Lexical Summary
Tabbaoth: Tabbaoth
Original Word:טַבָּעוֹת
Part of Speech:Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration:Tabba`owth
Pronunciation:tab-baw-OTH
Phonetic Spelling:(tab-baw-othe')
KJV: Tabaoth
NASB:Tabbaoth
Word Origin:[plural ofH2885 (טַּבַּעַת - rings)]
1. rings
2. Tabbaoth, one of the Nethinim
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Tabaoth
Plural oftabba'ath; rings; Tabbaoth, one of the Nethinim -- Tabaoth.
see HEBREWtabba'ath
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originpl. of
tabbaathDefinitionan Isr.
NASB TranslationTabbaoth (2).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Ezra 2:43 =
Nehemiah 7:46.
(√ of following; meaning dubious).
Topical Lexicon
Biblical OccurrencesEzra 2:43;Nehemiah 7:46. In both restoration lists the “descendants of Tabbaoth” are numbered among “the temple servants.”
Historical Background of the Temple Servants (Nethinim)
The class called Nethinim (“given ones”) originated when Joshua conscripted the Gibeonites to perpetual service at the sanctuary (Joshua 9:23, 27). Over time more non-Israelite groups were added, and by the monarchy they appear as a distinct order assisting the Levites (1 Chronicles 9:2). After the Babylonian exile they re-emerge as a stable body of ministry workers attached to the rebuilt temple (Ezra 8:20), demonstrating the continuity of pre-exilic worship patterns.
Identity of the House of Tabbaoth
“Tabbaoth” designates a family within this servant class. Though the name recalls “rings,” Scripture treats the designation as a proper family title. Their very presence in the post-exilic rolls testifies that they preserved their lineage through captivity, valuing their calling enough to maintain genealogical records when many Israelites could not (Ezra 2:59–62).
Role in the Post-Exilic Community
1. Practical Ministry: Temple servants supplied water, wood, and other necessities for daily sacrifices (compareEzra 7:24). Their menial but indispensable tasks ensured that priestly and Levitical ministries remained undistracted.
2. Covenant Participation: By joining Zerubbabel’s return, the sons of Tabbaoth embraced the prophetic hope of restoration (Isaiah 52:8) and placed themselves under the renewed covenant obligations recorded inNehemiah 10:28–29.
3. City Builders: Appointment to dwell in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:3, 21) positioned them as guardians of worship at the very heart of the restored nation.
Theological Significance
• Servanthood Honored: The Lord’s record of their names vindicates humble service. “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown toward His name” (Hebrews 6:10).
• Gospel Foreshadowing: Outsiders brought near by grace and assigned to God’s house anticipate the inclusion of the Gentiles (Ephesians 2:19).
• Covenant Faithfulness Across Generations: From Joshua to Ezra spans nearly a millennium, yet the calling endures. Such perseverance illustrates the durability of divine purpose despite exile, socio-political upheaval, and personal obscurity.
Lessons for Contemporary Faith Communities
• Value Every Ministry: Those who clean, repair, or arrange facilities participate in the worship offered to God (1 Corinthians 12:22–24).
• Preserve Spiritual Heritage: Like the sons of Tabbaoth, families should steward records of God’s dealings and encourage successive generations to embrace kingdom service (2 Timothy 1:5).
• Embrace Unity in Diversity: The post-exilic community welcomed people of varied backgrounds into sacred work; modern assemblies likewise display the glory of Christ when every redeemed believer finds a place of meaningful contribution (1 Peter 4:10–11).
“Now the temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, Hasupha, and Tabbaoth” (Ezra 2:43). Their brief mention stands as a quiet monument to steadfast, intergenerational devotion to the Lord and His house.
Forms and Transliterations
טַבָּעֽוֹת׃ טבעות׃ ṭab·bā·‘ō·wṯ ṭabbā‘ōwṯ tabbaot
Links
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