The Hebrew word gâmûwl, represented by H1577, means rewarded and is used as the name Gamul, an Israelite. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, making it a very specific and rare term.
The sole appearance of Gamul H1577 in the biblical narrative is within a genealogical and administrative list. In 1 Chronicles 24:17, the name is used to identify the head of the twenty-second priestly course assigned to service. This context places Gamul as an individual within the Levitical priesthood, part of a structured system for temple duties.
Several related words appear in the same verse as H1577, providing numerical and personal context:
- H3199 Yâkîyn (Jachin): Meaning "he (or it) will establish," this word is used as the name of the priest over the twenty-first course, mentioned just before Gamul 1 Chronicles 24:17. It also appears as the name of one of Simeon's sons Genesis 46:10 and famously as the name of one of the pillars of the temple 1 Kings 7:21.
- H6242 ʻesrîym (twenty): This numeral is used to establish the order of the priestly courses, specifying the "twentieth" lot 1 Chronicles 24:17. It is used elsewhere to denote quantities of years Genesis 6:3 and people Ezekiel 8:16.
- H8147 shᵉnayim (two): A number used to denote a pair or the second in a series. It is used to form the number "two and twentieth" for Gamul's course 1 Chronicles 24:17. It also appears in contexts illustrating concepts like two nations Genesis 25:23 or the value of companionship Ecclesiastes 4:9.
The theological significance of H1577 is derived almost entirely from its meaning, "rewarded," rather than its narrative use.
- A Name with Meaning: The name Gamul itself suggests a state of having been compensated or repaid. In a culture where names often reflected character or divine action, this name points to the concept of receiving a just return.
- Reward and Service: Appearing in a list of priests assigned to temple service, the name Gamul (rewarded) subtly connects the act of priestly duty with the idea of divine reward. The individual is identified by a name that embodies the outcome of faithfulness.
- Personal Identity: While the individual named Gamul is not described further, his inclusion in the sacred record under this name serves as a marker. It places a person named "rewarded" into the official lineage of those who serve the Lord in the temple 1 Chronicles 24:17.
In summary, H1577 gâmûwl is a highly specific term, appearing only once in scripture. Its primary contribution is as a proper name, Gamul, identifying the head of the twenty-second priestly course. While its narrative role is limited to this single mention in a list, its definition as "rewarded" provides a subtle theological layer, linking the identity of this priest to the principle of divine recompense for service.
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