Original Word: קָבַל
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: qabal
Pronunciation: kah-BAHL
Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-bal')
KJV: choose, (take) hold, receive, (under-)take
NASB: accept, opposite, received, accepted, made a custom, take, took
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to admit, i.e. take (literally or figuratively)

choose, take hold, receive, undertake

A primitive root; to admit, i.e. Take (literally or figuratively) -- choose, (take) hold, receive, (under-)take.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to receive, take
NASB Translation
accept (4), accepted (1), made a custom (1), opposite (2), received (2), take (1), took (1), undertook (1).

[קָבַל] verb Pi`el receive, take (late) (Aramaic loan-word (and in Aramaic denominative) Gerber<sup>32</sup>, compare Aramaic (לִ)קְבֵיל in front, opposite, Biblical Aramaic לָקֳבֵל before, Old Aramaic, Palmyrene לקבל over against, Nabataean id., in view of; also Sabean לקבל in view of CIS<sup>iv, No. 79, 11. 2. 4. 5. 8</sup>, Assyrian ‡ablu, encounter; verbs are: Sabean קבל accept, DHM<sup>ZMG xxix (1875), 615</sup>; xxx (1876), 672; Arabic be in front, opposite, accept, admit; Ethiopic , especially III. 2, go to meet, accept; Late Hebrew קָבַל accuse, Pi`el = Biblical Hebrew; Aramaic קַבֵּל, receive); — Perfect3masculine singular קִבֵּל Esther 4:4 + (Esther 9:27 Qr קִבְּלוּ); 3 plural קִבּלוּ Ezra 8:30; Imperfect3masculine singular suffix וַיְקַבְּלֵם 1 Chronicles 12:19 (18 van d. H.); 3masculine plural וַיְקַבְּלוּ2Chronicles 29:16,22; 1 plural נְקַבֵל Job 2:10 (twice in verse); Imperative masculine singular קַבֵּל Proverbs 19:20, קַבֶּלֿ 1 Chronicles 21:11; —

1 take, with accusative of thing 2 Chronicles 29:22; Ezra 8:30; accusative omitted 2Chronicles 29:16, + ל reflexive = choose 1 Chronicles 21:11; receive, with accusative of person 1 Chronicles 12:19 (van d. H. v.1 Chronicles 12:18).

2 accept, with accusative of thing Job 2:10 (twice in verse); מוּסָר ׳ק Proverbs 19:20; accusative omitted Esther 4:4.

3 accept, assume, and obligation, followed by clause, Esther 9:23, followed by infinitive Esther 9:27 (+ עַל reflexive).

Hiph`il Participle feminine plural מַקְבִּילֹת shew oppositeness, i.e. correspond, one to (אֶל) another Exodus 26:5; Exodus 36:12 (both P).

קַבֵּל verb denominative Pa`el receive (Biblical Hebrew (late), (q. v.; ᵑ7 Syriac: properly come in front of, come to meet, compare German entgegennehmen); — Perfect3masculine singular קַבֵּל Daniel 6:1; Imperfect2masculine plural תְּקַבְּלוּן ye shall receive Daniel 2:6, 3masculine plural וִיקַבְּלוּן Daniel 7:18; all with accusative of thing.

Summary

The verb קָבַל portrays the act of receiving, accepting, or being set directly opposite. In its thirteen Old-Testament appearances it traces a consistent theme: the heart, the nation, and the sanctuary are all called to welcome what God provides, commands, or aligns.

Tabernacle craftsmanship (Exodus 26:5; Exodus 36:12)

The blue loops on the curtains were to be “opposite one another,” ensuring a perfect join. קָבַל thus conveys precise correspondence in the place where God dwells, pre-echoing the spiritual house “joined together” in Christ.

Military and civic administration (1 Chronicles 12:19; 1 Chronicles 21:11)

David welcomed defectors from Manasseh, while later he had to “receive” a divinely appointed choice of judgment. The word speaks to a leader’s obligation both to accept God-sent allies and to submit to God-sent discipline.

Worship and sacrificial ritual (2 Chronicles 29:16; 2 Chronicles 29:22)

During Hezekiah’s cleansing the Levites “received” uncleanness for disposal, and the priests “received” blood for atonement. Reception here separates the defiled from the holy and highlights ordered cooperation in ministry.

Stewardship of sacred treasures (Ezra 8:30)

Returning exiles “received” silver, gold, and vessels to carry to Jerusalem. קָבַל underscores faithful accounting—what is weighed out must be weighed in—anticipating New-Covenant stewardship.

Covenantal commitment and Purim (Esther 4:4; Esther 9:23; Esther 9:27)

Mordecai refused Esther’s garments, but later the Jews “accepted” Mordecai’s decree and “imposed it upon themselves” to keep Purim. Acceptance here seals a perpetual remembrance of deliverance.

Providential acceptance (Job 2:10)

“Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” Repeated use of קָבַל calls every sufferer to embrace God’s sovereignty with reverent trust.

Wisdom’s counsel (Proverbs 19:20)

“Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise in your latter days.” Teachability is a lifelong posture of receiving.

Theological observations

1. Reception is covenantal—binding parties in mutual obligation.
2. Reception is priestly—regulating what may enter God’s presence.
3. Reception is formative—shaping character through instruction and trial.
4. Reception is eschatological—foreshadowing the perfected union of God and His people.

Ministry reflections

• Discern whom to welcome, as David did.
• Steward resources transparently, following Ezra’s example.
• In worship remove uncleanness and handle the blood of atonement with reverence.
• Embrace God’s dealings, whether blessing or hardship, after Job’s confession.

וְקִבְּלוּ֙ וְקִבֵּל֙ וְקִבְּל֣וּ וְקַבֵּ֣ל וַֽיְקַבְּלוּ֙ וַיְקַבְּל֤וּ וַיְקַבְּלֵ֣ם ויקבלו ויקבלם וקבל וקבלו מַקְבִּילֹת֙ מקבילת נְקַבֵּ֑ל נְקַבֵּל֙ נקבל קִבֵּֽל׃ קַבֶּל־ קבל־ קבל׃ kabbel kibBel makbiLot maq·bî·lōṯ maqbîlōṯ nə·qab·bêl nekabBel nəqabbêl qab·bel- qabbel- qib·bêl qibbêl vaykabbeLem vaykabbeLu vekabBel vekibBel vekibbeLu way·qab·bə·lêm way·qab·bə·lū wayqabbəlêm wayqabbəlū wə·qab·bêl wə·qib·bə·lū wə·qib·bêl wəqabbêl wəqibbêl wəqibbəlūInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts