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H1484 · Hebrew · Old Testament
גּוֹרָל
gôrāl
Noun, masculine
Lot, Portion, Destiny

Definition

Gôrāl (גּוֹרָל) means lot, portion, allotment, destiny. Casting lots was the primary method of determining God's will in the OT — not gambling but a sacred practice of seeking divine direction.

Usage & Theological Significance

Proverbs 16:33: 'The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.' This is the theology behind casting lots: what appears random to humans is directed by God. Joshua 14:2: the Promised Land was divided 'by lot, as the LORD had commanded.' Leviticus 16:8: on the Day of Atonement, Aaron cast lots for the two goats — one for the LORD, one as the scapegoat. The apostles cast lots to replace Judas (Acts 1:26). In every case, the lot was not chance but divine appointment.

Key Bible Verses

Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
Joshua 14:2 Their inheritances were assigned by lot, as the LORD had commanded through Moses.
Leviticus 16:8 Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats — one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat.

Related Words

External Resources

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