Γαμαλιήλ
Gamaliḗl
G1059 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Gamaliel; a proper name referring to a male individual. In the New Testament context, Gamaliel is identified as a prominent teacher of the law within the Jerusalem council (Sanhedrin), respected among the Judean leadership. The primary sense is as a personal name carried over unchanged from Semitic origins. The name itself was borne by notable figures in Israelite and Judean history, most famously a Pharisaic leader mentioned in Acts 5 and 22.
Semantic Range
the proper name Gamaliel; refers specifically to male individuals named Gamaliel in Israelite and Judean contexts, especially a first-century Judean legal scholar in Jerusalem; not used as a common noun or verb
Root / Etymology
From Hebrew גַּמְלִיאֵל (Gamlîʾēl), likely formed from גָּמַל (gāmal, 'to reward, benefit, deal') and אֵל (ʾēl, 'God'), thus possibly 'God has dealt bountifully' or 'God is my reward.' The Greek form Γαμαλιήλ is a transliteration of the Hebrew, transmitted through the Septuagint tradition into Koine Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Γαμαλιήλ appears as a proper name and does not carry lexical meaning apart from its identification with specific historical individuals. In LXX Numbers 1:10 and other passages, the name refers to a leader from the tribe of Manasseh during the wilderness period—an 'Israelite' in the sense of descent from Jacob. In the New Testament (Acts), Γαμαλιήλ is the name of a prominent Pharisee and teacher, identified as a respected member of the Judean legal-religious council (Sanhedrin) in Jerusalem during the Roman period. The name is not associated with a broader ethnic, religious, or social category, but rather with these specific figures. Traditional English translations render the name 'Gamaliel,' without alteration. Its personal and Semitic origin means that the name functions in the Greek text as a transliterated proper noun, not a term with evolving semantic content. No evidence suggests that the name was used generically or outside of specific individual's designations in Hellenistic or Roman Judean society.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of Hebrew origin (גַּמְלִיאֵל); Gamaliel (i.e. Gamliel), an Israelite:--Gamaliel.
Root Family
Γαμαλιήλ (Gamaliēl) — proper name, male individual (Gamaliel)
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1059-01 |
Γαμαλιήλ | gamaliel | N NOM M SG |
Gamaliel | Gamaliel | Gamaliel | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences