feminine active participle of the same as צָב; the canopier (with the article); Tsobebah, an Israelitess; Zobebah.
Transliteration:Tsôbêbâh
Pronunciation:tso-bay-baw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word Tsôbêbâh (`{{H6637}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a feminine personal name. Its base definition indicates it is a feminine active participle derived from the same root as צָב (tsab). While the precise verbal root is not explicitly given as a separate lemma, the definition "the canopier" strongly suggests a connection to a root meaning "to surround," "to encompass," or "to cover," akin to providing a canopy or shelter. Thus, Tsôbêbâh would etymologically signify "she who surrounds," "she who covers," or "she who provides a canopy/shelter." As a proper name, its semantic range is primarily limited to identifying an individual within a genealogical context, though the inherent meaning of the name may subtly reflect characteristics or hopes associated with the person or her family.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Tsôbêbâh (`{{H6637}}`) appears only once in the entire biblical text, found in the book of 1 Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 4:8]]: "And Koz begat Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum."
In this solitary occurrence, Tsôbêbâh is listed within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Judah. She is identified as a daughter of Koz, or perhaps a daughter associated with "the families of Aharhel the son of Harum," depending on the precise grammatical parsing of the verse. These genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve a crucial purpose: to establish the lineage of the tribes after the exile, emphasizing continuity with the covenant people and tracing the ancestry that would ultimately lead to the Davidic monarchy and the Messiah. The inclusion of Tsôbêbâh, even as a briefly mentioned figure, underscores the meticulous record-keeping and the importance of every individual within the divine plan for Israel's history and identity. Her name, "canopier," though not elaborated upon in the text, would have held a particular significance for her family, perhaps denoting a role as a protector, a provider of comfort, or one who brought shelter to her household.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological root hinted at by "same as צָב" (tsab) for Tsôbêbâh (`{{H6637}}`) is likely connected to the concept of surrounding, covering, or carrying. While צָב (tsab, `{{H6635}}`) itself is also a proper noun (Tzav), the underlying verbal idea points towards actions of enclosure or protection. Concepts related to Tsôbêbâh's name include:
* **Shelter/Protection:** The idea of a "canopy" inherently implies protection from elements or danger. This resonates with broader biblical themes of God as a refuge and a shield.
* **Encompassment/Surrounding:** The root often carries the sense of being encircled, which can imply security or being set apart.
* **Nurturing/Provision:** One who provides a canopy also provides for the well-being of others, suggesting a role of care and sustenance.
While no direct verbal form of this specific root is common in the Hebrew Bible in a way that directly illuminates Tsôbêbâh, the *concept* of covering and providing shelter is pervasive, often attributed to God Himself.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Tsôbêbâh (`{{H6637}}`) is primarily derived from her inclusion in the sacred genealogies and the potential meaning of her name.
1. **Divine Providence in Lineage:** Her presence, however brief, in the detailed lineage of Judah in 1 Chronicles highlights God's meticulous care for His covenant people and His sovereign orchestration of history. Every individual, even those seemingly minor, plays a role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the lineage of Christ.
2. **Echoes of Divine Character:** The meaning of her name, "canopier" or "she who provides shelter," subtly echoes attributes of God Himself. Throughout Scripture, God is frequently depicted as the ultimate "canopy" or "shelter" for His people—a "shadow from the heat" ([[Isaiah 25:4]]), a "refuge and strength" ([[Psalm 46:1]]), and one who covers His people "with His feathers" ([[Psalm 91:4]]). While Tsôbêbâh was a human, her name may have served as a reminder of the human capacity to reflect divine attributes, providing care and protection within the community.
3. **Significance of Names:** In ancient Israel, names often carried prophetic or descriptive weight. While we have no narrative about Tsôbêbâh, her name suggests a positive, perhaps nurturing or protective, quality associated with her or her family. This reinforces the biblical understanding that names are not mere labels but can embody identity, hope, and even destiny within God's purposes.
### Summary
Tsôbêbâh (`{{H6637}}`) is a unique and singular feminine proper noun in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only in [[1 Chronicles 4:8]]. Etymologically, it is understood as a feminine active participle meaning "the canopier" or "she who provides a canopy/shelter," derived from a root associated with surrounding or covering. Its sole biblical occurrence places her within the detailed genealogies of the tribe of Judah, underscoring the meticulous record-keeping of God's chosen people and the continuity of their lineage. Theologically, Tsôbêbâh's inclusion, though brief, highlights God's sovereign hand in history and the importance of every individual in His unfolding plan. Furthermore, the inherent meaning of her name subtly resonates with divine attributes of protection and provision, reminding us of God as the ultimate shelter for His people, and the human capacity to reflect such care within the covenant community.
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