גִּבְעֹל
𐤂𐤁𐤏𐤋
gibʻôl
H1392 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A decorative part resembling a calyx or cup-shaped wreath found on the capitals of pillars, especially those described as ornamenting the 'lily-work' on the tops of columns in Solomon’s Temple. The term typically refers to an architectural feature shaped like the calyx (outer whorl) of a flower, often forming the uppermost section or decorative border. Its use is restricted to specific descriptive passages in the Hebrew Bible detailing temple craftsmanship.
Semantic Range
calyx-shaped ornament, decorative architectural feature resembling a flower calyx, upper decorative ring or border, technical term for pillar ornamentation
Root / Etymology
From the root גבּע (g-b-‘), which conveys the idea of something rounded, elevated, or convex (see also גביע, 'goblet, cup'). גִּבְעֹל (gibʻôl) is a rare, extended form likely formed via prosthetic 'g' with a diminutive or ornamental sense, indicating something shaped or decorated like a flower’s calyx. The form itself is only attested in select descriptions (e.g., temple architecture), and may be a technical or specialized derivative.
Historical & Contextual Notes
גִּבְעֹל appears exclusively in descriptions of temple architecture (e.g., 1 Kings 7:20, 1 Kings 7:31), referring specifically to the ornamental calyx-like structure atop the pillars called Jachin and Boaz. This feature was likely inspired by botanical motifs seen in craftwork of the wider ancient Near East, particularly the use of the lotus or lily as a decorative element. The term does not refer to a botanical calyx (in the sense of living plants) but rather to its stylized representation in metal or stone. English translations sometimes use 'bulb,' 'calyx,' or 'capital,' but these risk reducing its specificity as an ornamental feature. Compare with גביע (gaviya‘), a goblet or cup, which shares the concept of a rounded, vessel-like form but is functionally and contextually distinct.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
prolonged from גְּבִיעַ; the calyx of a flower; bolled.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גבע (g-b-ʿ) — to be convex, rounded, projecting upward
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1360 | גֶּבֶא | from a collecting-pool |
| H1375 | גְּבִיעַ | goblet of |
| H1387 | גֶּבַע | in Gebaʿ |
| H1388 | גִּבְעָא | Hill-Town |
| H1389 | גִּבְעָה | in the hill-height |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1392-01 |
גִּבְעֹֽל | giveol | HNcmsa |
was in bud | calyx-shaped crown-ring | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1392-01 |
Exodus 9:31 | גִּבְעֹֽל | giveol | HNcmsa |
was in bud | calyx-shaped crown-ring |