### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma H8405 (תֵּבֵץ, Têbêts) is a proper noun, referring to a specific geographical location. Its base definition indicates it is "from the same as בּוּץ" (bûts), which is H948. The word H948 signifies "fine linen" or "byssus," a material highly prized for its purity and, crucially, its *whiteness*. Therefore, the underlying semantic range of Têbêts, as a place name, inherently carries the connotation of "whiteness," "brightness," or perhaps "purity." While primarily identifying a place, its etymological root provides a descriptive nuance, suggesting a characteristic of the city itself or its surroundings, though this is not explicitly elaborated in the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The city of Thebez (H8405) appears in the Hebrew Bible in a singular, yet highly significant, narrative context. It is mentioned twice by name:
* [[Judges 9:50]]: "Then Abimelech went to Thebez and encamped against Thebez and took it."
* [[Judges 9:51]]: "But there was a strong tower within the city, and all the men and women and all the leaders of the city fled to it and shut themselves in, and they went up on the roof of the tower." (The context clearly indicates Thebez as the city under siege).
The context is the final act of Abimelech's violent and self-appointed reign. After brutally suppressing a revolt in Shechem, Abimelech turns his attention to Thebez. This city becomes the stage for his ignominious death. As Abimelech attempts to burn the tower where the inhabitants have taken refuge, a woman drops an upper millstone on his head, fatally wounding him. He then orders his armor-bearer to kill him with a sword to avoid the shame of being killed by a woman. The narrative emphasizes the fulfillment of Jotham's curse against Abimelech and the people who supported his tyrannical rule ([[Judges 9:7-20]]). The name "Thebez" itself, meaning "whiteness," does not seem to directly influence the narrative's events, but it serves as the precise location where divine judgment is meted out.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to H8405 is its root, H948 (bûts), which denotes "fine linen" and inherently carries the concept of "whiteness" or "purity." This etymological connection underscores the descriptive origin of the place name.
While not directly etymologically linked, other Hebrew words conveying "whiteness" or "brightness" illuminate the underlying concept:
* H3835 (lāḇān): "white" (e.g., [[Genesis 30:35]], describing speckled and spotted sheep).
* H6703 (ṣaḥ): "shining," "dazzling white" (e.g., [[Song of Solomon 5:10]], describing a beloved).
* H215 (ʾôr): "light," "brightness" (e.g., [[Genesis 1:3]], "Let there be light").
Furthermore, the "strong tower" (H4026 migdal-ʿōz) within Thebez is a crucial element of the narrative. This concept often symbolizes refuge and strength in biblical literature (e.g., [[Proverbs 18:10]], "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe"). Ironically, for Abimelech, this "strong tower" became the site of his downfall.
### Theological Significance
While the name "Thebez" (meaning "whiteness") does not carry explicit theological weight in its biblical appearance, the *events* that transpire there are profoundly significant. The city serves as the backdrop for the dramatic climax of Abimelech's reign and the fulfillment of divine judgment.
The death of Abimelech at Thebez is a powerful demonstration of God's justice and His sovereignty over human affairs. Jotham's prophetic curse, delivered earlier in [[Judges 9]], finds its ultimate, humiliating conclusion in this city. Abimelech, who seized power through fratricide and violence, is brought low not by a mighty warrior, but by an unnamed woman using a common household item. This act underscores God's ability to use the humble and unexpected to accomplish His purposes and to humble the proud.
The "whiteness" of the name Thebez stands in stark contrast to the darkness of Abimelech's deeds and the violent judgment enacted within its walls. The city, therefore, becomes a poignant symbol of divine retribution, illustrating that no human ambition, however ruthless, can ultimately thwart God's righteous decrees. It is a testament to the principle that those who live by the sword will perish by the sword, and that God's justice will ultimately prevail.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H8405 (תֵּבֵץ, Têbêts) designates the city of Thebez, a geographical location mentioned in [[Judges 9:50-51]]. Derived from H948 (bûts), meaning "fine linen," its etymological root conveys the concept of "whiteness." Although the name itself holds no overt theological meaning in its context, Thebez is profoundly significant as the site of Abimelech's demise. This event serves as a pivotal moment in the book of Judges, vividly demonstrating divine justice and the fulfillment of Jotham's curse against Abimelech's tyrannical rule. The "whiteness" implied by the city's name provides a subtle, perhaps ironic, backdrop to the dark acts of violence and the subsequent divine judgment that unfolded within its walls, solidifying Thebez's place in biblical narrative as a powerful example of God's sovereign hand in history.
TRV