גַ֔יְא

𐤂𐤉𐤀

Gaye

the valley

A geographical feature denoting a valley, ravine, or deep gorge, typically bounded by high sides and sometimes used as a location reference for settlements, travel, or significant events. The term often suggests steep or sharply-defined sides, in contrast to broader, open valleys (עֵמֶק, 'emeq'). The word may describe both arid and lush areas, depending on context, and is frequently associated with both positive and negative symbolism in biblical narrative and poetry.

H1516

1 Samuel 17:52 · Word #11

Lexicon H1516

Lemmaגַּיְא
Lemma (Paleo)𐤂𐤉𐤀
TransliterationGaye
Strong'sH1516
DefinitionA geographical feature denoting a valley, ravine, or deep gorge, typically bounded by high sides and sometimes used as a location reference for settlements, travel, or significant events. The term often suggests steep or sharply-defined sides, in contrast to broader, open valleys (עֵמֶק, 'emeq'). The word may describe both arid and lush areas, depending on context, and is frequently associated with both positive and negative symbolism in biblical narrative and poetry.

Morphology HNcbsa All morphology codes

Part of Speech N — Noun — A person, place, thing, or idea
Subtype c — Common — Common noun
Gender b — Both — Both (masculine and feminine)
Number s — Singular — Singular
State a — Absolute — The noun stands independently

Common Translation

Phrasethe valley

SIBI-P1 Translation H1516-03

steep gorge

Morphological NotesNoun, common; singular; absolute state; gender listed as both but grammatically singular here.
Rendering RationaleThe noun denotes a sharply-defined, narrow valley bounded by elevated sides; "steep gorge" reflects this terrain-specific sense rather than a broad valley. The singular absolute form is preserved with a singular English noun.

View full lexicon entry for H1516 →

SILEX v2

SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)

steep gorge

Same as P1Yes
RationaleP1 correctly chooses the more precise meaning from SILEX, highlighting the geographical nuance found in the Hebrew term גַיְא versus a generic 'valley.'