טַבָּעוֹת (tab.ba.ot)
tab.ba.ot
Tabbaoth
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The Hebrew word tabbaoth is a proper noun referring to a specific family among the Nethinim, or temple servants, who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both within the genealogical lists of Ezra 2:43 and Nehemiah 7:46. The name itself is translated as "rings," likely serving as a descriptive nickname for the family or perhaps indicating their role in handling sacred vessels.
As a rare personal identifier, tabbaoth highlights the detailed record-keeping of the post-exilic community. Its inclusion in these lists underscores the importance of lineage and service identity during the restoration of Jerusalem. The term does not carry theological weight beyond its historical function, marking one small branch of the larger group dedicated to temple maintenance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read the long lists of names in Ezra and Nehemiah, it is easy to feel they are merely historical footnotes. Yet these records preserve the identity of families like Tabbaoth, who served as temple servants after returning from exile. Their inclusion reminds us that God values ordinary faithfulness just as much as extraordinary leadership.
The name itself suggests a connection to rings, perhaps indicating their role in handling sacred vessels or jewelry. This small detail highlights how specific roles within the community contributed to the restoration of worship. Every person listed had a part to play in rebuilding what was lost.
For your life today, this word encourages you that your unique contributions matter. Whether your service is visible or behind the scenes, God remembers those who serve with integrity. You are part of a larger story where every faithful act counts toward the restoration of His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Tabbaoth2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- טַבָּעֽוֹת\׃2×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 2:43
The temple servants: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
This verse lists Tabbaoth among the temple servants, showing their specific role in the post-exilic community's worship structure.
-
Nehemiah 7:46
The temple servants: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
The repetition of this name here confirms the family's established identity and continuity in serving the restored temple.