Lexical Summary gome: Reed, Papyrus Original Word: גֹּמֶאִ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bulrush From gama'; properly, an absorbent, i.e. The bulrush (from its porosity); specifically the papyrus -- (bul-)rush. see HEBREW gama' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom gama Definition a rush, reed, papyrus NASB Translation papyrus (2), rushes (1), wicker (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs גֹּ֫מֶא noun masculineJob 8:11 rush, reed, papyrus (compare Löwp. 55) (Late Hebrew גּוֺמֶא, Ethiopic  loan-word, according to Di; — name from swallowing, sucking up, water? so Thes, compare Che Isaiah 18:2 and elsewhere; = Coptic gome, see Di Exodus 2:3 whence others derive as loan-word) — גֹּ֫מֶא Exodus 2:3 3t.; — rush, paper-reed, (Egyptian) Job 8:11 ("" אָחוּ); collective Isaiah 35:7 ("" קָנֶה); as material, ׳תֵּבַת ג Exodus 2:3 chest of paper-reed; ׳כְּלֵיגֿ Isaiah 18:2 vessels of paper-reed. גמד (√ of following; compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Botanical Identification The Hebrew term גֹּמֶא (gōme) most plausibly denotes Cyperus papyrus, the tall aquatic sedge native to the marshlands of the Nile and other Near Eastern waterways. Characterized by its triangular, spongy stem and umbrella-like umbels, papyrus thrives in shallow, warm waters. Its buoyancy, flexibility, and abundance made it indispensable for boat construction, basketry, writing material, and everyday household items throughout the ancient world. Biblical Occurrences • Exodus 2:3 records that Moses’ mother “got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.” Historical and Cultural Context In Egypt, papyrus stood at the center of commerce, literacy, and transportation. Light yet sturdy skiffs fashioned from bundled stalks could navigate shallow marshes where wooden vessels failed. The international exchange of papyrus rolls carried administrative texts and sacred writings across the Mediterranean. Israel’s proximity to Egypt ensured familiarity with the plant and its products; Isaiah’s reference to diplomatic missions by papyrus boats reflects eighth-century B.C. geo-politics dominated by Nile traffic. Theological and Symbolic Significance 1. Preservation and Providence (Exodus 2:3). The same plant integral to Egyptian civilization became the means by which God preserved the infant Moses. A vessel of simple reeds enfolded the future deliverer, foreshadowing divine protection that would later lead Israel through the waters of the Red Sea. Practical Ministry Applications • Children’s Ministry: The account of Moses in a papyrus basket provides a tangible illustration of God’s care for the helpless and the value of proactive parental faith. Christological Foreshadowing As papyrus shielded Moses until he emerged to lead Israel’s exodus, so the Father guarded His Son until “the fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4). Both deliverers were threatened in infancy, both were preserved through humble means, and both ultimately brought liberation to God’s people—Moses from Egypt, Jesus from sin and death. Conclusion Though appearing only four times, גֹּמֶא serves as a vivid botanical thread weaving themes of deliverance, dependence, and restoration throughout Scripture. From Nile marshes to eschatological wells, the humble papyrus testifies that God often employs commonplace materials to accomplish transcendent purposes. Forms and Transliterations גֹּ֔מֶא גֹּ֭מֶא גֹמֶא֮ גמא וָגֹֽמֶא׃ וגמא׃ gō·me ḡō·me Gome gōme ḡōme vaGome wā·ḡō·me wāḡōmeLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 2:3 HEB: לוֹ֙ תֵּ֣בַת גֹּ֔מֶא וַתַּחְמְרָ֥ה בַחֵמָ֖ר NAS: she got him a wicker basket KJV: for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed INT: got basket A wicker and covered tar Job 8:11 Isaiah 18:2 Isaiah 35:7 4 Occurrences |
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congeal, become solid; be hard, stern; also cut, cut off; Aramaic גְּמַד contract; Aph`el be bold, daring).