Original Word: גְּבוּל
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: gbuwl
Pronunciation: guh-BOOL
Phonetic Spelling: (gheb-ool')
KJV: border, bound, coast, X great, landmark, limit, quarter, space
NASB: border, territory, boundary, borders, coastline, area, barrier
Word Origin: [from H1379 (גָּבַל - set bounds)]

1. (properly) a cord (as twisted)
2. (by implication) a boundary
3. (by extension) the territory inclosed

border, bound, coast, great, landmark, limit, quarter, space

Or (shortened) gbul {gheb-ool'}; from gabal; properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e. (by implication) a boundary; by extens. The territory inclosed -- border, bound, coast, X great, landmark, limit, quarter, space.

see HEBREW gabal

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
border, boundary, territory
NASB Translation
area (1), barrier (1), border (144), borders (10), boundary (13), coastline (3), districts (1), land (1), line (1), territories (1), territory (61), wall (1).

(ה)גבול Joshua 15:47 Kt; read הַגָּדוֺל Vrss. Manuscripts compare Joshua 15:12.

גבח (only in following derivatives found in P; compare also Late Hebrew גִּבֵּחַ, giant).

גְּבוּל₂₄₀ noun masculine^{Numbers 34:3} border, boundary, territory (Late Hebrew id., Punic gubulim (plural, Plaut^{Poen. i. 9}) — גָּבוּל Genesis 10:19 168t. + Joshua 15:47 Kt (but read Qr גָּדוֺל); גְּבֻל Numbers 21:13 9t.; (both, in absolute & construct, e.g. absolute Numbers 22:36; Numbers 34:8, construct Genesis 10:19; 2 Samuel 21:5); suffix גְּבוּלִי 1 Chronicles 4:10, גְּבוּלְךָ Exodus 7:27, גְבֻלְךָ Exodus 23:31 3t., etc.; plural (8 t.) only suffix גְּבוּלֶיךָ Jeremiah 15:13; Jeremiah 17:3, etc.; —

1 border, boundary,

a. of a land or people: Canaanites Genesis 10:19 (J), Edom Numbers 20:23; Joshua 15:1,21 (all P) compare Obadiah 7, Amorites Numbers 21:13 (E) Joshua 13:4 (D) compare Joshua 12:5 (D) Judges 1:36, Moab Numbers 21:13,15; Numbers 22:36 (E) Numbers 33:44 (P) Deuteronomy 2:18; Judges 11:18 (twice in verse); 2 Kings 3:21; Isaiah 15:8, Ammon Numbers 21:24 (E) Deuteronomy 3:16; Joshua 12:2; Joshua 13:10 (all D) Amos 1:3, Bashan Joshua 12:4 (D), Egypt 1 Kings 5:1 2Chronicles 9:26; Isaiah 19:19; especially of promised land Exodus 23:31; Exodus 34:24 (JE) Numbers 34:3 13t. Numbers 34 (all P) Deuteronomy 11:24; Deuteronomy 12:20; Deuteronomy 16:4; Joshua 1:4 (D), compare Ezekiel 45:1; 10t. Ezekiel 45-48; also of Israel 2 Kings 14:25; Amos 6:2; Malachi 1:5.

b. boundary of smaller divisions, e.g. Geshurites Deuteronomy 3:14; Joshua 12:5; Joshua 13:11 (all D), compare Joshua 16:2,3(J) Joshua 19:12 (P); especially of tribes of Israel Deuteronomy 3:16,17; Joshua 13:30 (all D) Joshua 13:16 60t. Joshua 13-19 (P); — Joshua 15:47 read גדול see above; Joshua 22:25 (P) & Joshua 17:8; Joshua 18:11; Joshua 24:30 (JE), compare 1 Chronicles 6:39; 1 Chronicles 6:51; 2Chronicles 11:13; Ezekiel 48:1 15t. Ezekiel 48 (including Ezekiel 48:22; Ezekiel 48:22 q. strike out Co); — in 1 Samuel 13:18 read for גְּבוּל, הַגֶּבַע ᵐ5 We Dr.

c. boundary of territory belonging to an individual, — of field, piece of ground, etc. Genesis 23:17 (P) Deuteronomy 19:14; Deuteronomy 27:17; Joshua 24:30 (E) = Judges 2:9; 1 Chronicles 4:10; Proverbs 15:25; Proverbs 22:28; Proverbs 23:10; Hosea 5:10.

d. border of stream Numbers 22:36.

e. limit to waters of deep Psalm 104:9 compare Jeremiah 5:22.

f. a concrete object marking limit, (α) barrier in Ezekiel's temple Ezekiel 40:12 (strike out ᵐ5 ᵑ6 Co) Ezekiel 40:12; (β) border of altar Ezekiel 43:13,17,20; (γ) surrounding wall of restored Zion Isaiah 54:12 (so ᵐ5 Ew Kn Che; De Brd territory, Di undecided).

2 territory (enclosed within boundary),

a. of land or people Genesis 47:21 (J) Exodus 7:27 (P) Exodus 10:4,14 ("" ארץ) Exodus 10:19; Exodus 13:7 (all J), Numbers 20:16,17,21; Numbers 21:22 (E; "" ארץ) = Judges 11:20; Numbers 21:23 (E) Deuteronomy 2:4; Deuteronomy 19:3 (אַרְצְךָ ׳גּ) Deuteronomy 19:8; Deuteronomy 28:40; Joshua 18:5 (twice in verse) (E) Judges 11:22; Judges 19:29; 2 Samuel 21:5; 1 Kings 1:3; 2 Kings 10:32; 1 Chronicles 21:12 ("" ארץ) Psalm 105:31 (= ארץ in "" Ezekiel 8:16,17) Ezekiel 8:33; Ezek 147:14; Jeremiah 31:17; Ezekiel 11:10,11; Joel 4:6; Zephaniah 2:8.

b. territory of a city (or limit of such territory) Numbers 35:26,27; Joshua 13:26; Judges 1:18 (3 t. in verse); Ezekiel 47:16 (twice in verse); Ezekiel 47:17 (twice in verse) (strike out ᵐ5 Co) Ezekiel 48:1; Amos 6:2.

c. territory about Ezekiel's temple Ezekiel 43:12.

d. plural in like sense (only use of plural), of land Micah 5:5; Isaiah 60:18 ("" ארץ) Jeremiah 15:13; Jeremiah 17:13, of city 1 Samuel 5:6; 2 Kings 15:16; 2 Kings 18:8; so Ezekiel 27:4 of Tyre.

e. figurative territory (region) of darkness Job 38:20; territory of wickedness Malachi 1:4 (of Edom); territory of his holiness Psalm 78:54 (of Canaan).

Meaning and Scope

גְּבוּל (gebul) describes a boundary, border, limit, territory, or allotted portion. While physical lines on a map are its most obvious sense, Scripture widens the concept to moral, covenantal, and eschatological frontiers.

Boundaries in the Primeval and Patriarchal Narratives

• Genesis frames human geography with גְּבוּל: “The territory of the Canaanites extended from Sidon toward Gerar as far as Gaza” (Genesis 10:19). Boundaries organize peoples after the flood and anticipate later inheritance.
• In Genesis 15:18 the promised land is sketched “from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates,” showing that covenant grace sets gracious limits for Abram’s offspring.

Torah Legislation: Justice, Protection, Stewardship

1. Fixed landmarks guard neighborly equity. “You must not move your neighbor’s boundary stone” (Deuteronomy 19:14; cf. Deuteronomy 27:17; Proverbs 22:28).
2. Cities of refuge rely on clearly defined גְּבוּל so that flight for mercy is attainable (Numbers 35:26-28).
3. Agricultural rest in the Sabbath and Jubilee trusts God to enlarge or preserve borders (Exodus 34:24; Leviticus 25:10). The land remains the Lord’s; Israel occupies it as tenant-steward within His set lines.

Tribal Allotments in Joshua

Nearly one-third of all גְּבוּל occurrences appear in Joshua 13–21. Precise topography affirms:
• God’s faithfulness—each tribe receives the lot sworn to the patriarchs (Joshua 21:43-45).
• Communal responsibility—Levites receive cities “within the borders” of the other tribes (Joshua 21:41), weaving worship through the nation.
• The danger of compromise—failure to fully possess assigned borders (Joshua 15:63; 17:12-13) foreshadows later idolatry.

Monarchy and National Security

David and Solomon “subdued all the surrounding territories” (2 Samuel 8:1-14; 1 Kings 4:21). Yet the prophets recall that expansion must never eclipse covenant fidelity (Hosea 5:10; “The princes of Judah are like those who move boundary stones”). Apostasy erodes borders more surely than any enemy.

Poetic and Wisdom Literature

Psalms employ גְּבוּל to celebrate divine providence:
• “He makes peace in your borders; He fills you with the finest wheat” (Psalm 147:14).
• Creation itself has borders: the sea may advance “no farther than this” (Job 38:8-11).

Proverbs turns the term into moral counsel—tampering with limits is an affront to both neighbor and God (Proverbs 23:10).

Prophetic Warnings and Promises

• Isaiah pronounces judgment on those who “add field to field until there is no space left” (Isaiah 5:8).
• Micah laments: “The boundary lines of My people are being stolen” (Micah 2:4-5).
• Yet the same prophets foresee expansion by divine action: “I will restore your judges… and you will be called the City of Righteousness” (Isaiah 1:26), signaling secure borders through renewed holiness.

Ezekiel’s Vision of a Restored Land

Chapters 40–48 conclude with meticulous גְּבוּל descriptions. The symmetry reveals:

1. Worship-centered geography—the temple sits at the heart.
2. Equalized inheritance—“You are to divide it equally among the tribes of Israel” (Ezekiel 47:14).
3. International grace—sojourners who bear covenant allegiance “shall be allotted an inheritance among the tribes” (Ezekiel 47:22-23).

Eschatological Hopes

The prophets anticipate a day when Zion’s borders are secure (Zechariah 2:4-5) and yet paradoxically borderless—“I will be a wall of fire around her… and the glory within.” Physical limits endure, but God Himself becomes the ultimate perimeter.

Spiritual and Ethical Applications

• Recognize God-given spheres: marriages, ministries, and callings have sanctified limits (2 Corinthians 10:13 uses the cognate Greek horion).
• Respect others’ possessions and reputations; boundary ethics extend to speech and digital life.
• Depend on the Lord for enlargement, not on manipulation (Psalm 18:19).

Ministry Significance

Pastors and leaders steward flocks within appointed fields (1 Peter 5:2-3). Healthy churches honor doctrinal and moral borders while welcoming all whom the gospel brings. Discipline protects the flock; mission presses to the edges of the earth without erasing biblical lines.

Summary

גְּבוּל teaches that the God who separates light from darkness also appoints lands, nations, and moral order. Respecting His boundaries yields peace, provision, and hope; violating them invites disorder and exile. Yet in grace He promises a day when every border testifies to His righteous rule and every allotted portion overflows with His presence.

בִּגְב֣וּל בִּגְב֥וּל בִּגְבֻל֑וֹ בִּגְבֻל֔וֹ בִּגְבֻלֶֽךָ׃ בִּגְבֻלוֹ֒ בִּגְבוּל֙ בִּגְבוּלֵֽנוּ׃ בִּגְבוּלָ֑יִךְ בִּגְבוּלָ֑ם בגבול בגבוליך בגבולם בגבולנו׃ בגבלו בגבלך׃ גְּֽבוּל־ גְּב֑וּל גְּב֖וּל גְּב֣וּל גְּב֤וּל גְּב֥וּל גְּב֧וּל גְּב֨וּל גְּבֻ֣לְךָ֔ גְּבֻ֥ל גְּבֻל֖וֹ גְּבֻל֞וֹ גְּבֻלְךָ֖ גְּבֻלְךָ֗ גְּבֻלְכֶֽם׃ גְּבֻלֶֽךָ׃ גְּבֽוּלְךָ֮ גְּבוּל֑וֹ גְּבוּל֙ גְּבוּל֤וֹ גְּבוּלְךָ֖ גְּבוּלְכֶֽם׃ גְּבוּלִי֙ גְּבוּלֵ֖ךְ גְּבוּלֵ֥ךְ גְּבוּלֶ֑יהָ גְּבוּלֶ֑ךָ גְּבוּלֶ֙יהָ֙ גְּבוּלֶֽיהָ׃ גְּבוּלֶֽיךָ׃ גְּבוּלֶֽךָ׃ גְּבוּלָ֑הּ גְּבוּלָ֑יִךְ גְּבוּלָ֑ם גְּבוּלָ֔הּ גְּבוּלָ֔ן גְּבוּלָ֖הּ גְּבוּלָ֖ם גְּבוּלָֽהּ׃ גְּבוּלָֽם׃ גְּבוּלוֹ֙ גְב֜וּל גְבוּל֙ גְבוּלֶֽךָ׃ גְבוּלָ֔ם גְבוּלָ֗ם גְבוּלָ֧ם ׀ גְבוּל־ גבול גבול־ גבולה גבולה׃ גבולו גבולי גבוליה גבוליה׃ גבוליך גבוליך׃ גבולך גבולך׃ גבולכם׃ גבולם גבולם׃ גבולן גבולש־ גבל גבלו גבלך גבלך׃ גבלכם׃ הַגְּב֔וּל הַגְּב֖וּל הַגְּב֗וּל הַגְּב֛וּל הַגְּב֜וּל הַגְּב֣וּל הַגְּב֥וּל הַגְּב֥וּל ׀ הַגְּב֨וּל הַגְּבֻ֖ל הַגְּבֻ֧ל הַגְּבֻל֙ הַגְּבֽוּל׃ הַגְּבוּל֙ הַגְּבוּל֩ הַגָּדֹ֖ול הגבול הגבול׃ הגבל הגדול וְהַגְּבוּל וּגְב֑וּל וּגְב֗וּל וּגְב֞וּל וּגְב֣וּל וּגְב֤וּל וּגְב֥וּל וּגְב֧וּל וּגְבֻ֑ל וּגְבֽוּל׃ וּגְבוּל֙ וּגְבוּלָ֨הּ וגבול וגבול׃ וגבולה וגבל והגבול לִגְב֖וּל לִגְב֣וּל לִגְב֥וּל לִגְבוּלָֽם׃ לגבול לגבולם׃ מִגְּב֕וּל מִגְּב֛וּל מִגְּב֣וּל מִגְּב֥וּל מִגְּבֻלְכֶֽם׃ מגבול מגבלכם׃ biḡ·ḇū·lā·yiḵ biḡ·ḇū·lām biḡ·ḇu·le·ḵā biḡ·ḇū·lê·nū biḡ·ḇu·lōw biḡ·ḇūl biḡḇūl biḡḇūlām biḡḇūlāyiḵ biḡḇuleḵā biḡḇūlênū biḡḇulōw bigVul bigvuLam bigvuLayich bigvuLecha bigvuLenu bigvuLo gə·ḇū·l·śa- gə·ḇū·lā·yiḵ gə·ḇū·lāh gə·ḇū·lām ḡə·ḇū·lām gə·ḇū·lān gə·ḇū·le·hā gə·ḇu·le·ḵā gə·ḇū·le·ḵā gə·ḇū·lə·ḵā ḡə·ḇū·le·ḵā gə·ḇū·lə·ḵem gə·ḇū·lêḵ gə·ḇū·lî gə·ḇu·lōw gə·ḇū·lōw gə·ḇul gə·ḇūl ḡə·ḇūl ḡə·ḇūl- gə·ḇul·ḵā gə·ḇul·ḵem gəḇul gəḇūl ḡəḇūl ḡəḇūl- gəḇūlāh gəḇūlām ḡəḇūlām gəḇūlān gəḇūlāyiḵ gəḇūlehā gəḇūlêḵ gəḇuleḵā gəḇūleḵā gəḇūləḵā ḡəḇūleḵā gəḇūləḵem gəḇūlî gəḇulḵā gəḇulḵem gəḇulōw gəḇūlōw gəḇūlśa- geVul gevuLah gevuLam gevuLan gevuLayich gevulCha gevulChem gevuLech gevuleCha gevuleChem gevuLeicha gevuLeiha gevuLi gevuLo gevulSa hag·gā·ḏō·wl hag·gə·ḇul hag·gə·ḇūl haggaDol haggāḏōwl haggəḇul haggəḇūl haggeVul liḡ·ḇū·lām liḡ·ḇūl liḡḇūl liḡḇūlām ligVul ligvuLam mig·gə·ḇūl mig·gə·ḇul·ḵem miggəḇūl miggəḇulḵem miggeVul miggevulChem ū·ḡə·ḇū·lāh ū·ḡə·ḇul ū·ḡə·ḇūl ūḡəḇul ūḡəḇūl ūḡəḇūlāh ugeVul ugevuLah vehaggevul wə·hag·gə·ḇūl wəhaggəḇūlInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts