טוֹב (tov)
tov
Tob
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun ṭôv (טוֹב) refers to a specific geographic region situated east of the Jordan River, likely north or northeast of Gilead. While the Hebrew word ṭôv commonly means "good," this usage as a place name is distinct. Lexical sources identify it as an Aramean territory, though its exact location remains uncertain among scholars.
This region appears in only four biblical verses, primarily within the books of Judges and II Samuel. In these contexts, it serves as a political or military backdrop rather than a theological symbol. The text notes it as a distinct entity separate from Israelite lands, highlighting its role in the broader geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East during the period of the judges and early monarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Tob appears in Scripture as a specific region east of the Jordan, distinct from the land of Israel. In Judges, it serves as a place of refuge for Jephthah, where he gathered followers before being called back to lead his people during a time of crisis. This historical detail reminds us that God often uses unexpected places and people to accomplish His purposes.
In 2 Samuel, Tob is mentioned among the allied forces opposing King David, highlighting the complex political landscape of the ancient Near East. While the text does not offer deep theological commentary on this territory, its inclusion shows how Israel’s history was intertwined with neighboring nations. These brief references ground our faith in real geography and actual human struggles.
Reflecting on these passages can encourage us to see God’s sovereignty over all nations and histories. Even when circumstances seem chaotic or when we find ourselves in unfamiliar territories, the biblical narrative assures us that God remains present and active. We can trust in His guidance through every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Tob4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- טֽוֹב\׃1×
- ט֣וֹב1×
- ט֔וֹב1×
- ט֑וֹב1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 11:3
Then Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob. Outlaws joined up with Jephthah, and they went out with him.
This verse establishes Tob as a place of refuge where Jephthah gathered outlaws, setting the stage for his later leadership.
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Judges 11:5
When the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah out of the land of Tob.
Here, the elders of Gilead seek Jephthah out of Tob, showing how this distant region became central to Israel's military crisis.
-
II Samuel 10:6
When the children of Ammon saw that they had become odious to David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Beth Rehob and the Syrians of Zobah, twenty thousand footmen, and the king of Maacah with one thousand men, and the men of Tob twelve thousand men.
Tob is listed among the hired forces opposing David, illustrating its role in the broader geopolitical conflicts of the early monarchy.