the same as טֶבַח; massacre; Tebach, the name of a Mesopotamian and of an Israelite; Tebah.
Transliteration:Ṭebach
Pronunciation:teh'-bakh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term Ṭebach (`{{H2875}}`) is primarily a proper noun in the biblical text, referring to an individual. While the Strong's definition notes "massacre" as a potential meaning, this appears to be derived from the root טָבַח (`{{H2874}}`), which means "to slaughter," "to butcher," or "to kill." However, Ṭebach (`{{H2875}}`) itself is *not* used as a common noun meaning "massacre" in the Hebrew Bible. Its semantic range is therefore limited to its function as a personal name. Proper nouns often carry an etymological meaning related to their root, suggesting that the name "Tebah" might implicitly evoke concepts of slaughter or butchery, though this is not explicitly stated in its biblical usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Ṭebach (`{{H2875}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible exclusively as a proper noun. Its most significant occurrence is in [[Genesis 22:24]], where Tebah is listed as one of the sons of Nahor, Abraham's brother, by his concubine Reumah. This places Tebah within the broader patriarchal family lineage, though not directly in the covenant line that leads to the nation of Israel. The verse reads: "And Milcah, Nahor’s wife, also bore children to him: Uz his firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel the father of Aram, Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel. And Bethuel became the father of Rebekah. These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother. His concubine, whose name was Reumah, also bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah." Tebah is thus part of the extended family of Abraham, representing a branch of the Mesopotamian Aramaeans. The name also appears in [[1 Chronicles 1:19]] in some textual traditions as a variant of "Tebah" (though the primary reference remains Genesis), indicating its genealogical significance in ancient Near Eastern records.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to Ṭebach (`{{H2875}}`) is its verbal root, טָבַח (`{{H2874}}`). This root signifies "to slaughter," "to butcher," or "to kill," often in the context of animals for food or sacrifice, but also in the context of human killing or massacre. The noun form of טָבַח (`{{H2874}}`) can refer to "slaughter" or "killing" itself, or even to a "slaughterhouse" or "butcher." Other related terms include מִזְבֵּחַ (`{{H4196}}`), "altar," which is derived from a similar root meaning "to slaughter" in the context of offerings. The conceptual link between the proper noun "Tebah" and the act of "slaughter" is primarily etymological, highlighting how ancient names often carried descriptive or aspirational meanings for individuals or their families, even if the direct application is not explicitly detailed in the biblical narrative.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun with limited biblical mention, the direct theological significance of Ṭebach (`{{H2875}}`) is primarily found in its inclusion within the biblical genealogies. The meticulous recording of extended family lines, even those not directly in the covenant lineage of Israel, underscores the Bible's comprehensive scope and its portrayal of a vast human family descended from common ancestors. Tebah's inclusion in Nahor's family tree demonstrates the interconnectedness of peoples in the ancient Near East and provides context for the broader Abrahamic narrative, showing the wider family from which Abraham was called. While the etymological link to "slaughter" might suggest a subtle theological reflection on the prevalence of violence or the nature of human existence in a fallen world, such interpretations for a proper noun with no narrative development remain speculative. Its primary theological import lies in contributing to the biblical record's historical and genealogical integrity, illustrating God's sovereignty over all peoples and their origins.
### Summary
Ṭebach (`{{H2875}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, transliterated as "Tebah," referring to a son of Nahor, Abraham's brother, as recorded in [[Genesis 22:24]]. While its etymological root טָבַח (`{{H2874}}`) means "to slaughter" or "to butcher," Ṭebach (`{{H2875}}`) itself is never used as a common noun for "massacre" in the biblical text. Its significance lies in its role within the patriarchal genealogies, contributing to the detailed historical and familial records of the Bible. Tebah represents a branch of Abraham's extended family, highlighting the interconnectedness of early humanity and the comprehensive nature of biblical record-keeping.
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