Lexical Summary Gamaliél: Gamaliel Original Word: Γαμαλιήλ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gamaliel. Of Hebrew origin (Gamliy'el); Gamaliel (i.e. Gamliel), an Israelite -- Gamaliel. see HEBREW Gamliy'el NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Gamliel Definition Gamaliel, a renowned teacher of the law NASB Translation Gamaliel (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1059: ΓαμαλιήλΓαμαλιήλ, ὁ (גַּמְלִיאֵל, recompense of God (God, the Avenger, Fürst); Numbers 1:10; Numbers 2:20), indeclinable, Gamaliel (distinguished by the Jews from his grandson of the same name by the title הַזָּקֵן, the elder), a Pharisee and doctor of the law, son of R. Simeon, grandson of Hillel, and teacher of the apostle Paul. He is said to have had very great influence in the Sanhedrin, and to have died eighteen years before the destruction of Jerusalem. A man of permanent renown among the Jews: Acts 5:34; Acts 22:3. Cf. Gräiz, Gesch. d. Juden, iii., p. 289ff; Schenkel, BL. ii., p. 328ff; (especially Alex.'s Kitto under the word Gamaliel I. (cf. Farrar, St. Paul, i. 44 and except v.)). Topical Lexicon Identity and Historical Setting Gamaliel, consistently presented in Scripture as a leading Pharisee and respected teacher of the Law, is historically identified with Rabban Gamaliel ha-Zaqen (“the Elder”), grandson of the celebrated Hillel. He lived in Jerusalem during the early first century A.D., occupying the highest echelon of rabbinic leadership and reputedly holding the title Nasi (president) of the Sanhedrin. Contemporary Jewish sources esteem him for advancing a gracious, yet robust, hermeneutic that valued mercy without compromising Torah fidelity. Scriptural Appearances The New Testament references Gamaliel twice, both in Acts. Rabbinic Authority and Character Gamaliel’s intervention in Acts 5 shows measured judgment. Aware of volatile zeal within the council, he counseled patience and discernment, reminding his peers of previous failed insurrectionists (Acts 5:36-37). His reasoning rested on divine sovereignty: if a movement is from God it cannot be overthrown; if merely human it will collapse (Acts 5:38-39). Such balance between zeal for orthodoxy and humility before providence marked him as a stabilizing influence in a polarized environment. Relationship to Saul of Tarsus (Paul) Paul’s formation “at the feet of Gamaliel” signals formal discipleship. First-century pedagogical custom placed pupils literally at the teacher’s feet, absorbing exposition, memorization, and debate. Gamaliel’s school emphasized rigorous fidelity to Scripture coupled with interpretive agility—traits later evident when Paul handles the Old Testament in epistles such as Romans and Galatians. Although Paul eventually embraces Jesus as Messiah, his logical precision and mastery of rabbinic argument reflect his early training. Influence on Early Christian Narrative 1. Protection of the Apostles: Gamaliel’s counsel spared the apostolic band from potential execution, preserving the Jerusalem church at a critical infancy stage. Theological Reflections • Divine Sovereignty Over Human Councils: Gamaliel’s maxim, “if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them” (Acts 5:39), affirms that earthly authorities remain subject to God’s purposes (Psalm 33:10-11). Ministry Applications for Today 1. Encourage Measured Counsel: Churches and ministries should foster leaders who, like Gamaliel, temper zeal with reflection, safeguarding unity and witness. Related Biblical Themes • Wisdom under Pressure: Solomon’s request for “a discerning heart” (1 Kings 3:9). Forms and Transliterations Γαμαλιηλ Γαμαλιήλ γαμβρεύσητε γαμβροί γαμβρόν γαμβρός γαμβρού γαμβρούς γαμβρώ γαμβρών εγαμβρεύσατο Gamaliel Gamaliēl GamaliḗlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 5:34 NGRK: Φαρισαῖος ὀνόματι Γαμαλιήλ νομοδιδάσκαλος τίμιος NAS: named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, KJV: named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, INT: a Pharisee by name Gamaliel a teacher of the law honored Acts 22:3 N |
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