Lexical Summary gibol: Boundary, border Original Word: גִּבְעֹל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bolled Prolonged from gbiya'; the calyx of a flower -- bolled. see HEBREW gbiya' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprol. of gabia Definition a bud NASB Translation bud (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs גִּבְעֹל noun [masculine] bud (Ol§ 216 b) — Exodus 9:31 the flax was bud (i.e. in bud Dr§ 188, (2)), compare RSJPh xii.299, 300. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Narrative Setting גִּבְעֹל appears once in the Hebrew canon, in Exodus 9:31, within the account of the seventh plague. As the hail devastated Egypt, the inspired writer notes, “Now the flax and the barley were destroyed, since the barley was ripe and the flax was in bloom” (Berean Standard Bible). The single reference is deliberately precise, anchoring the narrative in a recognizable agricultural moment and highlighting the selective judgment of God. Agriculture and Economic Life in Pharaoh’s Egypt Flax was essential to Egyptian commerce, used for linen garments, sails, and burial wrappings. The blooming stage of flax signified an impending harvest and therefore considerable economic value. By striking the crop while it was “in bloom,” the Lord crippled a key industry at a vulnerable point, underscoring that no aspect of Egypt’s might—military, religious, or economic—could shield it from divine decree. Chronological Clue for the Plagues and the Exodus The flowering of flax and the heading of barley place the plague in early spring, most likely in the month later called Abib (Exodus 13:4). This timing harmonizes with the Passover narrative that follows. The internal consistency of these agricultural details confirms the historicity of the events recorded, providing an implicit apologetic: a fictional account would not risk fixating on verifiable seasonal markers. Divine Sovereignty over Creation The mention of גִּבְעֹל is not incidental. Scripture often portrays blossoming plants as signs of life and blessing (Job 14:9; Hosea 14:5). Here, however, the delicate bloom is shattered by hail. The contrast proclaims Yahweh’s supremacy: He is Lord both of gentle growth and of destructive storm (Psalm 29:3–9). His judgment is never random; it is targeted, righteous, and revelatory. Moral and Spiritual Lessons 1. Watchfulness: Just as flax in bloom signals the nearness of harvest, visible moral trends signal impending spiritual consequences (Matthew 24:32–33). Connections with Broader Biblical Imagery • Blooming as Hope: Isaiah 35:1 foresees the desert blossoming, picturing messianic renewal. Practical Ministry Applications • Preaching: Exodus 9:31 encourages sermons that balance divine judgment with providential timing, affirming God’s meticulous governance. Forms and Transliterations גִּבְעֹֽל׃ גבעל׃ giḇ‘ōl giḇ·‘ōl givOlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 9:31 HEB: אָבִ֔יב וְהַפִּשְׁתָּ֖ה גִּבְעֹֽל׃ NAS: and the flax was in bud. KJV: and the flax [was] bolled. INT: the ear and the flax bud 1 Occurrence |
    |