The Hebrew word gibʻôl, represented by H1392, refers to the calyx of a flower and is translated as bolled. This highly specific term appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible, indicating its specialized use to describe a particular stage of a plant's growth. Its base definition is prolonged from גְּבִיעַ.
The single use of H1392 is found in the account of the seventh plague of Egypt. In Exodus 9:31, the scripture notes that "the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled." This detail explains why these specific crops were destroyed by the hail; they had reached a stage of maturity where the ice would ruin them. The term bolled signifies that the flax had developed its seed-pods, making it vulnerable.
Several related words are found within its single biblical context, providing a fuller picture of the event:
- H6594 pishtâh (flax): This is the plant described as being "bolled." It is defined as flax; by implication, a wick; flax, tow Exodus 9:31.
- H8184 sᵉʻôrâh (barley): This crop was destroyed alongside the flax. The text notes it was in a parallel state of development at the time of the plague Exodus 9:31.
- H5221 nâkâh (smitten): This is the verb used to describe the action of the plague upon the crops. It means to strike, and in this context, it describes the destructive force of the hail Exodus 9:31.
- H24 ʼâbîyb (ear): This term describes the state of the barley, just as gibʻôl describes the state of the flax. It means a young ear of grain and is used in the phrase "barley was in the ear" Exodus 9:31.
The significance of H1392 is not in its theological depth but in the precision it brings to the biblical narrative.
- Specificity of Judgment: The use of such a specific term as "bolled" demonstrates that the plague of hail was not an arbitrary event. It was targeted and its effects are described with agricultural accuracy Exodus 9:31.
- Narrative Detail: By noting the exact stage of the flax and barley, the text anchors the event in a real-world, observable context, highlighting the physical impact of God's judgment on Egypt's resources.
- Timing of the Exodus: The word helps to establish a specific point in the agricultural year when the plague occurred, just before the Passover, which is tied to the month of Abib H24 Exodus 13:4.
In summary, H1392 is a rare, technical term whose importance lies in its context. While appearing only once, gibʻôl provides a crucial detail in Exodus 9:31, illustrating the precision of God's judgment during the plagues of Egypt. It shows how even the most obscure words in scripture can contribute significantly to the clarity and historical texture of the biblical account.
TRV