גָּבִיעַ (ge.vi.a)
ge.vi.a
cup
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In the ancient world, a cup was more than a vessel for drink; it was a symbol of one’s portion or destiny. When Joseph placed his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack, he was testing his brothers’ loyalty and revealing the depth of their change from the past. This object became the focal point of their fear and Judah’s willingness to sacrifice himself, showing how God uses ordinary items to bring hidden truths to light.
Similarly, in the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, the golden lampstand featured cups shaped like almond blossoms. These were not just decorative but represented beauty, vigilance, and God’s presence among His people. Whether it is a cup of testing or a cup of worship, this word reminds us that what we hold in our hands can reflect our relationship with God.
Understanding this term helps us see the richness of biblical imagery. It invites us to consider how God uses everyday objects to teach spiritual lessons about trust, repentance, and devotion. We are encouraged to look beyond the surface of things to find the deeper meaning God intends for our lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- cups6×
- the/ cup3×
- cups/ its2×
- cup/ my1×
- bowls1×
- [the] cup of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גְּבִיעֶ֛י/הָ2×
- גְבִעִ֗ים2×
- גְבִעִ֑ים2×
- גְ֠בִעִים2×
- הַ/גָּבִ֜יעַ1×
- הַ/גָּבִ֖יעַ1×
- הַ/גָּבִ֔יעַ1×
- גְּבִעִ֛ים1×
- גְּבִיעִ֞/י1×
- גְּבִ֣יעַ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 44:2
Put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack’s mouth of the youngest, with his grain money.” He did according to the word that Joseph had spoken.
This verse introduces the silver cup as a tool of testing, setting the stage for Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers.
-
Genesis 44:16
Judah said, “What will we tell my lord? What will we speak? How will we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants. Behold, we are my lord’s slaves, both we and he also in whose hand the cup is found.”
Judah acknowledges that God has exposed their guilt through the discovery of the cup, marking a turning point in their confession.
-
Exodus 25:33
three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower; and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bud and a flower, so for the six branches going out of the lamp stand;
Here the cup is part of the sacred lampstand design, symbolizing beauty and divine order in worship rather than judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word גָּבִיעַ (ge.vi.a) generally mean?
Why is the cup significant in Genesis 44?
How is the word used in Exodus regarding the Tabernacle?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 3 books)
Genesis 4 verses
Put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack’s mouth of the youngest, with his grain money.” He did according to the word…
Genesis 44:12He searched, beginning with the oldest, and ending at the youngest. The cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.
Genesis 44:16Judah said, “What will we tell my lord? What will we speak? How will we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity…
Genesis 44:17He said, “Far be it from me that I should do so. The man in whose hand the cup is found, he will be my slave; but as…