Igal
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Igal in the Bible?
The name Igal identifies three distinct individuals in the Hebrew Bible: a spy from the tribe of Ephraim sent by Moses (Numbers 13:10), a warrior in King David's elite guard (2 Samuel 23:34, 1 Chronicles 11:36), and a descendant of Zerubbabel listed in the genealogies of Ezra (Ezra 2:2, Nehemiah 7:7).
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing these three separate figures prevents textual confusion and clarifies the distinct roles of espionage, military leadership, and post-exilic lineage reconstruction in biblical history.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Igal reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Igal in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Igal clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Numbers 13:102 Samuel 23:341 Chronicles 11:36Ezra 2:2Nehemiah 7:7
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Igal." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/igal/