גָּמָל
a camel
Definition
The Hebrew noun גָּמָל (gâmâl) refers primarily to the domesticated camel, a large, humped mammal used for transportation and carrying burdens in the ancient Near East. In the Bible, it denotes the dromedary (one-humped camel) used by patriarchs like Abraham (Genesis 12:16) and in caravan trade (Genesis 37:25). The word can also represent wealth and status, as camels were valuable possessions, and is used metaphorically for something large or burdensome, as in Jesus' proverbial saying about a camel passing through the eye of a needle (cf. Matthew 19:24, drawing on this cultural image).
Biblical Usage
The word is used 51 times, predominantly in narrative books like Genesis, where it features in stories of the patriarchs, such as Abraham's wealth (Genesis 12:16) and the servant's mission to find Rebekah (Genesis 24:10-20). It appears in laws (e.g., Leviticus 11:4, Deuteronomy 14:7 listing it as unclean) and prophetic imagery (e.g., Isaiah 60:6 describing camels bringing tribute). Its usage consistently associates camels with travel, trade, and material prosperity in desert and pastoral contexts.
Etymology
Derived from the root גמל (gml), which means 'to deal with' or 'to wean,' but in this nominal form, it is apparently related to the sense of 'bearing a burden' or 'repaying' (from H1580, גָּמַל). This connects to the camel's function as a beast of burden. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages like Arabic (jamal) and Aramaic, indicating a shared cultural and linguistic heritage around this animal.
Semantic Range
The camel is theologically significant as a symbol of God's provision and blessing, evident in the camels given to Abraham (Genesis 12:16) and Job (Job 1:3, 42:12), reflecting divine favor. Its inclusion in the unclean animals list (Leviticus 11:4) underscores themes of holiness and separation in Israel's ritual law. In prophetic texts, camels represent the wealth of nations coming to Zion (Isaiah 60:6), pointing to eschatological inclusion and tribute. Understanding גָּמָל enriches reading by highlighting how God uses everyday elements like livestock to convey spiritual truths about blessing, purity, and global redemption.
In ancient Israelite culture, camels were essential for long-distance travel and trade across arid regions, symbolizing wealth and economic power. They were domesticated by the early 2nd millennium BC, though their widespread use in Patriarchal narratives aligns with later periods. Unlike modern perceptions, biblical camels were primarily dromedaries, valued for endurance and ability to carry heavy loads, making them crucial for survival and commerce in the ancient Near East.
פֶּרֶד (pered, H6505) — a mule or hinny, a different hybrid pack animal; בֶּכֶר (bekher, H1074) — a young camel or dromedary, specifying youth; כִּרְכָּרָה (kirkārâ, H3753) — a swift dromedary or riding camel, emphasizing speed.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →