probably of foreign derivation; Tebeth, the tenth Hebrew month; Tebeth.
Transliteration:Ṭêbeth
Pronunciation:tay'-beth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term טֵבֶת (Ṭêbeth), Strong's number `{{H2887}}`, denotes the tenth month of the Hebrew civil calendar, corresponding to the seventh month of the ecclesiastical year. Its base definition indicates a probable foreign derivation, suggesting its adoption from external calendrical systems, likely Babylonian, a common practice during and after the Babylonian exile. Semantically, its range is exceptionally narrow, referring exclusively to this specific calendrical period. It functions primarily as a precise chronological marker within the biblical narrative, anchoring events to a particular point in the annual cycle.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word טֵבֶת (Ṭêbeth) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Esther:
* [[Esther 2:16]]: "So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign."
In this singular occurrence, טֵבֶת (Ṭêbeth) serves a critical function as a precise chronological indicator. It establishes the exact timing of Esther's presentation to King Ahasuerus, an event of immense significance within the narrative. This dating allows the reader to understand the sequence and duration of events leading to Esther's elevation to queen, which was a pivotal step in God's providential plan for the deliverance of His people. The inclusion of the month name underscores the historical grounding of the narrative and the meticulous detail with which the biblical authors sometimes record events.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a calendrical term, טֵבֶת (Ṭêbeth) is intrinsically linked to other Hebrew month names and the broader concept of time and chronology.
* **Other Hebrew Month Names:** It belongs to the set of twelve month names that structure the Hebrew calendar, many of which also have foreign, likely Babylonian, derivations (e.g., Nisan, Sivan, Kislev, Adar). This reflects the historical and cultural interactions of ancient Israel.
* **Month (חֹדֶשׁ, `{{H2320}}`):** The generic term for "month" or "new moon" provides the fundamental unit of time that טֵבֶת (Ṭêbeth) specifies.
* **Year (שָׁנָה, `{{H8141}}`):** The larger chronological unit within which months are situated, as seen in [[Esther 2:16]] ("in the seventh year of his reign").
* **Calendrical Systems:** The existence of specific month names like טֵבֶת (Ṭêbeth) points to the developed calendrical systems of the ancient Near East, which were essential for agricultural cycles, religious festivals, and historical record-keeping.
### Theological Significance
While טֵבֶת (Ṭêbeth) itself is a simple chronological marker, its presence in the biblical text carries implicit theological significance, particularly within the context of the book of Esther.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Time:** The precise dating of events, even down to the specific month, subtly highlights God's meticulous control over human history. Nothing occurs outside His knowledge or purpose.
* **Providential Timing:** In the book of Esther, the timing of Esther's arrival and elevation (in the month of Tebeth) is not accidental. It is part of the divinely orchestrated sequence of events that ultimately leads to the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman's plot. Even seemingly mundane details like a specific month name contribute to the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan.
* **Historical Reliability:** The inclusion of such specific chronological markers lends credence to the historical veracity of the biblical narrative, affirming that God acts within real time and space.
### Summary
The Hebrew word טֵבֶת (Ṭêbeth), `{{H2887}}`, designates the tenth month of the Hebrew civil calendar, a term likely of foreign origin. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Esther 2:16]] serves as a precise chronological marker for Esther's presentation to King Ahasuerus, an event critical to the unfolding of divine providence. Though a simple calendrical term, its inclusion underscores God's meticulous sovereignty over time and history, demonstrating that even seemingly minor details contribute to the precise execution of His overarching redemptive plan.
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