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פּוֹל

𐤐𐤅𐤋

pôwl

H6321 noun

SILEX Entry

Root פול to be thick, to be plump (root-level concept)

Definition

A type of edible legume, specifically the broad bean (Vicia faba). In general, refers to a pulse or bean; in most contexts, denotes the foodstuff known for its thick pods and edible seeds.

Semantic Range

broad bean, bean, edible legume, pulse (esp. Vicia faba)

Root / Etymology

From the (possibly unattested) root פול, meaning 'to be thick, bulky, or plump.' The term appears to derive from the physical characteristic of the bean, being large, thick, or full-bodied. This is an example of a noun derived directly from a root concept rather than a clearly attested verb form. The precise connection to a verbal root is uncertain—etymology uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The term פּוֹל (pôwl) occurs rarely in the Hebrew Bible, most notably in 2 Samuel 17:28, where it is listed among provisions (food supplies) brought to David and his followers. It refers to a staple food in the ancient Near Eastern diet, comparable to other legumes mentioned (e.g., lentils, עדשים). Unlike עדש (lentil), פוֹל refers specifically to the broad bean. In later Hebrew and post-biblical sources, the identification with Vicia faba becomes standard. English translations often generalize as 'bean' or specify 'broad bean'; the meaning has not shifted over time. The term does not carry special symbolism or religious significance but is a plain agricultural term. There are no historical developments in usage—its application is stable as a foodstuff. In the ancient world, beans were significant as a protein source and are frequently listed among basic food items, but פּוֹל remains rare in the biblical text.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

lemma פוֹל missing dagesh, corrected to פּוֹל; from an unused root meaning to be thick; a bean (as plump); beans.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

פול (p-w-l) — thickness, plumpness, bulkiness

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H6322 פּוּל Pul

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6321-01 וּ/פ֥וֹל ufol HC/Ncmsa and beans and broad bean 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6321-01 2 Samuel 17:28 וּ/פ֥וֹל ufol HC/Ncmsa and beans and broad bean
H6321-01 Ezekiel 4:9 וּ/פ֨וֹל ufol HC/Ncmsa and beans and broad bean
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