prolonged from גְּבִיעַ; the calyx of a flower; bolled.
Transliteration:gibʻôl
Pronunciation:ghib-ole'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term גִּבְעֹל (transliterated gibʻôl, Strong's `{{H1392}}`) is primarily defined as "the calyx of a flower" or "bolled." Its etymological root is traced to גְּבִיעַ (transliterated gevîaʿ, Strong's `{{H1375}}`), which signifies a "cup" or "bowl." This etymological connection is insightful, suggesting that גִּבְעֹל refers to the cup-like or enclosing part of a plant. In botany, the calyx is the outermost whorl of sepals, typically green, which encloses and protects the developing bud and supports the petals when the flower blooms. The definition "bolled" refers to the formation of bolls, particularly in plants like flax or cotton, where the seed capsule or fruit develops. This indicates a specific, early stage in the reproductive cycle of a plant, where the seeds are beginning to form within a protective casing. Thus, the semantic range encompasses both the anatomical part (calyx/boll) and the developmental stage (being in bud/boll formation).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term גִּבְעֹל (`{{H1392}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Exodus 9:31]]. This verse describes the devastating seventh plague of hail upon Egypt: "Now the flax and the barley were struck, for the barley was in the ear and the flax was in bud." The phrase "flax was in bud" translates the Hebrew "הַפִּשְׁתָּה גִּבְעֹל" (ha-pishtah gibʻôl).
In this crucial context, גִּבְעֹל denotes the stage of growth for the flax plant. The flax was not yet fully mature but was in the process of forming its seed pods, or "bolls." This stage signifies a point of vulnerability for the plant, as its developing reproductive structures would be particularly susceptible to damage from a severe hailstorm. The subsequent verse, [[Exodus 9:32]], clarifies that "the wheat and the spelt were not struck, for they are late crops," indicating that these crops were at an earlier, less vulnerable stage of growth or had not yet emerged. The precise botanical detail provided in these verses underscores the meticulous nature of the plague, targeting specific crops at specific stages of their development, demonstrating the divine hand in the judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted, the term גִּבְעֹל (`{{H1392}}`) is derived from גְּבִיעַ (`{{H1375}}`), meaning "cup" or "bowl." This underlying connection reinforces the imagery of an enclosing, cup-like structure, whether it be a calyx protecting a flower bud or a boll encasing developing seeds. Conceptually, גִּבְעֹל relates to the broader biblical vocabulary concerning agriculture and botany, including terms for plants (e.g., פִּשְׁתָּה, pishtah, "flax"), parts of plants (e.g., אָבִיב, 'abib, "ear of grain"), and agricultural processes (e.g., זֶרַע, zeraʿ, "seed"). It also connects to the theological concept of divine judgment through natural phenomena, where God's power is manifested by affecting specific elements of the natural world at precise moments. The vulnerability implied by the "bud" or "bolled" stage contrasts with the resilience of crops not yet at that stage, highlighting the selective and intentional nature of God's actions.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of גִּבְעֹל (`{{H1392}}`) in [[Exodus 9:31]] holds significant theological weight within the narrative of the plagues. It reveals God's intimate knowledge and precise control over creation. The text does not merely state that crops were destroyed; it specifies *which* crops and at *what stage* of their growth. This detail demonstrates that the plague of hail was not a random natural disaster but a meticulously executed act of divine judgment.
The vulnerability of the flax in its גִּבְעֹל stage, contrasted with the untouched wheat and spelt, underscores the specificity and intentionality of God's judgment upon Egypt. It signifies that God's power extends even to the minute details of plant development, allowing Him to selectively impact the land and its productivity. This precision serves to magnify the Lord's sovereignty and His ability to distinguish between the Egyptians and the Israelites, as well as between different elements of the Egyptian economy. The destruction of crops at a critical stage of growth would have had profound economic consequences, further illustrating the devastating impact of divine wrath.
### Summary
The word גִּבְעֹל (`{{H1392}}`) refers to the calyx of a flower or, more broadly, the state of a plant being "bolled," signifying an early stage of seed development within a protective casing. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Exodus 9:31]] is highly significant, detailing the specific vulnerability of flax during the plague of hail. This precise botanical detail underscores God's meticulous knowledge of creation and His sovereign control over natural processes. The selective destruction of crops based on their developmental stage highlights the intentionality and precision of divine judgment, powerfully illustrating God's ability to orchestrate events with exactitude to fulfill His purposes.
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