גְּבוּל (ge.vul)
ge.vul
border: boundary
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 156 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun gebul refers to a boundary or border, originally evoking the image of a twisted cord used to mark limits. In the Hebrew Bible it defines the edge of a field, the line separating territories, or the space enclosed within those lines. This concrete sense appears when the text describes the borders of Canaan (Genesis 10:19) or the extent of Egypt (Exodus 10:14), grounding the concept in physical geography.
Over time the word expands to mean territory itself, whether it is the land of Israel (1 Samuel 11:3) or the domain of darkness (Psalm 107:14). It also marks specific edges, such as the altar’s perimeter in Ezekiel 43. Translators often render gebul as border, bound, or coast, depending on whether the focus is on the dividing line or the region it contains.
Its root suggests measurement and division, highlighting how ancient Israel understood space through defined limits rather than open expanses. This linguistic precision reflects a worldview where identity and inheritance were tied to clear, recognized boundaries.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word gebul describes a boundary, often visualized as a twisted cord marking a limit. In the ancient world, this was not merely a line on a map but a definition of identity and inheritance. When Scripture speaks of borders, it highlights how God organized space, giving His people a specific place to dwell and serve.
For your faith life, this concept reminds us that we are not lost in chaos but placed with purpose. Just as Israel’s territory was defined by clear limits, our spiritual walk is grounded in the truth of who we are in Christ. We find security in knowing that God sets our boundaries with care and intention.
Whether you feel confined or uncertain, remember that these limits often protect rather than restrict. They define where we belong and help us understand our role within God’s larger story. This sense of place invites us to rest in His provision and trust His guidance for every step of our journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 156 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ border39×
- [the] border of27×
- [the] territory of21×
- territory/ your12×
- territory/ their9×
- the/ territory7×
- in/ [the] territory of6×
- border of6×
- territory/ its5×
- and/ a border5×
- border/ their4×
- and/ [the] border of4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גְּב֣וּל26×
- גְּב֥וּל21×
- הַ/גְּבוּל֙10×
- הַ/גְּב֜וּל8×
- גְּב֖וּל6×
- הַ/גְּב֔וּל5×
- גְּבוּלָֽ/ם\׃5×
- בִּ/גְב֣וּל4×
- וּ/גְבֻ֑ל3×
- וּ/גְב֣וּל3×
- וּ/גְב֑וּל3×
- הַ/גְּבוּל֩3×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 10:19
The border of the Canaanites was from Sidon—as you go toward Gerar—to Gaza—as you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim—to Lasha.
This verse establishes the geographical extent of Canaan, showing how gebul defined the inheritance promised to Abraham's descendants.
-
Exodus 23:31
I will set your border from the Red Sea even to the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the River; for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you.
Here God promises to expand Israel's borders, linking physical territory with divine protection and victory over enemies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word gebul mean?
How is gebul different from other words for land?
Where does gebul appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (156 verses across 22 books)
Genesis 3 verses
The border of the Canaanites was from Sidon—as you go toward Gerar—to Gaza—as you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and…
Genesis 23:17So the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, the cave which was in it, and all…
Genesis 47:21As for the people, he moved them to the cities from one end of the border of Egypt even to the other end of it.