גֵּב
gev
cistern
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word gev (H1356A) translates to "cistern." It is a term related to construction and crafts, likely referring to a man-made storage container for water. With only three occurrences in the Bible, its usage is relatively limited, suggesting it may be a technical or specialized term. Given its definition, the word gev would likely be used to describe a container for storing water, possibly in a dry or agricultural context. Its connection to construction and crafts implies a functional or practical application. The word itself does not convey any emotional or abstract meaning, focusing instead on a physical object's purpose. In the context of the biblical text, the word gev would provide specific information about the infrastructure or equipment used by ancient societies for managing water resources. Its relatively limited occurrences may indicate that cisterns were a common feature in some regions, but not others, or were perhaps a distinctive feature of specific cultures.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences across the text
Their nobles send their little ones to the waters. They come to the cisterns, and find no water. They return with their vessels empty. They are disappointed and confounded, and cover their heads.
2 Kings 3:16He said, “Yahweh says, ‘Make this valley full of trenches.’
2 Kings 3:16He said, “Yahweh says, ‘Make this valley full of trenches.’