גָּזֵל
ga.zel
robbery
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
SupportedThe Hebrew word "גָּזֵל" (ga.zel) is defined as "robbery." It occurs six times in the Bible, indicating its importance in the narrative. The word's meaning is straightforward, referring to the act of taking something by force or illegal means. The range of usage for "גָּזֵל" is limited to specific contexts, such as property theft or seizure. It does not appear to carry connotations of violence or aggression beyond the act of taking something without permission. The word's significance lies in its representation of a serious offense in ancient Hebrew society, highlighting the importance of property rights and the consequences of violating them. Given its limited occurrences, "גָּזֵל" is not a central concept in the Hebrew Bible, but its presence underscores the gravity of theft and the need for accountability in ancient Israelite culture.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences across the text
Don’t trust in oppression. Don’t become vain in robbery. If riches increase, don’t set your heart on them.
Ecclesiastes 5:8If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in a district, don’t marvel at the matter, for one official is eyed by a higher one, and there are officials over them.
Isaiah 61:8“For I, Yahweh, love justice. I hate robbery and iniquity. I will give them their reward in truth and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
Ezekiel 18:18As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, robbed his brother, and did that which is not good among his people, behold, he will die in his iniquity.
Ezekiel 22:29The people of the land have used oppression and exercised robbery. Yes, they have troubled the poor and needy, and have oppressed the foreigner wrongfully.
Leviticus 6:2“If anyone sins, and commits a trespass against Yahweh, and deals falsely with his neighbor in a matter of deposit, or of bargain, or of robbery, or has oppressed his neighbor,