Bible Dictionary

Tabret

Worship & Prayer • Old Testament

A tabret was a small hand drum or tambourine, commonly played by women during celebrations. In some older translations, a different word in Job 17:6 was mistakenly rendered “tabret.”

Definition

A tabret was a timbrel or tambourine, a hand-played musical instrument. In the biblical descriptions supplied here, it was generally played by women. The word is distinct from the term appearing in Job 17:6, where the older translation “tabret” is considered incorrect.

Biblical Usage

Women played tabrets in joyful or celebratory settings, including the occasions associated with Jacob’s departure, Saul’s prophetic company, and Israel’s reception of David. In Job 17:6, the relevant Hebrew word should instead be understood as an expression of abhorrence or spitting in the face.

Historical Background

The tabret belonged to the class of timbrels or tambourines used in communal celebration. Older English versions sometimes used the same English word where the Hebrew terms were different.

Scripture References

Genesis 31:27 1 Samuel 10:5 1 Samuel 18:6 Job 17:6

Related Figures

Historical Bible Dictionaries

Easton's Bible Dictionary

(Heb. toph), a timbrel (q.v.) or tambourine, generally played by women (Gen. 31:27; 1 Sam. 10:5; 18:6). In Job 17:6 the word (Heb. topheth) “tabret” should be, as in the Revised Version, “an open abhorring” (marg., “one in whose face they spit;” lit., “a spitting in the face”).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

[Timbrel, Tabret]

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