### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tebel**, represented by `{{H8397}}`, describes a **mixture, i.e. unnatural bestiality; confusion**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used to label severe sexual transgressions that disrupt the created order, signifying a state of profound moral and social disorder.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Levitical law, `{{H8397}}` is used to condemn specific, grave offenses. It is first used to prohibit bestiality, where the law states that for a person to **lie** `{{H7903}}` with a **beast** `{{H929}}` is to **defile** `{{H2930}}` oneself, declaring the act to be **confusion** [[Leviticus 18:23]]. The term is also applied to incestuous relations, specifying that if a **man** `{{H376}}` lies with his **daughter in law** `{{H3618}}`, they have "wrought **confusion**" [[Leviticus 20:12]]. This act is a capital offense, mandating that both individuals be put to death.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and gravity of acts labeled as **tebel**:
* `{{H2930}}` **ṭâmêʼ** (to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense): This word for defilement is directly linked to the act of bestiality described as **confusion** [[Leviticus 18:23]], highlighting the state of ritual and moral impurity resulting from such an act.
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die... causatively, to kill): This term establishes the severe penalty for acts categorized as **confusion**. Those who commit such offenses are to be **put to death** [[Leviticus 20:12]], showing the gravity of the transgression.
* `{{H1818}}` **dâm** (blood... blood-guiltiness): The consequence of **confusion** is "blood-guiltiness," as stated in the phrase "their **blood** shall be upon them" [[Leviticus 20:12]]. This signifies that the individuals are held responsible for their own deaths.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8397}}` is significant, pointing to core principles of order and purity in the law.
* **Violation of Created Order:** The term **tebel**, meaning **confusion** or unnatural mixture, designates acts that are a gross violation of the established moral and natural order. Both bestiality and certain forms of incest are presented as a corruption of divinely-instituted boundaries ([[Leviticus 18:23]], [[Leviticus 20:12]]).
* **Profound Defilement:** Acts labeled as **confusion** result in a state of deep impurity. The verb **ṭâmêʼ** `{{H2930}}` is used in tandem to show that these transgressions make a person morally and ceremonially **foul** [[Leviticus 18:23]].
* **Capital Judgment:** The severity of **tebel** is underscored by the prescribed punishment of death `{{H4191}}`. The declaration that the offenders' **blood** `{{H1818}}` is upon them confirms that the guilt for this capital crime rests entirely with the perpetrators [[Leviticus 20:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8397}}` **tebel** is a potent term reserved for severe transgressions that mix categories considered inviolable. Denoting **confusion** and unnatural mixture, it is applied to acts like bestiality and incest. The consequences are dire, resulting in defilement and death, thereby marking these actions as fundamental corruptions of moral and social order as outlined in Levitical law.
TRV