טַבָּעוֹת
𐤈𐤁𐤏𐤅𐤕
Tabaot
H2884 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
(1) Rings—circular bands, typically made of metal, used as functional fittings, fasteners, or ornamental objects; (2) Proper noun: Tabbaoth, the name of a family among the Nethinim (temple servants) listed in post-exilic genealogies. The primary meaning is 'rings,' with physical and metaphorical nuances depending on context. In its proper noun sense, it denotes a family associated with or perhaps originally named for 'rings.'
Semantic Range
rings (metal fasteners, fittings, or ornaments), rings as components of holy objects (e.g., Ark, altar), Tabbaoth (proper name of a Nethinim family); figurative or symbolic use as 'something circular' or 'object for securing/attaching'
Root / Etymology
From the root ט-ב-ע (ṭ-b-‘), meaning 'to sink' or 'to impress' (as in with a seal or stamp), the noun טַבַּעַת (ṭabba‘at) developed as 'ring' (a circular object, often used to seal or bind). The plural טַבָּעוֹת (ṭabbā‘ôt) means 'rings.' As a proper noun, Tabbaoth (Tabaoth) derives from the same form and likely indicates a family identified by or associated with this word.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the material culture of ancient Israel, טַבָּעוֹת (ṭabbā‘ôt) primarily referred to metal rings used in practical and ceremonial contexts—such as the rings placed on the sides of the Ark of the Covenant and other sacred objects in the wilderness tabernacle, through which poles would be inserted for transport (Exodus). In genealogical records from the post-exilic period (Ezra 2:43; Neh 7:46), Tabbaoth appears as a family name among the Nethinim, a group assigned to temple duties. Ancient translations, such as the LXX, often transliterate the proper name, but for the common noun use, render it in Greek as κύκλοι (circles/rings). The English term 'rings' captures the physical object but can obscure the term's ritual, functional, or symbolic significance in context (e.g., as objects that enable the sacred to be transported). The shift from object to proper name likely follows a common biblical pattern of family names deriving from objects, professions, or notable traits. The translation 'Tabbaoth' as a family name is consistent across most English versions, but in later Jewish tradition, the descendants of this group are not otherwise attested, and the name remains etymologically opaque beyond its physical association with 'rings.' No anachronistic use of 'Jew' or similar terms appears in these biblical uses, and the proper noun applies specifically to a temple-servant group in the post-exilic Yehud (Judean province).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
plural of טַבַּעַת; rings; Tabbaoth, one of the Nethinim; Tabaoth.
Bantu Hebrew
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טבע (ṭ-b-ʿ) — to sink, to impress, to stamp
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2884-01 |
טַבָּעֽוֹת | tabaot | HNp |
Tabbaoth | signet rings | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2884-01 |
Ezra 2:43 | טַבָּעֽוֹת | tabaot | HNp |
Tabbaoth | signet rings |
H2884-01 |
Nehemiah 7:46 | טַבָּעֽוֹת | tabaot | HNp |
Tabbaoth | signet rings |