(תֲִּרוּבָה , taarubah', suretyship), a person delivered into the hands of another as a security for the performance of some engagement. (See PLEDGE). Conquered kings or nations often gave hostages for the payment of their tribute, or for the continuance of their subjection; thus Jehoash, king of Israel, exacted hostages from Amaziah, king of Judah (2 Kings 14:14; 2 Chronicles 25:24). (See WAR).