### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lâbîybâh**, represented by `{{H3834}}`, refers to a **cake**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is derived from a root suggesting fatness or folding and is defined as a cake that is either fried or turned.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3834}}` is used exclusively within the tragic account of Amnon{H550} and Tamar{H8559}. Amnon{H550}, feigning sickness{H2470}, requests that the king{H4428} allow his sister{H269} Tamar{H8559} to "make{H3823} me a couple{H8147} of **cakes**" [[2 Samuel 13:6]] so he can eat{H1262} from her hand{H3027}. Tamar{H8559} fulfills the request; she went{H3212} to Amnon's{H550} house{H1004}, took{H3947} flour{H1217}, kneaded{H3888} it, and did bake{H1310} the **cakes**{H3834} in his sight{H5869} [[2 Samuel 13:8]]. The account concludes with Tamar{H8559} taking{H3947} the **cakes**{H3834} she had made{H6213} and bringing{H935} them into the chamber{H2315} to Amnon{H550} [[2 Samuel 13:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The process of creating the cakes involves several related Hebrew words:
* `{{H3823}}` **lâbab** (make cakes): This verb, from which **lâbîybâh** is derived, specifically means to make cakes. It is used when Amnon{H550} makes his initial request [[2 Samuel 13:6]].
* `{{H1217}}` **bâtsêq** (dough, flour): This word refers to the primary ingredient Tamar{H8559} used, described as **flour** in the passage where she begins her work [[2 Samuel 13:8]].
* `{{H3888}}` **lûwsh** (knead): This verb describes the specific action Tamar{H8559} performed to prepare the dough from the flour{H1217} before baking the cakes [[2 Samuel 13:8]].
* `{{H1310}}` **bâshal** (bake, boil, seethe): This term for cooking is used to describe the final step in the preparation, when Tamar{H8559} "did **bake** the cakes" [[2 Samuel 13:8]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H3834}}` is found entirely within its narrative context:
* **Instrument of Deception:** The **cakes** are the central prop in Amnon's{H550} plot. His feigned desire for them is the ruse he uses to lure his sister{H269} Tamar{H8559} into a vulnerable situation in his chamber{H2315} ([[2 Samuel 13:6]], 10).
* **Perversion of Familial Care:** An act of preparing food for a sick family member, which should be an expression of care, is twisted into a tool for manipulation. Tamar's{H8559} dutiful act of making the **cakes**{H3834} for her brother{H251} is exploited for a wicked purpose [[2 Samuel 13:8]].
* **Catalyst for the Plot:** The entire sequence of events is driven by the request for, preparation of, and delivery of the **cakes**. They are the physical object that moves Tamar{H8559} from a place of safety to the private chamber{H2315} where the assault occurs [[2 Samuel 13:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3834}}` **lâbîybâh** is a term for **cake** that, while rare, plays a pivotal role in its only scriptural context. It is not merely a food item but a key element in a narrative of deceit, manipulation, and tragedy within David's family. The story demonstrates how a simple, domestic object can become the instrument of a terrible and premeditated sin.
TRV