Topical Encyclopedia Gimel is the third letter of the Hebrew alphabet and holds significant meaning in biblical literature and Jewish tradition. In the Hebrew language, each letter is not only a character but also carries a numerical value and symbolic meaning. Gimel represents the number three and is often associated with concepts of completeness and stability, as seen in various scriptural contexts.Biblical References and Symbolism In the Bible, the letter Gimel appears prominently in Psalm 119, an acrostic psalm where each section begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The Gimel section, verses 17-24, emphasizes the psalmist's plea for divine guidance and understanding of God's laws. The Berean Standard Bible translates these verses as follows: "Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word. Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law. I am a stranger on the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me. My soul is consumed with longing for Your judgments at all times. You rebuke the arrogant—the cursed who stray from Your commandments. Remove my scorn and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies. Though rulers sit and slander me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes. Your testimonies are indeed my delight; they are my counselors." (Psalm 119:17-24) The use of Gimel in this passage underscores the psalmist's desire for spiritual insight and the sustaining power of God's word. Numerical Significance The numerical value of Gimel, three, is significant in biblical theology. The number three often symbolizes divine completeness and perfection. This is evident in the triune nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—as well as in various scriptural events and structures, such as the three patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and the threefold repetition of certain phrases for emphasis. Jewish Tradition and Interpretation In Jewish tradition, Gimel is often associated with the word "gemilut," which means "giving" or "kindness." This connection is reflected in the Talmudic teaching that Gimel represents a rich man running after a poor man to give him charity. This interpretation highlights the importance of generosity and benevolence, virtues that are deeply rooted in biblical teachings. Conclusion Gimel, as a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, carries rich symbolic and numerical significance within the biblical text and Jewish tradition. Its presence in Psalm 119 and its association with themes of completeness, divine guidance, and charity offer a deeper understanding of its role in conveying spiritual truths. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia GIMELge'-mel, gim'-el ("g"): The 3rd letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and used as such to designate the 3rd part of Psalm 119; transliterated in this Encyclopedia with the dagesh as "g", and without the dagesh as "gh" (aspirated "g"). It came also to be used for the number three (3), and with the dieresis for 3,000. For name, etc., see ALPHABET. Library Gimel. Psalm 119 Gimel, the 3Rd Part. No. 4, Intersession Exposition on the Book of Psalms Scottish Psalter and Paraphrases Transcriber's Note Footnotes Sermon First Greek Form. Text-Divisions: Stichi, Chapters, Lections, Catenae. Thesaurus Gimel (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia GIMEL. ... For name, etc., see ALPHABET. Multi-Version Concordance Gimel (1 Occurrence). Psalms 119:17 GIMEL. ... /g/gimel.htm - 7k Gimzo (1 Occurrence) Gilonite (2 Occurrences) Benefits (12 Occurrences) Confer (6 Occurrences) Acrostic (2 Occurrences) Alphabet (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Gimel (1 Occurrence)Psalms 119:17 Subtopics Related Terms Daughter-towns (17 Occurrences) |
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