גָּמָל (ga.mal)
ga.mal
camel
H:NQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 45 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N
Word Overview
The noun gamal refers to the camel, a large animal valued in the ancient Near East as property and a beast of burden. It appears frequently in Genesis and Judges, often listing camels alongside other livestock to indicate significant wealth or logistical capacity. The text also notes that this animal was forbidden for food under dietary laws.
Etymologically, the word likely derives from a root meaning to carry or bear a load, reflecting the camel’s primary role in transporting goods across difficult terrain. While some ancient scholars linked it to a root meaning "to repay," suggesting a connection to the animal’s reputed stubbornness, most linguists favor the burden-bearing origin. This usage highlights the practical importance of camels for trade and travel in biblical times.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The camel appears throughout Scripture not merely as an animal, but as a symbol of substantial wealth and logistical power. In the ancient Near East, owning many camels meant you could travel long distances, trade effectively, and support large households. When Genesis lists camels alongside silver and gold, it signals that God’s blessing is tangible and practical. This reminds us that material resources are not inherently spiritual distractions; they can be tools for provision and mission.
Yet the text also presents a clear boundary. The dietary laws in Leviticus and Deuteronomy classify the camel as unclean because it chews the cud but lacks a split hoof. This distinction teaches discernment. Not every resource or opportunity that seems useful is meant for our spiritual sustenance. We are called to evaluate what we carry and what we consume, ensuring our lives align with God’s design rather than just cultural norms.
Ultimately, the camel points to the reality of stewardship. Whether in the hands of Abraham’s servant seeking a wife or in the armies of Midian, these animals represent power that must be directed. We are invited to trust God with our own resources, using them wisely for good while remembering that true security comes from Him alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 45 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ camels9×
- camels7×
- the/ camel5×
- camels/ their5×
- and/ camels5×
- for/ camels/ your2×
- camels/ your2×
- and/ camels/ their2×
- to the/ camels1×
- on the/ camels1×
- from/ a camel1×
- from/ [the] camels of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/גְּמַלִּ֖ים3×
- וּ/גְמַלִּ֖ים2×
- הַ֠/גָּמָל2×
- הַ/גְּמַלִּים֙2×
- גָּמָ֑ל2×
- גְּמַלֶּ֖י/ךָ2×
- גְמַלֵּי/הֶֽם\׃2×
- מִ/גָּמָ֖ל1×
- מִ/גְּמַלֵּ֤י1×
- לַ/גְּמַלִּֽים\׃1×
- לַ/גְּמַלִּ֔ים1×
- לִ/גְמַלֶּ֙י/ךָ֙1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 24:14
Let it happen, that the young lady to whom I will say, ‘Please let down your pitcher, that I may drink,’ then she says, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink,’—let her be the one you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”
This verse highlights the camel’s role in hospitality and testing, as Rebekah’s willingness to water ten camels demonstrates exceptional kindness and strength.
-
Leviticus 11:4
“‘Nevertheless these you shall not eat of those that chew the cud, or of those who part the hoof: the camel, because it chews the cud but doesn’t have a parted hoof, is unclean to you.
Here the camel is defined by its physical characteristics to establish a clear boundary of holiness for the Israelite community.
-
Judges 7:12
The Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like locusts for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand which is on the seashore for multitude.
The sheer number of Midianite camels illustrates the overwhelming scale of the enemy’s force, setting the stage for God’s deliverance through Gideon’s small army.
-
Genesis 31:34
Now Rachel had taken the teraphim, put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat on them. Laban felt around all the tent, but didn’t find them.
Rachel hiding the household gods in a camel saddle shows how deeply embedded idolatry was within daily domestic life and travel preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word gamal mean in the Bible?
Why are camels considered unclean in Leviticus?
How are camels used as symbols in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (45 verses across 15 books)
Genesis 20 verses
He dealt well with Abram for her sake. He had sheep, cattle, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female…
Genesis 24:10The servant took ten of his master’s camels, and departed, having a variety of good things of his master’s with him. He…
Genesis 24:11He made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at the time of evening, the time that women go out…
Genesis 24:14Let it happen, that the young lady to whom I will say, ‘Please let down your pitcher, that I may drink,’ then she says,…
Genesis 24:19When she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will also draw for your camels, until they have finished…
Genesis 24:20She hurried, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again to the well to draw, and drew for all his camels.
Genesis 24:22As the camels had finished drinking, the man took a golden ring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her…
Genesis 24:30When he saw the ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister,…
Genesis 24:31He said, “Come in, you blessed of Yahweh. Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house, and room for the…
Genesis 24:32The man came into the house, and he unloaded the camels. He gave straw and feed for the camels, and water to wash his…
Genesis 24:35Yahweh has blessed my master greatly. He has become great. Yahweh has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male…
Genesis 24:44then she tells me, “Drink, and I will also draw for your camels,”—let her be the woman whom Yahweh has appointed for my…
Genesis 24:46She hurried and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink.’ So…
Genesis 24:61Rebekah arose with her ladies. They rode on the camels, and followed the man. The servant took Rebekah, and went his…
Genesis 24:63Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the evening. He lifted up his eyes and looked. Behold, there were camels…
Genesis 24:64Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she got off the camel.
Genesis 30:43The man increased exceedingly, and had large flocks, female servants and male servants, and camels and donkeys.
Genesis 31:17Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives on the camels,
Genesis 31:34Now Rachel had taken the teraphim, put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat on them. Laban felt around all the tent, but…
Genesis 37:25They sat down to eat bread, and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from…