טְבַלְיָ֫הוּ (te.val.ya.hu)
te.val.ya.hu
Tebaliah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Tebaliah, or טְבַלְיָ֫הוּ in Hebrew, appears only once in Scripture, at 1 Chronicles 26:11. It identifies a man from the tribe of Levi who served as a gatekeeper for the temple during the period of the Divided Monarchy. He is described as the third son of Hosah and belongs to the line of Merari, one of the three main families assigned to temple service.
Etymologically, the name combines the verb tabal, meaning "to dip" or "immerse," with Yahweh, the divine name. This structure yields a meaning such as "Yahweh has purified" or "immersed by God." In this context, the imagery of dipping likely refers to ritual cleansing, reflecting the high value placed on purity for those serving in the sanctuary.
His role as a gatekeeper was significant, as these officials guarded the entrances to the temple courts and managed access for worshippers. Being listed alongside his brothers Shimri, Hilkiah, and Zechariah highlights the family-based nature of these duties. The name itself serves as a constant reminder of the spiritual cleanliness required for such sacred service.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Tebaliah carries a quiet but powerful meaning: "Yahweh has purified." Found only in 1 Chronicles 26:11, this brief mention highlights a man from the tribe of Levi who served as a gatekeeper for the temple. His role was not merely administrative; it required maintaining the spiritual cleanliness necessary for those entering God's holy space.
For believers today, this name serves as a gentle reminder that our access to God is grounded in His work of cleansing us. We do not earn our place through ritual washing alone, but through the grace that purifies our hearts. This ancient figure points to the truth that God prepares those who serve Him, setting them apart for sacred duties.
When we consider the dedication required for temple service, we are invited to reflect on our own lives. Just as Tebaliah stood guard at the entrance, we are called to protect the holiness of our relationship with God. His story encourages us to trust in God's power to cleanse and prepare us for whatever He has planned.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Tebaliah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- טְבַלְיָ֣הוּ1×