גָּמוּל
Gamul, an Israelite
Definition
Gamul is a proper noun referring to an Israelite priest who served during the time of King David. The name appears in 1 Chronicles 24:17, where Gamul is listed as the head of the twenty-second priestly division established by David for temple service. As a personal name, it carries the meaning 'rewarded' or 'recompensed,' derived from its root verb. This single biblical occurrence identifies him within the organized priestly system, with no other narrative details provided.
Biblical Usage
The word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 24:17. It functions strictly as a personal name within a list of twenty-four priestly divisions. The context is administrative, documenting the organization of the Aaronic priesthood for rotating temple duties. There are no patterns of usage, as it is a single-instance proper noun.
Etymology
Gamul (גָּמוּל) is a passive participle derived from the root verb גָּמַל (gāmal, H1580), meaning 'to deal with,' 'to wean,' or 'to repay/reward.' As a participle, it means 'one who has been rewarded' or 'recompensed.' It shares this root with other words related to completion and repayment. The name likely expressed a hope for divine blessing or acknowledgment.
Semantic Range
While the name itself is not central to doctrine, its placement in 1 Chronicles 24 highlights the theme of God's orderly worship. The establishment of the priestly divisions, including Gamul's, ensured the continuous service of the temple, which was central to Israel's covenant relationship with God. Understanding the name's meaning ('rewarded') can subtly point to the priestly role as one of divine appointment and favor.
In ancient Israel, names often carried significant meaning, reflecting circumstances, hopes, or character. 'Gamul' ('rewarded') likely signified parental gratitude or a belief in God's faithfulness. As a priestly division head, Gamul held a respected, hereditary role in maintaining Israel's cultic life. This system organized worship and distributed responsibilities among the many priestly families.
No direct synonyms as a proper name. Related by root: גְּמוּל (gemûl, H1576) — the noun form meaning 'dealing, recompense, benefit.'
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.
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