טַבָּחָה (tab.ba.chah)

tab.ba.chah

cook

H2879 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-F

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-F

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun tabbachah refers specifically to a female cook. It appears only once in the entire Bible, in 1 Samuel 8:13. In this verse, it is part of a list of duties that a future king will impose on the people.

The word derives from the root for cooking or preparing food. By specifying "female," the text highlights a distinct role within the household or royal service. Its singular occurrence underscores how rare and specific this term is in biblical Hebrew, marking a precise social function rather than a general concept of culinary work.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word tabbachah appears only once in Scripture, found in 1 Samuel 8:13. Here, it describes a female cook among other services a king would demand from his people. This single mention reminds us that every role, no matter how humble or hidden, has a place in the biblical narrative.

When we read about cooks and bakers serving royalty, we see that daily work is not separate from spiritual life. God cares about the hands that prepare food and the hearts that serve others. Your own efforts, whether in a kitchen or an office, are seen and valued by Him.

This verse invites us to honor the quiet dignity of service. It encourages you to bring your whole self to your daily tasks, knowing that faithful work matters deeply to God.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

and/ to/ cooks1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

וּ/לְ/טַבָּח֖וֹת1×

Key Verses

I Samuel 8:13
He will take your daughters to be perfumers, to be cooks, and to be bakers.

This is the only occurrence of tabbachah in the Bible, where it specifies a female cook among the burdens a king will impose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word tabbachah mean?

Tabbachah is a Hebrew noun that specifically means 'female cook.' It refers to a woman who prepares food, particularly in a professional or royal household setting.

Where does tabbachah appear in the Bible?

It appears only once, in 1 Samuel 8:13. The verse lists it among other duties like perfumery and baking that a future king would require from the people.

Why is this word significant despite its single use?

Its rarity highlights the specific social roles women held in ancient Israel. It shows that even domestic labor was recognized and listed as part of the kingdom's structure, reminding us that all work has value.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

I Samuel 1 verse

I Samuel 8:13

He will take your daughters to be perfumers, to be cooks, and to be bakers.