The Hebrew Verb גִּלַּח: To Shave or Shear

The Hebrew verb גִּלַּח (root: ג-ל-ח) means “to shave,” “to shear,” or “to remove hair.” It primarily appears in the Piel binyan, which expresses intensive or purposeful action, particularly when shaving the head, beard, or body. It is used in ritual contexts (such as purification rites) and in descriptions of mourning or humiliation.

The verb also appears in the Hithpael form (reflexive), meaning “to shave oneself.”

 

Piel Binyan Conjugation of גִּלַּח (“to shave”)

Past (Perfect) Tense

Person Form
1st person singular גִּלַּחְתִּי
2nd person masculine singular גִּלַּחְתָּ
2nd person feminine singular גִּלַּחְתְּ
3rd person masculine singular גִּלַּח
3rd person feminine singular גִּלְּחָה
1st person plural גִּלַּחְנוּ
2nd person masculine plural גִּלַּחְתֶּם
2nd person feminine plural גִּלַּחְתֶּן
3rd person plural גִּלְּחוּ

Present (Participle) Tense

Gender/Number Form
Masculine singular מְגַלֵּחַ
Feminine singular מְגַלַּחַת
Masculine plural מְגַלְּחִים
Feminine plural מְגַלְּחוֹת

Future (Imperfect) Tense

Person Form
1st person singular אֲגַלֵּחַ
2nd person masculine singular תְּגַלֵּחַ
2nd person feminine singular תְּגַלְּחִי
3rd person masculine singular יְגַלֵּחַ
3rd person feminine singular תְּגַלֵּחַ
1st person plural נְגַלֵּחַ
2nd person masculine plural תְּגַלְּחוּ
2nd person feminine plural תְּגַלֵּחַנָּה
3rd person plural יְגַלְּחוּ

Imperative Mood

Person Form
2nd person masculine singular גַלֵּחַ
2nd person feminine singular גַלְּחִי
2nd person masculine plural גַלְּחוּ
2nd person feminine plural גַלֵּחַנָּה

 

Usage in Scripture

  • Numbers 6:9וְגִלַּח רֹאשׁ נִזְרוֹ
    “And he shall shave the head of his consecration…” — regarding a Nazirite vow.
  • Isaiah 7:20בַּתַּעַר הַשְּׂכוּרָה בְּעֵבֶר נָהָר… תְּגַלַּח אֶת־הָרֹאשׁ
    “With a razor hired from beyond the River… [the LORD] will shave the head.” — symbolic act of humiliation and judgment.
  • 2 Samuel 10:4וַיִּגְלַּח חֲצִי זְקָנֹתֵיהֶם
    “And he shaved off half their beards…” — an act of humiliation inflicted on David’s servants.

 

Summary

The verb גִּלַּח highlights important cultural practices in ancient Israel involving shaving as part of purification, mourning, or humiliation. Its appearance in ritual contexts like the Nazirite vow and prophetic actions signifies personal transformation, purity, and at times public disgrace. As such, גִּלַּח plays a notable role in biblical themes of identity and consecration.

About Biblical Hebrew

Learn Biblical Hebrew Online. Studying Biblical Hebrew online opens a direct window into the sacred texts of the Hebrew Bible, allowing readers to engage with Scripture in its original linguistic and cultural context. By learning the language in which much of the Tanakh was written, students can move beyond translations and discover the nuanced meanings, poetic structures, and theological depth embedded in the Hebrew text. Online learning provides flexible and accessible avenues to build these skills, whether through self-paced modules, guided instruction, or interactive resources. As one grows in proficiency, the richness of biblical narratives, laws, prayers, and prophetic visions comes to life with renewed clarity, making the study of Biblical Hebrew not only an intellectual pursuit but a deeply rewarding spiritual and cultural journey.
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