גֵּבִים
𐤂𐤁𐤉𐤌
Gevim
H1374 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Noun: Plural form of 'cistern'—artificial reservoirs or pits for collecting water, typically hewn into rock or dug into the ground. Also used as a toponym: Gebim, likely denoting a settlement or site characterized by cisterns or water storage facilities. In context, refers either to literal storage vessels for water, or as an identifying feature in a place name.
Semantic Range
cisterns; artificial water reservoirs; storage pits; as a toponym: site characterized by cisterns or water reservoirs (Gebim)
Root / Etymology
From the root גבב (g-b-b), relating to collecting or piling up, with the noun גֵּב (gêb) meaning 'cistern, reservoir, pit.' The form גֵּבִים (gêbîm) is a masculine plural, indicating a collection or group of cisterns. The place name Gebim likely derives from an association with such features.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The primary usage of גֵּבִים is as the name of a location mentioned in prophetic literature (Isaiah 10:31), suggesting an area notable for its water storage systems, essential in semi-arid ancient Israelite settlements. The term itself functions as a plural noun meaning 'cisterns'; however, in the place name context, it may imply 'the cistern place' or 'place of (the) cisterns.' Unlike other terms for water-holding structures—such as בּוֹר (bôr, pit, well) or בְּאֵר (bĕ’ēr, well, spring)—גֵּב emphasizes manmade water storage, particularly for rainwater. The location referred to as Gebim is only briefly mentioned, and its precise identification is uncertain. Later translation traditions sometimes render it with an Anglicized spelling and do not always communicate the original connection to cisterns or water collection. The use of such names reflects the centrality of water management in ancient Israelite society.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
plural of גֵּב; cisterns; Gebim, a place in Palestine; Gebim.
Bantu Hebrew
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גבב (g-b-b) — collect, heap up, store
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1355 | גַּב | her convex back |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1374-01 |
הַ/גֵּבִ֖ים | hagevim | HTd/Np |
Gebim | the cisterns | the Gevim | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1374-01 |
Isaiah 10:31 | הַ/גֵּבִ֖ים | hagevim | HTd/Np |
Gebim | the cisterns | the Gevim |