What does גָּלַע mean in the Bible?
גָּלַע is a Hebrew word meaning "to be obstinate".
Hebrew · H1566
גָּלַע
To be obstinate
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through theConnect page. Screenshots are helpful.
גָּלַעH1566
What does גָּלַע mean in the Bible?
גָּלַע is a Hebrew word meaning "to be obstinate".
Full entry for גָּלַע (H1566) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How does the BSB render H1566?
The BSB source-word alignment has 3 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include he rebels (1), it breaks out (1), will quarrel (1).
Where does גָּלַע appear in Scripture?
The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Proverbs 17:14. Its strongest book concentrations include Proverbs (3).
Source Word Evidence
BSB source-word alignment connects this entry to exact verse rows, English rendering, source form, transliteration, and parsing.
How English Renders Ithe rebels1×Proverbs 18:1
it breaks out1×Proverbs 17:14
will quarrel1×Proverbs 20:3
Show sample aligned rows
Usage map
A compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.
First aligned rowProverbs 17:14
Aligned rows3
Books represented1
Proverbs3
Source forms
יִתְגַּלָּֽע׃2xyiṯ·gal·lā‘Proverbs 18:1, Proverbs 20:3
הִ֝תְגַּלַּ֗ע1xhiṯ·gal·la‘Proverbs 17:14
Parsing patterns
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular2xProverbs 18:1, Proverbs 20:3
Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person masculine singular1xProverbs 17:14
Evidence Summary
Hebrew word. to be obstinate
Source Gloss
to be obstinate
Extended definitionSource: Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon + Brown-Driver-Briggs
to be obstinate BDB: expose Usage: (inter-) meddle (with).
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
This verb appears through different tense, voice, mood, or stem patterns. Those forms help readers see how the action is presented in context.
Form groups1Aligned forms3
Hithpaelreflexive or reciprocal — the subject acts on itself or mutually with others3×
ImperfectProv 18:1 · Prov 20:32×
PerfectProv 17:141×
Word Origins
גָּלַע is a primitive root - no further derivation.
Part of These Phrases
Compound and idiomatic phrases that include this word. Follow a link to study the phrase and how its parts work together.