גָּאַל
ga.al
to defile
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew verb "גָּאַל" (ga'al) carries a strong negative connotation, meaning to defile or corrupt something or someone. This verb is associated with the broad semantic domain of Sin & Righteousness, indicating a connection to moral transgression. With 11 occurrences in the Bible, "גָּאַל" is not a rare word, suggesting its significance in the Hebrew narrative. The range of usage for "גָּאַל" spans different contexts, from physical acts of pollution to moral corruption. Its usage often implies a separation or distance resulting from this act, affecting relationships and community. By analyzing the occurrences, it appears that "גָּאַל" is typically used in reference to human actions or circumstances, implying a level of agency in the process of defilement. Given its association with sin and righteousness, the word "גָּאַל" highlights the importance of maintaining purity and moral integrity in the Hebrew worldview. Its presence in the biblical narrative underscores the consequences of defilement and suggests a call to live a morally righteous life. By examining the lexicon data, we can appreciate the nuances of "גָּאַל" and its role in shaping the biblical message of purity and morality.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
11 total occurrences across the text
These sought their place among those who were registered by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they deemed disqualified and removed from the priesthood.
Nehemiah 7:64These searched for their genealogical records, but couldn’t find them. Therefore they were deemed disqualified and removed from the priesthood.
Isaiah 59:3For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity. Your lips have spoken lies. Your tongue mutters wickedness.
Isaiah 63:3“I have trodden the wine press alone. Of the peoples, no one was with me. Yes, I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath. Their lifeblood is sprinkled on my garments, and I have stained all my clothing.
Lamentations 4:14They wander as blind men in the streets. They are polluted with blood, So that men can’t touch their garments.
Daniel 1:8But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s dainties, nor with the wine which he drank. Therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Daniel 1:8But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s dainties, nor with the wine which he drank. Therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
Zephaniah 3:1Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted, the oppressing city!
Malachi 1:7You offer polluted bread on my altar. You say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ In that you say, ‘Yahweh’s table is contemptible.’
Malachi 1:7You offer polluted bread on my altar. You say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ In that you say, ‘Yahweh’s table is contemptible.’
Malachi 1:12“But you profane it, in that you say, ‘Yahweh’s table is polluted, and its fruit, even its food, is contemptible.’