from an unused root meaning to be arched or contracted; hunch-backed; crookbackt.
Transliteration:gibbên
Pronunciation:gib-bane'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term gibbên (`{{H1384}}`) derives from an unused root signifying "to be arched or contracted." Its core meaning refers to a specific physical deformity: "hunch-backed" or "crookbackt." This describes a condition where the spine is abnormally curved, resulting in a prominent hump on the back. The word denotes a physical blemish, an anatomical deviation from what was considered normative or whole.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word gibbên (`{{H1384}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in [[Leviticus 21:20]]. This solitary occurrence is found within the detailed regulations concerning the qualifications for priests in ancient Israel. The passage enumerates various physical imperfections that would disqualify a descendant of Aaron from serving in the sacred duties of the tabernacle or temple.
[[Leviticus 21:16-23]] outlines these disqualifications, emphasizing the requirement for physical wholeness in those who would draw near to God in priestly service. The list includes a variety of conditions, such as blindness (`{{H5787}}`), lameness (`{{H6455}}`), a flat nose, a broken foot or hand, and gibbên (hunch-backed). The text explicitly states, "No man among the descendants of Aaron the priest who has a blemish shall come near to offer the Lord’s food offerings; since he has a blemish, he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God" [[Leviticus 21:21]].
The context reveals that these physical conditions were not considered moral failings or indications of sin on the part of the individual. Rather, they represented an imperfection that was incompatible with the symbolic purity and wholeness required for those who mediated between a holy God and His people. The purpose was to uphold the sanctity and perfection of the divine presence and the sacrificial system, which typologically pointed to the ultimate perfection of the coming Messiah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of physical wholeness and the absence of blemish is pervasive in the Old Testament, particularly in relation to priests and sacrifices. Related Hebrew terms include:
* mûm (`{{H3971}}`): "blemish" or "defect," a general term for any physical imperfection that would disqualify a sacrifice or priest (e.g., [[Leviticus 22:21]], [[Deuteronomy 15:21]]).
* pēsaḥ (`{{H6455}}`): "lame," another specific physical defect often listed alongside gibbên and other conditions that disqualify from priestly service or acceptable sacrifice (e.g., [[Leviticus 21:18]], [[Malachi 1:8]]).
* ʿiwwēr (`{{H5787}}`): "blind," similarly listed as a disqualifying blemish (e.g., [[Leviticus 21:18]]).
These terms collectively underscore the Old Covenant's emphasis on physical perfection as a prerequisite for ceremonial purity and fitness for divine service. This emphasis extended beyond priests to the sacrificial animals themselves, which also had to be "without blemish" (e.g., [[Leviticus 1:3]], [[Exodus 12:5]]). The underlying concept is the holiness of God, who is perfect and requires perfection in all that approaches Him in worship.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of gibbên (`{{H1384}}`) and the broader category of physical blemishes for priestly service lies in their typological nature. The physical perfection required of the Old Covenant priests was not an arbitrary standard but a symbolic pointer to the absolute holiness and perfection of God Himself. Those who ministered in the holy place were to reflect this divine attribute.
Furthermore, these requirements foreshadowed the perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ, who was without blemish, sin, or defect (`{{G503}}`, amōmos, "blameless" or "without spot," often used of Christ, e.g., [[Hebrews 9:14]], [[1 Peter 1:19]]). His sacrifice was perfect because He Himself was perfect, fulfilling all the types and shadows of the Old Covenant.
It is crucial to understand that these disqualifications did not imply that individuals with physical deformities were less loved by God or inherently sinful. Rather, they were excluded from a specific ceremonial role that carried profound symbolic weight. In the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from physical perfection to spiritual qualifications for leadership and service within the church (e.g., [[1 Timothy 3:1-7]], [[Titus 1:6-9]]). All believers, regardless of physical condition, are welcomed into the presence of God through Christ and are called to spiritual service, as the barrier of physical perfection has been transcended by the perfect and inclusive grace of God in Jesus.
### Summary
The Hebrew word gibbên (`{{H1384}}`), meaning "hunch-backed," appears uniquely in [[Leviticus 21:20]]. Its sole occurrence highlights a physical deformity that disqualified a descendant of Aaron from priestly service in the Old Covenant. This strict requirement for physical wholeness in priests and sacrifices was not a judgment on the individual's worth but served as a profound theological symbol. It underscored the absolute holiness and perfection of God, foreshadowing the unblemished nature of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant priesthood demanded physical perfection, the New Covenant, established through Christ, emphasizes spiritual qualifications and extends God's grace and calling to all, regardless of physical condition.
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