pathways back to holiness.

Likkutei Moharan (33:2) teaches that holiness can be found everywhere, even in secular or foreign contexts. The Torah’s use of obscure languages emphasizes that Godliness can be accessed even in distant strata. The formulation “two plus two” instead of four may imply that uncovering holiness often requires aggregation—piecing together fragmented experiences to arrive at spiritual awareness.