The Hebrew name Ṭâphath, represented by H2955, refers to a specific Israelitess. Its base definition is a dropping (of ointment). This name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, indicating its use is highly specific to a single individual in the biblical record.
In the biblical narrative, H2955 is mentioned in the context of King Solomon's administration. The sole appearance of the name is in 1 Kings 4:11, where Ṭâphath is identified as the daughter of Solomon who was given as a wife to the son of Abinadab. This marriage connects her to one of the officials overseeing a region of Solomon's kingdom, highlighting her role within the royal family's alliances.
Several related words clarify the identity and context of Ṭâphath:
- H1125 Ben-ʼĂbîynâdâb ((the) son of Abinadab): This is the name of Ṭâphath's husband, an official who governed the region of Dor under King Solomon 1 Kings 4:11.
- H1323 bath (a daughter): Ṭâphath is explicitly identified as the daughter of Solomon 1 Kings 4:11. This word is used broadly in scripture to denote female offspring and, figuratively, a relationship to a place, such as the "daughter of Zion" Isaiah 62:11.
- H8010 Shᵉlômôh (peaceful; Shelomah, David's successor; Solomon): This identifies Ṭâphath's father, the king of Israel who was known for his fame and who was charged to know and serve God (1 Kings 10:1, 1 Chronicles 28:9).
- H802 ʼishshâh (a woman; wife): This term describes Ṭâphath's marital status as the wife of the son of Abinadab 1 Kings 4:11. The word is fundamental to family structure, as seen in the command for a man to cleave to his wife Genesis 2:24.
The significance of H2955 is not found in direct theological discourse but in what her presence in the text represents within the history of Israel's monarchy.
- Royal Alliances: Ṭâphath's marriage to one of her father's administrative officers 1 Kings 4:11 exemplifies the use of familial ties to secure political stability within the kingdom of Solomon.
- The Household of Solomon: Her identity as a daughter of Solomon H8010 places her within the lineage of a king who was commanded to serve the LORD with a perfect heart 1 Chronicles 28:9 but whose heart was later turned away by his relationships 1 Kings 11:2.
- Role of Women: As a daughter H1323 and wife H802, Ṭâphath's identity is defined by her relationships to powerful men. Her name is recorded as part of the historical account of her father's kingdom, alongside other women such as the daughters of Jerusalem Song of Solomon 1:5.
In summary, H2955 Ṭâphath is the proper name of an individual whose significance is entirely contextual. While the name's meaning is "a dropping (of ointment)," its biblical importance comes from its single appearance in the record of Solomon's kingdom. She is identified exclusively by her relationships as a daughter of King Solomon and the wife of one of his officers, illustrating the political and familial structures of that era. Her mention serves as a historical marker within the broader narrative of her father's reign.
TRV