probably from בָּנָה; properly, material, i.e. (specifically) refuse haum or stalks of grain (as chopped in threshing and used for fodder); chaff, straw, stubble.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **teben**, represented by `{{H8401}}`, refers to the stalks of grain used for fodder, straw, and stubble. Its definition describes it as refuse material from threshing. It appears **17 times** across **16 unique verses**, illustrating its role in both everyday agricultural life and as a powerful biblical metaphor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8401}}` is used in several key contexts. It is frequently mentioned as a practical, necessary commodity for feeding livestock ([[Genesis 24:25]], [[1 Kings 4:28]]). Its most prominent role is in the book of Exodus, where Pharaoh's decree to no longer provide the Israelites with **straw** for their brickmaking becomes a central point of their oppression [[Exodus 5:7]]. Figuratively, **teben** is used to represent what is worthless or ephemeral, as when the LORD asks, "What is the **chaff** to the wheat?" in contrasting false prophecy with His true word [[Jeremiah 23:28]]. In prophetic visions of peace, a transformed creation is depicted by a lion that "shall eat **straw** like the ox" [[Isaiah 11:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the agricultural and symbolic context of **teben**:
* `{{H1250}}` **bâr** (corn, wheat): This word for grain stands in direct contrast to `{{H8401}}`, representing value and substance against the worthlessness of chaff or straw [[Jeremiah 23:28]].
* `{{H4554}}` **miçpôwʼ** (provender): This term for fodder is often used alongside `{{H8401}}`, indicating they were complementary components of animal feed ([[Genesis 24:32]], [[Judges 19:19]]).
* `{{H4671}}` **môts** (chaff): Often used in parallel with `{{H8401}}`, **môts** refers specifically to the light, winnowed husks. The wicked are described as being like **stubble** (teben) and **chaff** (môts) carried away by the wind [[Job 21:18]].
* `{{H7179}}` **qash** (stubble): When the Israelites were denied straw, they were forced to gather **stubble** (qash) instead of **straw** (teben), showing these were related but distinct materials [[Exodus 5:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8401}}` is demonstrated through its symbolic usage. It serves as a powerful illustration of several key themes:
* **Divine Judgment:** **Teben** is used to symbolize worthlessness and the fleeting nature of the wicked, who are compared to stubble scattered by the wind [[Job 21:18]]. It is the worthless counterpart to the valuable wheat of God's word [[Jeremiah 23:28]].
* **Human Suffering and Oppression:** The denial of straw to the Israelite slaves is a tangible symbol of Pharaoh's cruelty and the harshness of their bondage in Egypt [[Exodus 5:18]].
* **Eschatological Peace:** In the prophecies of Isaiah, the image of a lion eating straw signifies a radical restoration of creation, where predatory nature is subdued and peace reigns ([[Isaiah 11:7]], [[Isaiah 65:25]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8401}}` is far more than a simple agricultural term. While it denotes a common, physical material essential for fodder and construction, its greater significance lies in its rich symbolic value. It powerfully illustrates themes of oppression, divine judgment against worthlessness, and the profound peace of a renewed creation, demonstrating how an ordinary substance can convey deep theological truths.
TRV