### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Têl ʼÂbîyb**, represented by `{{H8512}}`, means "mound of green growth" and refers to Tel-Abib, a place in Chaldaea. It is a highly specific term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H8512}}` occurs in the book of Ezekiel. The prophet states, "Then I came{H935} to them of the captivity{H1473} at Telabib{H8512}, that dwelt{H3427} by the river{H5104} of Chebar{H3529}" [[Ezekiel 3:15]]. This verse establishes Telabib as a settlement of exiled Israelites in Babylonia. Ezekiel joins them there, sitting where they sat and remaining "astonished{H8074}" among them for seven{H7651} days{H3117}. The location is thus fundamentally tied to the experience of the Babylonian captivity.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context illuminate the significance of Telabib:
* `{{H1473}}` **gôwlâh** (exile): Defined as "exile; concretely and collectively exiles," this word establishes the identity of the inhabitants of Telabib. They are the people who have been carried away into captivity ([[Ezekiel 3:15]], [[Ezra 2:1]]).
* `{{H3427}}` **yâshab** (to dwell, sit, remain): This word appears multiple times in the verse, describing how the exiles "dwelt" in Telabib and how Ezekiel "sat" and "remained" with them. It conveys a sense of being settled, even in a place of exile [[Ezekiel 3:15]].
* `{{H3529}}` **Kᵉbâr** (Chebar): This is the river by which Telabib was located [[Ezekiel 3:15]]. The river Chebar is a recurring site for Ezekiel's visions and encounters with God, marking it as a key location for divine revelation outside of Israel ([[Ezekiel 1:1]], [[Ezekiel 1:3]]).
* `{{H8074}}` **shâmêm** (to be astonished, desolate): This describes Ezekiel’s state of being "astonished" for seven days. The word can also mean to be desolate, linking the prophet's profound reaction to the desolation of the people's circumstances ([[Ezekiel 3:15]], [[Isaiah 54:1]]).
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H8512}}` is derived entirely from its role as a setting for a key moment in Israel's history and Ezekiel's ministry.
* **A Place of Captivity:** Telabib is a tangible location representing the state of "captivity" `{{H1473}}`. It is where God's people "dwelt" `{{H3427}}` after being removed from their land, a place of sorrow and displacement.
* **A Site of Prophetic Identification:** By going to Telabib, sitting among the exiles, and being "astonished" `{{H8074}}`, Ezekiel directly identifies with the plight of his people. His seven-day `{{H7651}}` stunned silence emphasizes the gravity of the message he is to deliver.
* **Divine Revelation in Exile:** Though a place of exile, Telabib is situated by the "river" `{{H5104}}` Chebar `{{H3529}}`, the location where Ezekiel received his foundational visions of God [[Ezekiel 1:1]]. This demonstrates that God's presence and word are not confined to the Holy Land but are with His people even in foreign lands.
### Summary
In summary, **Têl ʼÂbîyb** `{{H8512}}` is the proper name for a settlement of Jewish exiles in Babylonia. Though mentioned only once, its context in [[Ezekiel 3:15]] frames it as a significant location. It represents the harsh reality of the "captivity" `{{H1473}}` while also serving as the backdrop for the prophet Ezekiel's ministry, showing that even in a place of desolation by the river Chebar `{{H3529}}`, God's presence is manifest and His prophetic word is delivered.
TRV