אַגָּן
𐤀𐤂𐤍
ʼaggân
H101 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A large, shallow vessel, typically a basin, used for holding liquid or for ritual washing; more generally, a bowl. The word refers to objects made of metal (often bronze), frequently employed within ceremonial or domestic contexts. In some passages, the term denotes basins associated with the Tabernacle or Temple used for receiving blood or for ablutions.
Semantic Range
basin, bowl, large metal vessel, ceremonial basin, washing vessel, domestic bowl
Root / Etymology
From the root נגן (n-g-n), potentially related to being 'struck', 'played', or 'hollowed out' (as in musical instruments or vessels formed by hammering), but this etymology is debated. The formation suggests an object created by hollowing or beating metal, aligning with manufacture methods for basins.
Historical & Contextual Notes
אַגָּן occurs chiefly in priestly or ceremonial contexts, notably in the descriptions of tabernacle or temple furnishings (e.g., Exodus 24:6, Numbers 7:13). It refers to both standard household basins and ritual vessels. The item is typically made of metal—usually bronze—and differs from other classes of vessels such as כַּפּוֹר (smaller ladles or spoons) or קְעָרָה (generic bowl) in size and ceremonial function. Later translation traditions, including Greek and English, often render אַגָּן as 'bowl' or 'basin', but in English Bible translation history (KJV and successors), 'basin' is usually accurate. There is no indication that the 'goblet' sense (implying a drinking vessel) was primary in biblical usage; rather, the connotation is of a utilitarian or ritual vessel. The term remains consistent across biblical periods where it appears, with no significant semantic shift between the monarchic and post-exilic usages. Contrast with זְרוֹק (a sprinkling bowl) or סֵפֶל (pail, bucket) for further nuance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from נָגַן; a bowl (as pounded out hollow); basin, cup, goblet.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
נגן (n-g-n) — to strike, play an instrument, hollow out
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4485 | מַנְגִּינָה | their lament-song |
| H5058 | נְגִינָה | with instrumental melodies |
| H5059 | נָגַן | the string-player |
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H101-01 |
אַגַּ֣ן | agan | HNcmsc |
a-round-bowl | hammered metal basin | 1 |
H101-02 |
בָּ/אַגָּנֹ֑ת | baaganot | HRd/Ncmpa |
in the basins | hammered basins | 1 |
H101-03 |
הָֽ/אַגָּנ֔וֹת | haaganot | HTd/Ncmpa |
of cups | the basins | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H101-02 |
Exodus 24:6 | בָּ/אַגָּנֹ֑ת | baaganot | HRd/Ncmpa |
in the basins | hammered basins |
H101-03 |
Isaiah 22:24 | הָֽ/אַגָּנ֔וֹת | haaganot | HTd/Ncmpa |
of cups | the basins |
H101-01 |
Song of Songs 7:3 | אַגַּ֣ן | agan | HNcmsc |
a-round-bowl | hammered metal basin |