### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **têbâh**, represented by `{{H8392}}`, refers to a **box** or **ark**. Appearing **28 times** in **25 unique verses**, this term is used exclusively for two pivotal structures of deliverance in the biblical narrative. It denotes a vessel built for preservation, a floating sanctuary commanded by God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H8392}}` is used in two significant accounts of preservation. The first is Noah’s **ark**, a massive vessel God instructed Noah to **make** `{{H6213}}` from **gopher** `{{H1613}}` **wood** `{{H6086}}` [[Genesis 6:14]]. This **ark** was built to save Noah, his family, and pairs of every **living thing** `{{H2416}}` from the waters of the **flood** `{{H3999}}` [[Genesis 7:7]]. The second instance is the small **ark** of **bulrushes** `{{H1573}}` made for the infant Moses. To save him from Pharaoh's decree, his mother **daubed** `{{H2560}}` the vessel with **slime** `{{H2564}}` and **pitch** `{{H2203}}` and placed it by the **river's** `{{H2975}}` brink [[Exodus 2:3]], where it was found by the **daughter** `{{H1323}}` of **Pharaoh** `{{H6547}}` [[Exodus 2:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words provide context for the construction and purpose of the **têbâh**:
* `{{H1613}}` **gôpher** (a kind of tree or wood): This is the specific material God commanded Noah to use to **make** `{{H6213}}` the **ark** `{{H8392}}`, highlighting the divine prescription for the vessel of salvation [[Genesis 6:14]].
* `{{H1573}}` **gômeʼ** ((bul-) rush): This absorbent plant was the material used for the **ark** `{{H8392}}` that preserved the infant Moses, illustrating a vessel of humble materials for a great purpose [[Exodus 2:3]].
* `{{H3724}}` **kôpher** (pitch, ransom): Noah was commanded to cover the **ark** inside and out with **pitch** `{{H3724}}`. This word is derived from a root meaning to cover or make an atonement `{{H3722}}`, linking the physical act of sealing the vessel to the concept of preservation and redemption [[Genesis 6:14]].
* `{{H3999}}` **mabbûwl** (flood): This term for the deluge is the direct reason for the construction of Noah's **ark** `{{H8392}}`, which was built to float upon the **waters** `{{H4325}}` of the **flood** `{{H3999}}` [[Genesis 7:7]].
### Theological Significance
The concept of the **têbâh** carries significant theological weight, centered on themes of divine rescue and covenant.
* **Preservation of a Remnant:** The **ark** serves as God's chosen instrument to preserve a remnant of life through overwhelming judgment. In the flood narrative, **Noah** `{{H5146}}` only **remained** `{{H7604}}` alive, and they that were with him in the **ark** `{{H8392}}` [[Genesis 7:23]]. Similarly, the smaller **ark** preserves the life of the **child** `{{H3206}}` who would become Israel's deliverer [[Exodus 2:3]].
* **Obedience to Divine Command:** The construction of the **ark** is a direct response to a command from **God** `{{H430}}`. Noah's faithfulness is demonstrated in his obedience, as he did according to all that God **commanded** `{{H6680}}` him [[Genesis 6:22]].
* **Instrument of Covenant:** The **ark** is intrinsically linked to God's **covenant** `{{H1285}}`. God promises to **establish** `{{H6965}}` his covenant with Noah, instructing him to **come** `{{H935}}` into the **ark** `{{H8392}}` with his family, making it the vehicle through which the covenantal line is saved [[Genesis 6:18]].
### Summary
In summary, **têbâh** `{{H8392}}` is a highly specific term for a vessel of divine preservation. Whether as the colossal structure that saved humanity and animal life from a global **flood** `{{H3999}}`, or the small basket that saved a single infant from the **river** `{{H2975}}`, the **ark** represents a place of safety provided by God amidst catastrophic threats. It stands as a powerful symbol of God's salvation, the importance of obedience, and the keeping of His covenant promises through a simple, but divinely purposed, **box**.
TRV