טַבָּח (tab.bach)
tab.bach
guardsman
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun tabbach refers to a member of a royal guard or an executioner, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible at Daniel 2:14. In this context, it describes the soldiers sent by King Nebuchadnezzar to destroy the wise men of Babylon for failing to interpret his dream.
Its root connects to the Hebrew tabach (H2876), which means to slaughter or cut. This etymology highlights the word’s dual nature: these officials served as both protectors of the king and agents of capital punishment. The term emphasizes their role in enforcing royal authority through force.
Translators often render it "guardsmen" or "executioners," reflecting this combination of military duty and lethal power. The single occurrence underscores the terrifying reach of imperial justice, where even those closest to the throne could be targeted by these armed servants.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tabbach describes a royal guardsman or executioner in Daniel 2:14. These were not merely soldiers but agents of the king’s absolute power, sent to kill the wise men who could not interpret his dream. Their presence shows how quickly imperial justice can turn from protection to destruction.
Yet this scene reveals God’s sovereignty over earthly authority. Even when armed guards stand ready to execute, Daniel responds with wisdom and prayer rather than fear. The story reminds us that no human power can override divine purpose. When threats loom, turning to God brings peace that surpasses understanding.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- executioners/ the1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- טַבָּחַיָּ֖/א1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:14
Then Daniel returned answer with counsel and prudence to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard, who had gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon.
This verse shows the tabbachs acting as agents of death for failing wise men, highlighting the danger Daniel faced before God intervened.