טַבַּ֫עַת (tab.ba.at)
tab.ba.at
ring
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 38 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun tabbaʿat refers to a ring, encompassing both simple ornaments and functional signet rings used for sealing documents. Its core meaning derives from the root verb tabaʿ, which means "to sink" or "to imprint," pointing to the physical act of pressing a seal into soft wax or clay. This etymology highlights the word’s primary ancient function: creating an impression that verified identity and authorized action.
While it can denote jewelry, such as the nose rings mentioned in Isaiah 3:21, the term appears most frequently in Exodus describing the bronze rings attached to the Ark of the Covenant and other sacred furniture. These rings served a practical purpose, allowing poles to be inserted for carrying the holy items without touching them directly. This usage underscores the word’s association with structure and utility within the tabernacle.
In narrative contexts, the signet ring carries significant weight as a symbol of delegated authority. The most notable example occurs in Genesis 41:42, when Pharaoh removes his own ring and places it on Joseph’s hand, granting him power to govern Egypt. Similarly, in Esther 3:10 and 8:2, the king’s signet ring is used to issue binding decrees, demonstrating that the object represented the sovereign’s personal authority and unbreakable command.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tabbaʿat appears in Scripture with two distinct voices. In the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, these rings are functional anchors. They hold the poles that allow the Ark and other sacred items to be carried without being touched directly. This imagery suggests that God’s presence is both holy and mobile, protected by structure yet ready to move among His people.
In narrative passages, the ring becomes a symbol of trust and authority. When Pharaoh places his signet ring on Joseph’s hand, he transfers his power to govern. The ring signifies that the wearer acts with the full weight of the king’s name. For believers, this points to the dignity God grants when He entrusts us with responsibility.
Whether viewed as a piece of jewelry or a tool for carrying the holy, the ring reminds us that identity and authority are often visible through what we carry and how we serve. It invites reflection on the roles God has given us to fulfill with integrity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 38 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- rings of13×
- the/ rings8×
- rings5×
- with/ [the] signet-ring of4×
- in the/ rings4×
- signet-ring/ his3×
- the/ ring2×
- rings/ their2×
- from/ rings/ its2×
- [the] rings of2×
- the/ signet-rings1×
- in/ [the] rings of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- טַבְּעֹ֣ת8×
- הַ/טַּבָּעֹ֑ת4×
- טַבְּעֹ֨ת3×
- טַבְּע֣וֹת3×
- הַ/טַּבָּעֹ֔ת3×
- טַבָּעֹ֗ת2×
- הַ/טַּבַּ֖עַת2×
- בַּ/טַּבָּעֹ֔ת2×
- בְּ/טַבַּ֥עַת2×
- בְּ/טַבַּ֣עַת2×
- מִֽ/טַּבְּעֹתָ֞י/ו1×
- מִ/טַּבְּעֹתָי/ו֩1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 41:42
Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck.
This verse captures the transfer of sovereign authority, as Pharaoh’s personal seal is placed on Joseph to authorize his governance over Egypt.
-
Exodus 25:14
You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark.
Here the rings serve a protective function, ensuring the Ark is carried by poles rather than direct contact, preserving its holiness during transit.
-
Exodus 35:22
They came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought brooches, earrings, signet rings, and armlets, all jewels of gold; even every man who offered an offering of gold to Yahweh.
This occurrence highlights the voluntary nature of worship, as people bring signet rings and other gold jewelry as freewill offerings to Yahweh.