a primitive root; to dip, to immerse; dip, plunge.
Transliteration:ṭâbal
Pronunciation:taw-bal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H2881 (טָבַל, ṭâbal) is a primitive root whose core meaning is "to dip" or "to immerse." It denotes the act of submerging an object, or a part of an object or person, into a liquid. The range of its application is quite specific, focusing on the action of placing something *into* a fluid, rather than a general washing or cleansing (though it is often a component of such processes). The immersion can be partial or complete, depending on the context. Its usage consistently points to a deliberate, often purposeful, act of submersion, whether for practical, ritualistic, or symbolic reasons.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H2881 appears approximately 16 times in the Old Testament, primarily within the Pentateuch, especially in contexts related to ritual purity and atonement.
1. **Ritualistic Dipping (Leviticus, Numbers):** The most frequent use of ṭâbal is in the context of the Mosaic Law, where priests are commanded to dip their fingers into the blood of sacrificial animals. This act is crucial for applying atonement or purification. For example, in [[Leviticus 4:6]] and [[Leviticus 4:17]], the priest is instructed to "dip his finger in the blood" and sprinkle it before the LORD. Similarly, in purification rites for defilement (e.g., leprosy), the priest dips cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet yarn, along with a living bird, into the blood and spring water ([[Leviticus 14:6]], [[Leviticus 14:16]], [[Leviticus 14:51]]). This highlights ṭâbal as an essential component of the ceremonial application of sacrificial elements for cleansing and expiation. In [[Numbers 19:18]], a clean person is to "take hyssop and dip it in the water" of purification for sprinkling.
2. **Practical Dipping (Ruth, 1 Samuel):** Beyond ritual, ṭâbal also describes mundane, practical actions. In [[Ruth 2:14]], Boaz invites Ruth to "dip your piece of bread in the vinegar," illustrating a common, everyday use of the verb for food preparation. This demonstrates the verb's versatility, covering both sacred and secular applications of immersion. Similarly, [[1 Samuel 14:27]] describes Jonathan "dipping" his staff into a honeycomb, again a practical act of sustenance.
3. **Healing and Obedience (2 Kings):** The narrative of Naaman in [[2 Kings 5:14]] provides a powerful instance of ṭâbal. Naaman, a Syrian commander afflicted with leprosy, is told by Elisha to "go and wash in the Jordan seven times." The text explicitly states, "So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean." Here, ṭâbal signifies a physical act of immersion that, coupled with obedience to God's prophet, results in miraculous healing and purification. This instance underscores the importance of the act of dipping as an expression of faith and submission to divine instruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verb H2881 (ṭâbal) stands in relation to several other Hebrew words that convey ideas of washing, cleansing, or anointing, yet it maintains its distinct nuance of "dipping" or "immersing."
* `{{H7364}}` (rāḥaṣ): This verb means "to wash" or "to bathe," often referring to a general cleansing of the body or objects. While ṭâbal is a specific act of submersion, rāḥaṣ implies a more thorough or complete washing. For example, one might rāḥaṣ their entire body, but ṭâbal only a finger or a garment. ṭâbal is often a *means* to rāḥaṣ or to apply a cleansing agent.
* `{{H3526}}` (kābaś): This word specifically refers to "washing clothes" or "laundering." It implies a more vigorous process of cleansing textiles. While a garment might be ṭâbal (dipped) in water or dye, kābaś describes the complete washing process.
* `{{H5141}}` (nāzâ): This verb means "to sprinkle" or "to spatter." In many ritual contexts, the act of ṭâbal (dipping the finger or hyssop in blood/water) is immediately followed by nāzâ (sprinkling the liquid). This shows ṭâbal as a preparatory action for the application of a purifying agent.
* `{{H5480}}` (sûḵ): This word means "to anoint" or "to rub with oil." While anointing might involve dipping an object into oil, sûḵ focuses on the application of the oil to the surface, whereas ṭâbal emphasizes the act of immersion itself.
The distinction is crucial: ṭâbal is the act of putting something *into* a liquid, often for the purpose of applying that liquid or achieving a state of saturation, whereas other terms describe the broader process of cleansing or the result of applying a substance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2881 (ṭâbal) is profound, particularly within the Old Testament's framework of purity, atonement, and divine instruction.
1. **Ritual Purity and Atonement:** The most prominent theological use of ṭâbal is in the sacrificial system. The dipping of the priest's finger in blood ([[Leviticus 4:6]]) and the subsequent sprinkling demonstrates the application of the lifeblood of the sacrifice for the purpose of atonement and purification from sin or defilement. The act of dipping connects the sacred substance (blood, water of purification) with the object or person needing cleansing, making the ritual efficacious. It underscores the meticulousness required in approaching a holy God and the necessity of divinely prescribed means for reconciliation.
2. **Obedience and Faith:** The story of Naaman ([[2 Kings 5:14]]) powerfully illustrates ṭâbal as an act of obedience. His initial resistance stemmed from pride and a misunderstanding of God's ways, but his eventual submission to the simple command to "dip himself seven times" in the Jordan resulted in miraculous healing. This narrative highlights that the power lies not in the act of dipping itself, but in the divine command behind it and the faith exercised in carrying it out. It is a testament to God's ability to work through humble means when met with obedient faith.
3. **Symbolism of Transformation:** In many instances, the act of ṭâbal leads to a transformative outcome: defilement is removed, healing occurs, or a sacred substance is applied. The object or person immersed emerges changed, signifying a transition from a state of impurity to purity, sickness to health, or commonness to a consecrated state. This prefigures later New Testament concepts of spiritual transformation.
4. **Precedent for New Testament Baptism:** While the Greek word for baptism is `{{G907}}` (baptizō), the concept of immersion for purification and initiation finds a clear Old Testament precedent in ṭâbal. The repeated emphasis on dipping for cleansing and ritual inclusion in the Old Covenant provides a rich background for understanding the New Covenant's ordinance of water baptism, which symbolizes spiritual cleansing, identification with Christ's death and resurrection, and entrance into the community of faith.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H2881 (ṭâbal) fundamentally signifies "to dip" or "to immerse." Its usage in the Old Testament spans both practical and, more significantly, ritualistic contexts. In the Mosaic Law, ṭâbal is a crucial component of purification and atonement rites, where priests dip fingers or hyssop in blood and water to apply sacred substances for cleansing. Beyond ritual, it describes everyday actions like dipping bread or a staff. The narrative of Naaman exemplifies ṭâbal as an act of obedience leading to miraculous healing, underscoring the importance of faith in divine instruction. Theologically, ṭâbal serves as a powerful symbol of ritual purity, the application of atonement, and the transformative power of obedient faith. It also provides a conceptual foundation for understanding the later New Testament practice of baptism, highlighting the continuous biblical theme of immersion for purification and newness of life.
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