The Hebrew Verb גָּבַל: To Mix, Knead, or Combine

The Hebrew verb גָּבַל (root: ג-ב-ל) means “to mix,” “to knead,” or “to combine.” It refers most commonly to the physical mixing of substances, especially in preparing food (like kneading dough) or in making building materials (such as mixing clay). It can also carry symbolic or poetic meanings, like the blending of nations or the combining of ideas.

גָּבַל appears primarily in the Qal binyan, but can also occur in other derived stems when emphasizing causative or intensive action. It is not among the most frequently used verbs in the Hebrew Bible, but its usage is vivid and descriptive.

 

Qal Binyan Conjugation of גָּבַל

Past (Perfect) Tense

Person Form
1st person singular גָּבַלְתִּי
2nd person masculine singular גָּבַלְתָּ
2nd person feminine singular גָּבַלְתְּ
3rd person masculine singular גָּבַל
3rd person feminine singular גָּבְלָה
1st person plural גָּבַלְנוּ
2nd person masculine plural גְּבַלְתֶּם
2nd person feminine plural גְּבַלְתֶּן
3rd person plural גָּבְלוּ

Present (Participle) Tense

Gender/Number Form
Masculine singular גֹּבֵל
Feminine singular גֹּבֶלֶת
Masculine plural גֹּבְלִים
Feminine plural גֹּבְלוֹת

Future (Imperfect) Tense

Person Form
1st person singular אֶגְבֹּל
2nd person masculine singular תִּגְבֹּל
2nd person feminine singular תִּגְבְּלִי
3rd person masculine singular יִגְבֹּל
3rd person feminine singular תִּגְבֹּל
1st person plural נִגְבֹּל
2nd person masculine plural תִּגְבְּלוּ
2nd person feminine plural תִּגְבֹּלְנָה
3rd person plural יִגְבְּלוּ

Imperative Mood

Person Form
2nd person masculine singular גְּבֹּל
2nd person feminine singular גִּבְלִי
2nd person masculine plural גִּבְלוּ
2nd person feminine plural גְּבֹּלְנָה

 

Usage in Scripture

  • Exodus 29:2וְחַלֹּות מַצּוֹת בְּלוּלֹת בַּשֶּׁמֶן וְרִקְּיקֵי מַצּוֹת מְשֻׁחִים בַּשֶּׁמֶן תַּעֲשֶׂה
    “Unleavened cakes mixed with oil…” — referring to kneading and mixing in preparation for an offering.
  • Isaiah 30:14לֹא יִמָּצֵא בִּנְפִצָּתוֹ חֶרֶשׂ לַחְתוֹת אֵשׁ מִיָּקוּד וְלַחְשֹׂף מַיִם מִגֵּבֶא
    “A shard is not found to scoop fire or to draw water from a cistern (gēveh)” — referring metaphorically to mixing vessels.

 

Summary

The verb גָּבַל signifies physical and metaphorical mixing, kneading, or combining. It evokes preparation, integration, and transformation—whether in culinary, sacrificial, or symbolic contexts. Understanding its forms enriches our appreciation of ancient practices and metaphors of unity and distinction in biblical language.

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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