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גְּבִיעַ

𐤂𐤁𐤉𐤏

gᵉbîyaʻ

H1375 noun

SILEX Entry

Root גבע to be convex, to be rounded (probable, though unattested as a verbal root)

Definition

A ceremonial goblet, cup, or wine vessel, typically a bowl-shaped drinking vessel made of metal or precious materials; by extension, also refers to the calyx of a flower due to its cup-like form. Used for serving wine or offerings in both everyday and ritual contexts. In certain passages, the term can denote decorative cup-shaped elements resembling a goblet.

Semantic Range

decorative or ceremonial goblet, ritual cup, calyx (botanical, especially as ornamentation on the menorah or other sacred objects), wine vessel, silver cup

Root / Etymology

Root/Etymology: Root is uncertain, possibly related to a root meaning 'to be convex, rounded' (etymology uncertain and not directly attested in Hebrew). The form גְּבִיעַ (gebîa‘) is a noun referring to a cup or goblet, with its semantic range extended metaphorically for similar shapes (e.g., the calyx of a flower or architectural ornamentation). There is no clear attestation of the root in verbal form in Biblical Hebrew.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Historical & Contextual Notes: גְּבִיעַ appears especially in ritual or prestigious settings. For example, it is the word used for Joseph's silver goblet in Genesis 44, emphasizing a vessel of distinction, not a common drinking cup. In the context of the Tabernacle or Temple, it can refer to decorative cup-shaped motifs on the menorah (lampstand), signaling both artistic and symbolic uses. The term is distinct from כּוֹס (kos), a more general term for cup or drinking vessel, as גְּבִיעַ carries connotations of ceremonial value and form. In reference to botany (Exodus 25:31–34), it describes bulb or calyx-like decorations, highlighting the connection between vessel shape and plant structure in Hebrew metaphor. In English translations, "goblet" or "cup" are often used, but may not convey the special or ritual nature implicit in the original term.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from an unused root (meaning to be convex); a goblet; by analogy, the calyx of aflower; house, cup, pot.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

גבע (g-b-ʿ) — convexity, roundedness

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1360 גֶּבֶא from a collecting-pool
H1387 גֶּבַע in Gebaʿ
H1388 גִּבְעָא Hill-Town
H1389 גִּבְעָה in the hill-height
H1390 גִּבְעָה in the Hill

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H1375-04 גְ֠בִעִים geviim HNcmpa bowls ceremonial goblets 7
H1375-05 הַ/גָּבִ֔יעַ hagavia HTd/Ncmsa the cup the ceremonial goblet 3
H1375-02 גְּבִיעֶ֛י/הָ gevieyha HNcmpc/Sp3fs its cups her goblet-vessels 2
H1375-01 גְּבִ֣יעַ gevia HNcmsc the cup goblet of 1
H1375-03 גְּבִיעִ֞/י gevii HNcmsc/Sp1cs my cup my goblet 1

Occurrences in Scripture

14 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H1375-03 Genesis 44:2 גְּבִיעִ֞/י gevii HNcmsc/Sp1cs my cup my goblet
H1375-01 Genesis 44:2 גְּבִ֣יעַ gevia HNcmsc the cup goblet of
H1375-05 Genesis 44:12 הַ/גָּבִ֔יעַ hagavia HTd/Ncmsa the cup the ceremonial goblet
H1375-05 Genesis 44:16 הַ/גָּבִ֖יעַ hagavia HTd/Ncmsa the cup the ceremonial goblet
H1375-05 Genesis 44:17 הַ/גָּבִ֜יעַ hagavia HTd/Ncmsa the cup the ceremonial goblet
H1375-02 Exodus 25:31 גְּבִיעֶ֛י/הָ gevieyha HNcmpc/Sp3fs its cups her goblet-vessels
H1375-04 Exodus 25:33 גְ֠בִעִים geviim HNcmpa bowls ceremonial goblets
H1375-04 Exodus 25:33 גְבִעִ֗ים geviim-2 HNcmpa bowls ceremonial goblets
H1375-04 Exodus 25:34 גְבִעִ֑ים geviim HNcmpa cups ceremonial goblets
H1375-02 Exodus 37:17 גְּבִיעֶ֛י/הָ gevieyha HNcmpc/Sp3fs its cups her goblet-vessels
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