### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Ṭabbâʻôwth**, represented by `{{H2884}}`, is the plural form of a word for "rings" but is used in scripture as the proper name **Tabbaoth** or Tabaoth. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses**. In its biblical usage, it exclusively identifies the patriarch of a family line belonging to the Nethinim.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2884}}` appears only in genealogical lists recording the families that returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The name is found in the recurring phrase "the children of **Tabbaoth**," signifying a specific lineage. These nearly identical census accounts in Ezra and Nehemiah list the family of **Tabbaoth** as part of the Nethinim, a group of temple servants ([[Ezra 2:43]]; [[Nehemiah 7:46]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the role and identity of **Tabbaoth**:
* `{{H5411}}` **Nâthîyn** (one given, i.e. (in the plural only); the Nethinim, or Temple-servants): This is the group to which Tabbaoth's family belonged. The Nethinim were a class of servants dedicated to the temple [[1 Chronicles 9:2]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son (as a builder of the family name)): This word is used in the phrase "the children of **Tabbaoth**," establishing that Tabbaoth is the name of an ancestor whose descendants are being cataloged as a distinct family unit [[Ezra 2:43]].
* `{{H6727}}` **Tsîychâʼ** (drought; Tsicha, the name of two Nethinim): The "children of Ziha" are listed immediately before the "children of Tabbaoth," showing the structured nature of the census of Nethinim families [[Nehemiah 7:46]].
* `{{H2817}}` **Chăsûwphâʼ** (nakedness; Chasupha, one of the Nethinim): The family of Hasupha is also listed alongside Tabbaoth's, further defining this specific group of returning exiles [[Ezra 2:43]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2884}}` is tied to its place within the post-exilic community.
* **Genealogical Identity:** The use of "the children of **Tabbaoth**" highlights the importance of ancestry and family lineage in establishing one's place within the restored community of Israel.
* **Role in Worship:** As the head of a Nethinim family, Tabbaoth is associated with the sacred duties of temple service. The Nethinim `{{H5411}}` were a recognized order who served alongside the priests and Levites [[Ezra 7:7]].
* **Record of Restoration:** The inclusion of the children of Tabbaoth in the official records of both Ezra and Nehemiah underscores the meticulous preservation of every family line that participated in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the restoration of its worship.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2884}}` is not a word for an object but the proper name of an individual, **Tabbaoth**. Its significance is entirely derived from its context as the patriarch of a family of Nethinim, or temple servants. The two verses in which it appears are crucial historical records that affirm the identity and role of this family line in the restoration of Israel after the exile.