גִּבֵּחַ
𐤂𐤁𐤇
gibbêach
H1371 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Denotes an individual who is bald specifically in the region of the forehead; one whose front of the scalp is devoid of hair. The term refers to the physiological condition of having a receding hairline or a bald patch on the frontal scalp, distinguishing it from other forms of baldness.
Semantic Range
forehead bald, receding at the front of the head, baldness on the frontal scalp, possessor of a prominent (bald) forehead
Root / Etymology
Derived from a Hebrew root גבח (g-b-ḥ), which in the nominal form describes characteristics of height, prominence, or convexity, but the specific verbal form is otherwise unattested in Biblical Hebrew. The nominal pattern here forms an adjective or substantival descriptor for one exhibiting this trait; actual root meaning 'to be high, to protrude.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
גִּבֵּחַ occurs rarely (Leviticus 13:41), used in priestly legislation on ritual purity around skin diseases. In this legal context, it strictly marks a type of baldness confined to the frontal scalp, considered distinct from total baldness (קרח, qareach), which pertains to the back or crown of the head. The diagnostic concern was to distinguish natural balding from disease (especially tzara'at, traditionally 'leprosy'). Later translations and rabbinic discussions clarify that this term was not stigmatizing but simply descriptive. The English rendering as 'forehead bald' or 'bald in the front' is accurate, though later usage or translation as 'forehead' or 'shaven' can cause confusion with unrelated practices or conditions. There is no evidence that this term carried social or religious connotations beyond the specific diagnostic use in priestly texts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to be high (in the forehead); bald in the forehead; forehead bald.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גבח (g-b-ḥ) — to be high, protuberant, convex
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1372 | גַּבַּחַת | bald forehead patch |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1371-01 |
גִּבֵּ֥חַ | gibecha | HNcmsa |
bald [forehead] | forehead-bald man | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1371-01 |
Leviticus 13:41 | גִּבֵּ֥חַ | gibecha | HNcmsa |
bald [forehead] | forehead-bald man |