from טָבַח; properly, a butcher; hence, a lifeguardsman (because he was acting as an executioner); also a cook (usually slaughtering the animal for food); cook, guard.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ṭabbâch**, represented by `{{H2876}}`, primarily refers to a **guard** or a **cook**. It appears **32 times** across **32 unique verses**. The word's definition originates from the work of a butcher, which extends metaphorically to a lifeguardsman or executioner, and literally to one who slaughters animals for food.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2876}}` is used in two principal contexts. The most common usage is for a high-ranking royal official, the "**captain of the guard**." In Genesis, Potiphar is introduced as an officer of Pharaoh and "**captain of the guard**" who purchases Joseph [[Genesis 39:1]] and later places him in ward in his house [[Genesis 40:3]]. In Jeremiah and 2 Kings, Nebuzaradan, the "**captain of the guard**" for the king of Babylon, is a central figure in the sacking of Jerusalem, taking captives and carrying out the king's orders ([[Jeremiah 39:9]], [[2 Kings 25:8]]). The word is also used literally to mean "**cook**," as seen when Samuel commands the **cook** to present a specific portion of meat for Saul [[1 Samuel 9:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the roles associated with `{{H2876}}`:
* `{{H8269}}` **sar** (captain, chief, ruler): This title is used to describe the rank of the **guard**. Potiphar is designated as the "**captain** `{{H8269}}` of the **guard**" [[Genesis 39:1]], establishing the role as one of significant authority within a royal or military structure.
* `{{H5631}}` **çârîyç** (officer, chamberlain, eunuch): This term further clarifies the position of a figure like Potiphar, who is called an "**officer** `{{H5631}}` of Pharaoh" in the same context as he is named "**captain of the guard**" [[Genesis 37:36]], linking the role directly to the state administration.
* `{{H6485}}` **pâqad** (appoint, charge, oversee): This verb highlights the functional duties of the `{{H2876}}`. The captain of the guard "**charged** `{{H6485}}` Joseph with" the other prisoners [[Genesis 40:4]], and Nebuzaradan "**had committed** `{{H6485}}`" the remaining people to Gedaliah [[Jeremiah 41:10]], demonstrating the position's responsibility.
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2876}}` is seen in the pivotal narrative roles these figures occupy.
* **Instrument of Divine Will:** The "captain of the guard" often serves as an unwitting agent in God's larger plan. Potiphar's purchase of Joseph is the event that positions him to eventually rise to power [[Genesis 39:1]]. Likewise, Nebuzaradan carries out the judgment on Jerusalem, an action which the captain himself acknowledges was pronounced by the LORD [[Jeremiah 40:2]].
* **Representation of Earthly Authority:** The `{{H2876}}` embodies the power of human kings. This authority is exercised in taking captives [[Jeremiah 52:15]], destroying city walls [[2 Kings 25:10]], and managing prisoners [[Genesis 40:4]], all at the command of a monarch.
* **Stewardship and Command:** The role demonstrates themes of delegated responsibility. The captain of the guard is entrusted with people, such as the king's daughters [[Jeremiah 41:10]], and property, like the temple treasures [[Jeremiah 52:19]], illustrating a position of high trust and command.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2876}}` defines a figure of significant influence, whether as a **cook** in service [[1 Samuel 9:24]] or, more frequently, as a powerful **guard** executing a king's orders. The term is crucial to the narratives of Joseph in Egypt and the Babylonian exile, showing how a seemingly secular role can be a central hinge upon which major biblical events turn.
TRV