### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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