גַּלָּב
𐤂𐤋𐤁
gallâb
H1532 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A person who shaves, trims, or cuts hair, specifically a barber. The term denotes one who removes hair with a razor or similar instrument, and by extension, functions as an artisan responsible for grooming, especially beard and head shaving, in ancient Israelite society. The word appears in contexts related to personal grooming, ritual shaving, or the marking of significant changes in social status or ritual purity.
Semantic Range
barber, one who shaves, professional groomer, artisan responsible for shaving or trimming hair, ritual hair removal
Root / Etymology
From the Hebrew root גלב (galav), which is not independently attested in the Hebrew Bible but is understood by root pattern and cognate reasoning to carry the sense 'to shave' or 'to remove hair.' The derived form גַּלָּב (gallâb) adopts the nominal pattern indicating a person engaged in an activity — thus 'one who shaves.' Root ': ג-ל-ב'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
גַּלָּב appears only once in the Hebrew Bible (Ezekiel 5:1), where it designates a professional barber, aligning with cultural practices in the monarchic and exilic periods regarding grooming and ritual acts using razors. While other ancient Near Eastern societies also had professional barbers, the Israelite institution of the גַּלָּב is notable for its use in ritual purification rites (cf. Nazirites in Numbers 6), as well as routine personal care. The use of the term is specific and does not become generalized to mean 'priest' or 'officiant.' English translations typically render the term as 'barber,' which is accurate for the primary context, but later English terms such as 'hairdresser' are anachronistic and do not capture the technical or ritual aspects of the role. There is no direct connection between the ancient גַּלָּב and the later rabbinic or Hellenistic/Roman Jewish uses of the term 'barber.' The word reflects a semi-specialized role within urban Israelite communities, distinct from general grooming within the household.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to shave; a barber; barber.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גלב (g-l-b) — to shave, to remove hair
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1532-01 |
הַ/גַּלָּבִים֙ | hagalavim | HTd/Ncmpa |
of barbers | the shavers | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1532-01 |
Ezekiel 5:1 | הַ/גַּלָּבִים֙ | hagalavim | HTd/Ncmpa |
of barbers | the shavers |