גָּמָא (ga.ma)

The Hebrew verb gamā describes the physical act of swallowing liquids. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, offering a rare glimpse into how ancient writers captured bodily sensations with precise vocabulary. In Genesis 24:18, Rebekah uses the Hiphil stem to offer Abraham’s servant water, saying she will let him drink. This usage highlights the word’s straightforward meaning: the consumption of fluids.

Its second occurrence in Job 39:20 provides a striking metaphorical twist. The text compares the warhorse’s power to its ability to swallow the ground as it gallops. Here, the Piel stem suggests swallowing solid earth, illustrating speed and strength through an exaggerated image of consumption. This figurative use shows how gamā could extend beyond literal drinking to describe overwhelming force.

Though limited in frequency, gamā reveals how biblical language often bridges the mundane and the majestic. A simple act like drinking water becomes a gesture of hospitality, while swallowing the earth captures the raw energy of a charging horse. These two verses demonstrate that even basic verbs carry rich contextual weight when placed within their narrative settings.