תֶּבֶל
𐤕𐤁𐤋
tebel
H8397 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A form of sexual activity categorized in the Torah as a prohibited act, specifically referring to sexual relations that are considered illicit or contrary to normative boundaries, often denoting sexual misconduct of a transgressive or taboo nature. In context, it especially describes types of forbidden sexual unions (such as incest or bestiality), highlighting the aspect of perversion or violation of order.
Semantic Range
illicit sexual union, sexual perversion, confusion of categories (sexual/legal), transgression of sexual boundaries
Root / Etymology
From the root בָּלַל (balal), 'to mix, mingle, confound, confuse.' The noun תֶּבֶל (tebel) derives from this root and carries the sense of 'mixture' or 'confusion,' but with reference to acts that cross proper boundaries, especially in a sexual context.
Historical & Contextual Notes
תֶּבֶל (tebel) occurs only a few times in the Hebrew Bible, always in legal or prohibitive contexts (e.g., Leviticus 18:23, 20:12). The term does not refer to a random mixture, but rather emphasizes the transgressive blending or confusion of categories—particularly in contexts of sexual law where boundaries are paramount. Unlike the broader word for 'confusion' (מְהוּמָה mehūmāh), תֶּבֶל focuses on an act that is considered a perverse commingling according to Israelite legal and ritual boundaries. English translations often use terms like 'perversion' or 'confusion,' but these can obscure the specifically legal and cultural concept being referenced: a categorically improper act that blurs boundaries set by Israelite familial and sexual law. In later Jewish tradition, the term retained its role as a marker for certain prohibited sexual practices, but does not evolve to mean general confusion or disorder in other, non-legal senses. The word is distinct from טֵ֫בֶל (tēḇel, H8398), meaning 'world' or 'earth,' and should not be confused with it.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently from בָּלַל; mixture, i.e. unnatural bestiality; confusion.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
בלל (b-l-l) — mix, mingle, confuse, confound
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1098 | בְּלִיל | mixed grain-fodder |
| H1101 | בָּלַל | he mixed |
| H8400 | תְּבַּלֻּל | eye-clouding mixture |
| H894 | בָּבֶל | Babel |
| H895 | בַּבֶל | Babel/Babylon |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8397-01 |
תֶּ֥בֶל | tevel | HNcmsa |
perversion | illicit mixture | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8397-01 |
Leviticus 18:23 | תֶּ֥בֶל | tevel | HNcmsa |
perversion | illicit mixture |
H8397-01 |
Leviticus 20:12 | תֶּ֥בֶל | tevel | HNcmsa |
perversion | illicit mixture |