Original Word: גֹּעַל
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: go`al
Pronunciation: gah-ahl
Phonetic Spelling: (go'-al)
KJV: loathing
NASB: abhorred
Word Origin: [from H1602 (גָּעַל - loathed)]

1. abhorrence

loathing

From ga'al; abhorrence -- loathing.

see HEBREW ga'al

Word Origin
from gaal
Definition
a loathing
NASB Translation
abhorred (1).

גֹּ֫עַל noun masculine loathing, בְּגֹעַל נַפְשֵׁךְ Ezekiel 16:5.

Definition and Concept

Rooted in the imagery of nausea and repulsion, the noun גֹּעַל describes what is so offensive that it evokes visceral rejection. In Ezekiel 16:5 it communicates a total absence of value or worth in the eyes of the one who looks upon the object. The word therefore functions more than as a synonym for “despised”; it signals a condition so abhorrent that the beholder instinctively casts it away.

Biblical Usage

Ezekiel 16:5 is the sole canonical instance. The prophet portrays Jerusalem as an unwanted newborn:

“...you were thrown out into the open field, because you were despised on the day of your birth.” (Berean Standard Bible)

Here גֹּעַל qualifies ‘your life’ or ‘your person,’ emphasizing not merely neglect but active revulsion. The city’s spiritual condition evokes the same reaction in God that a passer-by feels toward a blood-soaked infant left to die.

Historical Background

Ezekiel ministered among the exiles in Babylon around 593–571 BC. Jerusalem had embraced idolatry and covenant infidelity for generations; by using this stark term, the prophet exposes how Judah’s conduct made her repulsive even before the nations. The single use underlines the extremity of Judah’s degradation at that historical moment.

Theological Significance

1. Total depravity exposed

The word amplifies human inability to render oneself acceptable to God. Israel’s plight mirrors the universal condition described in Romans 3:10–18. Divine intervention, not self-reform, is the only hope.

2. Divine grace magnified

Immediately after the indictment, the narrative turns: “Then I passed by and saw you...” (Ezekiel 16:6). The Lord’s compassionate rescue of what was loathed showcases grace that overcomes utter worthlessness.

3. Covenant fidelity despite loathsomeness

The term intensifies the covenantal drama: God binds Himself to the very one who had become abhorrent. Such steadfast love finds fuller revelation in the new covenant sealed by Christ’s blood (Hebrews 8:10–12).

Ministry and Pastoral Application

• Preaching the Gospel

The image of גֹּעַל equips evangelists to portray sin’s offensiveness without minimizing God’s readiness to redeem. It clarifies why salvation is by grace alone (Ephesians 2:4–9).

• Counseling the ashamed

Believers crushed by guilt often feel loathsome. Pointing to Ezekiel 16 shows that God willingly embraces even those who view themselves with disgust, fostering assurance (1 John 3:20).

• Corporate holiness

Congregations are warned against patterns that would again render God’s people repugnant to His holiness (Revelation 3:16).

Typological and Prophetic Insight

Jerusalem’s transformation from despised infant to adorned bride (Ezekiel 16:6–14) prefigures the Church’s journey from sin-stained to glorified (Ephesians 5:25–27; Revelation 21:2). The initial גֹּעַל highlights the contrast that magnifies divine glory in redemption.

Related Terms and Concepts

• טֻמְאָה (tum’ah) – ritual “uncleanness,” focusing on ceremonial status.
• שִׁקּוּץ (shiqquts) – “abomination,” often tied to idolatry.
• חֵרֶם (cherem) – “devoted to destruction,” expressing ban under divine wrath.

Each overlaps with גֹּעַל in portraying repulsiveness, yet גֹּעַל uniquely captures the emotional revulsion that propels abandonment.

Practical Reflection

The lone occurrence of גֹּעַל stands as a mirror: without Christ, humanity is spiritually abandoned, repellent, and helpless. Yet the same passage assures that God’s gaze can transform the despised into the cherished. Such a truth fuels worship, humbles pride, and compels proclamation of the gospel that overcomes loathing with everlasting love.

בְּגֹ֣עַל בגעל bə·ḡō·‘al bəḡō‘al beGoalInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts