passive participle of גָּמַל; rewarded; Gamul, an Israelite; Gamul. See also בֵּית גָּמוּל.
Transliteration:gâmûwl
Pronunciation:gaw-mool'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term גָּמוּל (gâmûwl, `{{H1577}}`) functions primarily as a passive participle derived from the root verb גָּמַל (gamal, `{{H1580}}`). The root gamal carries a rich semantic range, encompassing meanings such as "to deal out," "to ripen" or "to wean" (as in a child being weaned), "to bestow," and most significantly, "to recompense" or "to reward." As a passive participle, gâmûwl therefore signifies "that which is dealt out," "that which is ripened or weaned," or more commonly in a theological context, "that which is recompensed" or "rewarded." While the adjectival sense of "rewarded" is inherent in its etymology, its most prominent usage in the biblical text is as a proper noun, "Gamul," referring to an individual. This dual nature requires careful consideration to appreciate both its conceptual depth and its specific textual application.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term גָּמוּל (gâmûwl, `{{H1577}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily as a proper name. Its sole direct occurrence is found in the book of Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 24:17]]: "the twenty-second to Gamul"
In this verse, Gamul is identified as the head of the twenty-second division of priests established by King David for service in the temple. The meticulous organization of the priestly courses, as detailed in [[1 Chronicles 24]], underscores the importance of order and dedicated service within the Levitical priesthood. The naming of this division after "Gamul" (meaning "rewarded" or "recompensed") carries a profound significance within this context. It suggests a lineage or a role that is divinely acknowledged and perhaps blessed, indicating God's faithfulness in rewarding those who serve Him according to His covenant. While gâmûwl itself is confined to this proper noun usage, the broader concept of "recompense" or "reward" is widely attested throughout Scripture, often expressed by the related noun גְּמוּל (gemul, `{{H1576}}`), which directly signifies "recompense" or "retribution," whether positive or negative, from the same root.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of גָּמוּל (gâmûwl, `{{H1577}}`) is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and associated theological concepts:
* **Root Verb גָּמַל (gamal, `{{H1580}}`):** This foundational verb is crucial. Beyond "to recompense," it also means "to deal out," "to bestow kindness" (e.g., [[Psalm 13:6]]), and "to wean" (e.g., [[Genesis 21:8]]). The sense of "dealing out" or "bestowing" underlies the concept of reward or retribution.
* **Noun גְּמוּל (gemul, `{{H1576}}`):** This noun, derived from the same root, explicitly means "recompense," "reward," or "retribution." It appears in contexts like [[Psalm 137:8]] ("O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed, blessed shall he be who repays you with what you have done to us!") and [[Jeremiah 51:56]] ("For the LORD is a God of recompense; he will surely repay"), directly expressing the idea of divine justice and repayment.
* **בֵּית גָּמוּל (Beth Gamul):** This place name, meaning "house of recompense/reward," is mentioned in [[Jeremiah 48:23]] as a city in Moab. While not H1577 itself, its etymology reinforces the concept of recompense being associated with places or people.
* **Concepts of Divine Justice and Retribution:** The underlying notion of gâmûwl and its root is God's active involvement in human affairs, dealing out consequences—whether blessings for obedience or judgment for sin—according to His righteousness and covenant.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** The idea of reward is often intrinsically linked to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His acknowledgment of human faithfulness in response.
* **Service and Inheritance:** In the context of the priestly division of Gamul, the name highlights the divine recognition and potential inheritance or blessing associated with faithful service within God's appointed order.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of גָּמוּל (gâmûwl, `{{H1577}}`), particularly in its use as the proper name Gamul, is multifaceted. The very name "rewarded" or "recompensed" for a priestly division in [[1 Chronicles 24:17]] speaks volumes about God's character and His relationship with His people.
Firstly, it underscores the principle of divine recompense. God is not merely a passive observer but an active agent who "deals out" to humanity. This recompense is not limited to punitive judgment but extends to the bestowal of blessings and the fulfillment of promises for those who faithfully serve Him. The name Gamul, for a priestly line, suggests that their very existence and function are a testament to God's rewarding nature.
Secondly, it highlights God's covenant faithfulness. The establishment of the priestly divisions was an act of divine ordering for the ongoing worship and service of the Lord. Naming a division "Gamul" could serve as a perpetual reminder that God rewards diligent and faithful service within His covenant. It implies that their priestly duties were not in vain but would be met with divine acknowledgment and blessing.
Thirdly, the concept of "gâmûwl" reinforces the biblical understanding of justice. While the direct use of H1577 is as a proper name, its root meaning is inextricably linked to the broader theological theme of God's righteous judgment and His just distribution of consequences, whether positive or negative. This divine justice ensures that ultimately, all actions, whether good or evil, will receive their due recompense from the Lord.
### Summary
The Hebrew term גָּמוּל (gâmûwl, `{{H1577}}`) is a passive participle of the verb גָּמַל (gamal, `{{H1580}}`), fundamentally meaning "rewarded" or "recompensed." While its etymology points to this adjectival sense, its singular biblical occurrence is as the proper name "Gamul," identifying a head of a priestly division in [[1 Chronicles 24:17]]. This usage is highly significant, as the name itself proclaims divine acknowledgment and blessing for faithful service. The broader theological implications of gâmûwl and its related terms, such as גְּמוּל (gemul, `{{H1576}}`), emphasize God's character as a just and faithful Lord who actively "deals out" to humanity, providing recompense—both blessings and consequences—according to His righteous will and covenant promises. Thus, gâmûwl serves as a linguistic anchor for the profound biblical truth that God rewards those who diligently seek and serve Him.
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