8406. tebar

Lexical Summary

tebar: To break, shatter, destroy

Original Word: תְּבַר
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: tbar
Pronunciation: teh-BAR
Phonetic Spelling: (teb-ar')
KJV: broken
NASB: brittle
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H7665 (שָׁבַר - broken)]

1. to be fragile (figuratively)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Thebez

(Aramaic) corresponding to shabar; to be fragile (figuratively) -- broken.

see HEBREW shabar

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to shabar
Definition
to break
NASB Translation
brittle (1).

Topical Lexicon

Overview

Strong’s Hebrew 8406 תְּבַר (tebar) appears once in the Old Testament, in Daniel 2:42, to describe something “brittle” or liable to be “broken.” Although the word itself is rare, its placement in the prophetic dream of Nebuchadnezzar imbues it with rich theological and practical significance, highlighting the inherent frailty of human dominion in contrast to the enduring kingdom of God.

Scriptural Context: Daniel 2:42

In Daniel 2, the Babylonian king is shown a statue made of multiple materials. The feet and toes are “partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle” (Daniel 2:42). The term tebar signifies the brittleness of the final composite kingdom, underscoring that even apparent strength is compromised by internal weakness. The statue’s eventual shattering by the stone “cut without hands” (Daniel 2:34–35) reveals that temporal powers cannot withstand divine intervention.

Prophetic Significance

1. Transitory Empires: Te­­bar typifies the inevitable collapse of man-made structures. From Babylon to the divided kingdoms symbolized by the iron-clay mixture, Scripture consistently reveals the limits of earthly authority (Psalm 2:1–6; Revelation 17:12–14).
2. Eschatological Contrast: The brittle portions of the statue stand opposite the eternal kingdom described in Daniel 2:44: “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed.” Human kingdoms are breakable; God’s reign is unbreakable.
3. Divine Sovereignty: The single occurrence of tebar powerfully conveys that the fragility of human rule is not random but orchestrated by God, “who changes times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21).

Theological Themes

• Human Frailty vs. Divine Strength: Te­­bar encapsulates the biblical assertion that “no king is saved by his great army” (Psalm 33:16).
• Mixed Allegiances: The iron-clay mixture represents divided loyalties and moral compromise, resulting in brittleness. James 1:8 warns that the “double-minded man” is unstable; tebar graphically illustrates that instability at a national and cultural level.
• Judgment and Renewal: The breaking of the statue prepares the way for a new kingdom, reflecting the pattern of judgment leading to restoration found throughout Scripture (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13).

Practical Ministry Applications

1. Preaching on National Pride: Te­­bar offers a vivid metaphor for the limits of political or military might, challenging believers to place ultimate trust in the Lord rather than any nation (Proverbs 21:31).
2. Discipleship and Integrity: The iron-clay mixture warns against divided hearts. Pastors and teachers can exhort believers to pursue wholeness in Christ, lest their witness become brittle.
3. Hope in Uncertain Times: As believers observe global instability, tebar reminds them that such brittleness is expected; it points toward the coming, unshakable kingdom (Hebrews 12:28).

Cross-References to Related Biblical Concepts

• Brokenness leading to deliverance: Judges 7:20-22; Psalm 51:17.
• Clay as a symbol of human limitation: Job 10:9; 2 Corinthians 4:7.
• Iron as strength tempered by divine judgment: Deuteronomy 28:48; Daniel 7:7.

Christological Foreshadowing

The stone that crushes the brittle feet anticipates Jesus Christ, the “living Stone” rejected by men but chosen by God (1 Peter 2:4). His incarnation and future reign fulfill Daniel’s prophecy of a kingdom that fills the whole earth. Te­­bar thus indirectly magnifies Christ by contrasting His enduring strength with human fragility.

Summary

Though occurring only once, תְּבַר (tebar) serves as a theological linchpin in Daniel’s vision. It captures the brittleness of human kingdoms, underscores divine sovereignty, and points toward the indestructible reign of Christ. Believers today can draw assurance from this truth: all that is tebar will ultimately give way to the unbreakable kingdom of God.

Forms and Transliterations

תְבִירָֽה׃ תבירה׃ ṯə·ḇî·rāh ṯəḇîrāh teviRah

Englishman's Concordance

Daniel 2:42
HEB: וּמִנַּ֖הּ תֶּהֱוֵ֥ה תְבִירָֽה׃
NAS: and part of it will be brittle.
KJV: strong, and partly broken.
INT: and partly of it will be brittle

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 8406
1 Occurrence

ṯə·ḇî·rāh — 1 Occ.