גִּבְעֹל (giv.ol)
giv.ol
bud
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun giv’ol refers simply to a bud or sprout, specifically the early stage of plant growth before flowering. It appears only once in the entire Old Testament, located in Exodus 9:31 during the narrative of the hailstorm that struck Egypt.
In this context, the text notes that the flax and barley were in their giv’ol stage when the hail destroyed them. This detail highlights the timing of the plague; the crops had begun to develop but were not yet mature or harvested, making the loss particularly devastating for the agricultural economy. The word captures a moment of fragile potential just before it could be realized.
Because this is a hapax legomenon—a word found in only one verse—its meaning is anchored entirely by its immediate context. It serves as a precise botanical marker, indicating that the vegetation had emerged from the soil and was beginning to swell, but remained vulnerable to the coming disaster.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word giv’ol describes a fragile moment of potential—a bud just beginning to swell before it can bloom or bear fruit. In Exodus, this specific stage of growth highlights how sudden disaster can interrupt plans that seemed nearly ready for harvest. For your faith, this reminds us that God sees the early stages of life, even when they are vulnerable and not yet fully formed.
When you feel like your efforts are still in their infancy, or that your hopes are easily threatened by unexpected storms, this word offers a quiet comfort. It acknowledges the preciousness of beginnings. You do not need to have everything matured or secure to be seen and valued. God cares about the sprout as much as the full harvest.
This perspective invites you to trust Him with your current season, whatever its stage. Whether you are just starting a new chapter or waiting for something to develop, your life is held in His hands. There is peace in knowing that He nurtures growth at every step, even when the path feels uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [was] bud1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גִּבְעֹֽל\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 9:31
The flax and the barley were struck, for the barley had ripened and the flax was blooming.
This verse uses the term to specify that the flax was at the vulnerable swelling stage rather than fully mature, emphasizing the suddenness and precision of the judgment.