Gamaliel

Gamaliel is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, meaning "my reward is God". It derives from the Hebrew roots gamal ("to reward") and ʾel ("God"). This name appears in the Old Testament as that of a son of Pedahzur, a leader of the tribe of Manasseh during the wilderness wanderings (Numbers 1:10; 2:20; 7:54). However, the most famous bearer is Gamaliel the Elder, a 1st-century Jewish teacher and leader.

Significance in Jewish Tradition

Gamaliel the Elder (also known as Rabban Gamaliel I) was a prominent member of the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court of the time. He was the grandson of the great sage Hillel the Elder and succeeded his father, Simeon ben Hillel, as the head of the school of Hillel. In the Talmud, he is referred to with the honorific Rabban ("our master"), denoting his leadership of the Sanhedrin. He is known for his wisdom and liberal interpretations of Jewish law, including reforms on marriage and divorce.

Gamaliel in Christian Scripture

In the New Testament, Gamaliel appears in the Book of Acts as Saint Paul's teacher (Acts 22:3). He is portrayed as a respected Pharisee who advised the Sanhedrin to show leniency to the apostles, famously cautioning that if their movement was of human origin, it would fail, but if from God, it could not be stopped (Acts 5:34–39). This pragmatic counsel reflects his reputation for moderation and legal expertise. Later Christian tradition venerated him as a saint, and a medieval legend claims his relics were discovered in the fourth century.

Variant Forms

The Biblical Hebrew form is Gamli'el, literal meaning "God is my reward." The name is also the source of later surname derivations such as Gamalielson or Gamalielites.

Key Facts

• Meaning: My reward is God (or God is my reward)
• Origin: Hebrew
• Type: First name
• Usage regions: English Bible, Greek Bible
• Notable bearer: Gamaliel the Elder, influential Jewish scholar and Paul's teacher