גַּ֫עַל (ga.al)
ga.al
Gaal
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Gaal, meaning "loathing," belongs to a figure whose brief appearance in Judges 9 reveals the volatile nature of political alliances in ancient Israel. He is identified as the son of Ebed and emerges during the turbulent reign of Abimelech, serving as a catalyst for rebellion among the citizens of Shechem.
Gaal’s story illustrates how personal disdain can ignite public unrest. The sources highlight his bold confrontation with Abimelech, where he openly mocks the king’s authority and rallies the Shechemites to join his cause. This act of defiance underscores the fragility of power structures in that era, as Gaal’s words challenge the legitimacy of Abimelech’s rule.
Though his role is limited to this single narrative, Gaal’s name and actions leave a lasting impression of the chaos that characterized Israel’s pre-monarchic period. His rebellion against Abimelech serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of division and the fleeting nature of power built on discontent.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Gaal is a name that means "loathing" or "disdain." In Judges 9, he becomes the face of rebellion against Abimelech. His story shows how quickly anger and pride can turn into public chaos. When people feel wronged, it is easy to let bitterness lead them away from peace.
For your faith, this word reminds us that power built on discontent is fragile. Gaal’s words stirred up the city, but his vision was clouded by fear. He saw shadows and thought they were enemies. We often make the same mistake when we let resentment shape our view of others. True strength comes from trusting God’s order, not from fighting against it.
May you find peace in letting go of grudges. When you feel the urge to rebel or complain, pause and ask for wisdom. Let your heart be guided by grace rather than disdain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Gaal9×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גַּ֣עַל3×
- גַּעַל֮2×
- גַּ֥עַל1×
- גַּ֤עַל1×
- גַ֨עַל1×
- גַ֔עַל1×
Key Verses
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Judges 9:28
Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Isn’t he the son of Jerubbaal? Isn’t Zebul his officer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem, but why should we serve him?
Gaal uses his name’s meaning of "loathing" to openly mock Abimelech’s authority, rallying Shechem through public disdain.
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Judges 9:30
When Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger burned.
The ruler Zebul’s anger shows how Gaal’s words of contempt immediately threatened the city’s stability.
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Judges 9:36
When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Behold, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains.” Zebul said to him, “You see the shadows of the mountains as if they were men.”
Gaal mistakes shadows for men, illustrating how his mindset of suspicion distorts reality and leads to fear.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Every Occurrence (9 verses across 1 books)
Judges 9 verses
Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brothers and went over to Shechem; and the men of Shechem put their trust in him.
Judges 9:28Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Isn’t he the son of…
Judges 9:30When Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger burned.
Judges 9:31He sent messengers to Abimelech craftily, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem;…
Judges 9:35Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city. Abimelech rose up, and the people who…
Judges 9:36When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Behold, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains.” Zebul said…
Judges 9:37Gaal spoke again and said, “Behold, people are coming down by the middle of the land, and one company comes by the way…
Judges 9:39Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.
Judges 9:41Abimelech lived at Arumah; and Zebul drove out Gaal and his brothers, that they should not dwell in Shechem.