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 29:2 – וְחַלֹּות מַצּוֹת בְּלוּלֹת בַּשֶּׁמֶן וְרִקְּיקֵי מַצּוֹת מְשֻׁחִים בַּשֶּׁמֶן תַּעֲשֶׂה
“Unleavened cakes mixed with oil…” — referring to kneading and mixing in preparation for an offering. - Isaiah 30:14 – לֹא 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.
