Lexical Summary sephel: Bowl, basin Original Word: סֵפֶל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bowl, dish From an unused root meaning to depress; a basin (as deepened out) -- bowl, dish. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a bowl NASB Translation bowl (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs סֵ֫פֶל noun [masculine] bowl (√ unknown; perhaps foreign word; Assyrian saplu, bowl, basin (DIHWB 508 SchrCOT 2 Kings 9:2) [occurs as object of tribute or plunder]; Late Hebrew = Biblical Hebrew; ᵑ7 סִיפְלָא bowl, basin, Christian-Palestinian Aramaic ![]() ![]() Topical Lexicon Physical and Cultural Setting The סֵפֶל was a sizeable domestic vessel, often of pottery or beaten metal, suited for liquids such as milk, water, or curds. Archaeological parallels from Late Bronze and early Iron Age Canaan show wide-mouthed bowls with rounded bottoms and simple rims, ideal for easy pouring and for offering refreshments to guests. In village homes a well-fashioned bowl communicated both abundance and dignity, marking a household’s capacity to extend hospitality. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Judges 5:25 – Jael “brought him curdled milk in a magnificent bowl.” The narrative presents the סֵפֶל as a symbol of her apparent generosity while she seeks Sisera’s trust, setting the stage for his downfall. Symbolism and Theological Themes Hospitality and Deception The same bowl that offers sustenance can veil lethal intent. Jael’s use of a “magnificent bowl” heightens the irony: what looks like honor to a weary commander becomes the prelude to judgment. Scripture thus warns that outward tokens of honor may mask an altogether different inward purpose (compare Proverbs 27:6). Confirmation of Divine Promise Gideon’s overflowing bowl contrasts with human insufficiency. The vessel cannot create or attract dew on its own; it merely receives what God supplies. The image echoes later promises of superabundant provision—“pressed down, shaken together, and running over” (Luke 6:38)—reinforcing that deliverance depends on the LORD, not on human might. Measure and Fullness Across the canon, bowls often signify measured fullness, whether of blessing (Psalm 23:5) or wrath (Revelation 16). In Judges 6 the filled סֵפֶל reassures Gideon that God’s word is complete and reliable. The physical measure in the bowl parallels the spiritual measure of faith granted to Gideon for the coming battle. Historical Insights Texts from Ugarit mention banquet bowls presented to honored guests, paralleling Jael’s action. Egyptian tomb reliefs likewise depict large bowls of milk and curds in hospitality scenes. Such extra-biblical witnesses affirm the narrative’s cultural realism: offering milk in an ornate vessel was both common courtesy and a status marker. Lessons for Ministry and Application 1. True Hospitality: Ministry must extend tangible care without hidden agendas, mirroring Christ’s self-giving rather than Jael’s duplicity (Romans 12:13). Thus the humble סֵפֶל, appearing only twice in the Old Testament, serves as a richly layered reminder of hospitality’s power, the certainty of divine promise, and the believer’s role as a vessel prepared for the Master’s use. Forms and Transliterations בְּסֵ֥פֶל בספל הַסֵּ֖פֶל הספל bə·sê·p̄el beSefel bəsêp̄el has·sê·p̄el hasSefel hassêp̄elLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 5:25 HEB: חָלָ֣ב נָתָ֑נָה בְּסֵ֥פֶל אַדִּירִ֖ים הִקְרִ֥יבָה NAS: In a magnificent bowl she brought KJV: butter in a lordly dish. INT: milk gave bowl A magnificent brought Judges 6:38 2 Occurrences |