a primitive root, (rather identified with גָּאַל, through the idea of freeing, i.e. repudiating); to soil or (figuratively) desecrate; defile, pollute, stain.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gâʼal**, represented by `{{H1351}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **soil** or figuratively **desecrate**. It appears 11 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. The core idea of this word centers on being **defiled**, **polluted**, or **stained**, both physically and ceremonially.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1351}}` is used to describe various forms of contamination. It is used to express personal, moral resolve, as when **Daniel** `{{H1840}}` purposed in his heart not to **defile** himself with the king's meat [[Daniel 1:8]]. The term also carries a strong sense of ceremonial and genealogical impurity. In both Ezra and Nehemiah, certain individuals who could not find their register were considered **polluted** and therefore put from the priesthood ([[Ezra 2:62]], [[Nehemiah 7:64]]). Prophetically, it is used to describe a nation's sins, such as hands that are **defiled** with **blood** `{{H1818}}` and fingers with **iniquity** `{{H5771}}` [[Isaiah 59:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of defilement and pollution:
* `{{H1818}}` **dâm** (blood): This word is frequently associated with `{{H1351}}`, creating a vivid image of defilement. Hands can be **defiled** with **blood** [[Isaiah 59:3]], and people can be **polluted** with **blood** in the streets [[Lamentations 4:14]].
* `{{H5771}}` **ʻâvôn** (iniquity): This term for moral evil is directly linked to the state of being defiled, as seen when fingers are described as defiled with **iniquity** [[Isaiah 59:3]].
* `{{H2490}}` **châlal** (profane): A closely related verb, often used in parallel with `{{H1351}}`. In Malachi, the priests are accused of having **profaned** the LORD's table by saying it is **polluted** [[Malachi 1:12]].
* `{{H4754}}` **mârâʼ** (filthy): This term is used alongside `{{H1351}}` in the condemnation of the oppressing city, which is described as **filthy** and **polluted** [[Zephaniah 3:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1351}}` is significant, touching on core ideas of purity, sin, and judgment.
* **Ceremonial Purity:** The word is central to the concept of fitness for sacred service. Priests whose genealogies were not found were deemed **polluted** and excluded from the priesthood ([[Ezra 2:62]]; [[Nehemiah 7:64]]). Similarly, offering **polluted** bread on God's altar is a direct offense [[Malachi 1:7]].
* **The Stain of Sin:** `{{H1351}}` illustrates the tangible consequence of sin. The prophets use it to describe hands **defiled** with **blood** `{{H1818}}` and fingers with **iniquity** `{{H5771}}`, signifying a state of moral corruption [[Isaiah 59:3]]. This pollution makes one unclean, as seen in Lamentations where the people are so **polluted** with blood that others cannot touch their garments [[Lamentations 4:14]].
* **Metaphor for Judgment:** The term is used in a striking image of divine judgment where a divine figure's garments are **stained** with the blood of his enemies, whom he has trodden in fury [[Isaiah 63:3]]. Here, the act of staining is part of executing judgment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1351}}` **gâʼal** is a potent term for defilement in scripture. It is not limited to a single context but applies to personal choices, ceremonial standards, and the moral state of a city or nation. From **Daniel's** `{{H1840}}` resolve to remain pure [[Daniel 1:8]] to the disqualification of priests with improper lineage [[Ezra 2:62]], and from the condemnation of a **polluted** city [[Zephaniah 3:1]] to the graphic depiction of judgment [[Isaiah 63:3]], the word consistently signifies a state of being soiled, desecrated, and unacceptable.
TRV