תֵּבָה

a box

Definition

The Hebrew word תֵּבָה (têbâh) refers to a large, box-like container or vessel. In the Bible, it is used exclusively for two significant objects: Noah's ark (Genesis 6-9) and the small basket in which the infant Moses was placed (Exodus 2:3, 5). In both cases, the תֵּבָה is a waterproof vessel of salvation, preserving life against a deadly threat—the floodwaters for Noah's family and animals, and the Nile River for Moses. The word does not describe a ship-like vessel with a prow and stern, but rather a simple, rectangular chest or box, as indicated by its construction details in Genesis 6:14-16.

Biblical Usage

This noun occurs 25 times in the Old Testament, with a clear pattern of usage. It appears 23 times in Genesis 6-9, detailing the construction, loading, and floating of Noah's ark. The remaining two occurrences are in Exodus 2, describing the papyrus basket for baby Moses. It is never used for any other object or in any other book, highlighting its unique and specific application to these two pivotal stories of deliverance in the Pentateuch.

Etymology

The origin of תֵּבָה (têbâh) is uncertain and may be a loanword from Egyptian, where 'tb' meant 'chest' or 'coffin,' or possibly from the Akkadian 'tubbû' (a type of dwelling). It is not derived from a common Hebrew root. This foreign derivation supports the idea of a specific, imported term for a particular kind of container, distinct from more common Hebrew words for box or chest.

Semantic Range

תֵּבָה is a theologically rich word central to the theme of divine salvation and covenant. In both primary narratives, the 'ark' is God's appointed means of preserving a chosen remnant—Noah's family and the animal kinds for a new creation, and Moses, the future deliverer of Israel. It symbolizes God's provision for salvation amidst judgment and His faithfulness to His promises (Genesis 6:18). Understanding it as a 'box' rather than a ship emphasizes God's sovereign protection; the ark had no steering mechanism, wholly reliant on God's guidance.

In the ancient Near East, a 'תֵּבָה' was understood as a simple, functional container. For Noah, its massive, rectangular design (Genesis 6:15) prioritized buoyancy and storage capacity over nautical travel. For Moses, it was a small, daubed basket (Exodus 2:3) made from available reeds. The modern image of a pointed, seafaring 'ark' is a cultural imposition; the biblical text describes a floating chest, which would have been a recognizable, if monumental, object to the original audience.

אֲרוֹן (ʾărôn, H727) — A different word for 'ark,' used for the Ark of the Covenant (a sacred chest) and Joseph's coffin. תֵּבָה is used only for Noah's vessel and Moses's basket. כְּלִי (kelî, H3627) — A general term for any 'vessel,' 'utensil,' or 'article.' תֵּבָה is a specific type of large container for preservation.

Word Details

Scripture References