Quranic root
جبت
j · b · t
A rare lexical field centered on occult authority and false veneration: a sorcerer or diviner, sorcery, the Devil, and idols or other things worshipped instead of God.
The evidence associates جبت with something vile or lacking good and records related applications to occult practices, demonic influence, and false objects of worship. This describes the attested semantic field rather than a general productive root rule.
- Maqāyīs · row 1068
- Lane · entry 45858
- Mufradāt · row 222
- 1
- Quran-attested forms
- 3
- Quran senses
- 1
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
جِبْت
jibt
- Part of speech
- Noun
- Quran occurrences
- 1 occurrence
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
An idol or any false object of worship, worshipped instead of or to the exclusion of God.
In 4:51, the term is variously understood as a particular idol or idols, or by reference to people associated with promoting or preferring such worship; these are contextual identifications rather than separate general senses.
- Lane · entry 45858
- Mufradāt · row 222
Selected Quran examples
Quran 4:51word 10
“in the superstition”
Enchantment or sorcery.
In the Quranic expression paired with al-ṭāghūt in 4:51, one attested interpretation understands جبت as enchantment or sorcery.
- Lane · entry 45858
Selected Quran examples
Quran 4:51word 10
“in the superstition”
The Devil or Satan.
In 4:51, another attested interpretation understands جبت as the Devil or Satan, especially as the demonic power behind false religion and occult practice.
- Lane · entry 45858
Selected Quran examples
Quran 4:51word 10
“in the superstition”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 4:51بِٱلْجِبْتِin the superstition
Broader Classical Arabic meanings
Recorded for this root in the Classical lexicons beyond its Quran usage. These are secondary to the Quran senses above.
Show 3 Classical meanings
جِبْت
A sorcerer or diviner.
This denotes the human practitioner of occult activity, distinct from enchantment or sorcery as the practice itself.
- Lane · entry 45858
- Mufradāt · row 222
جِبْت
A vile or worthless person or thing, one in which there is no good.
The usage is associated in the lexical tradition with جِبْس and with an intensification of vileness; it is broader than the specific Quranic interpretations of 4:51.
- Lane · entry 45858
- Mufradāt · row 222
جِبْت
A category of occult practices, including divination and related omen practices.
In the construction مِنَ الجِبْتِ, reported examples such as omens and forms of divination are classified as jibt; the explanation also allows the sense of practices lacking good or deriving from the Devil.
- Lane · entry 45858
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
The sole Quran occurrence, 4:51, has competing lexical and exegetical interpretations: idol or false worship, sorcery, the Devil, and particular historical referents.
The public headword is normalized to جِبْت; the Quran occurrence is the inflected form بِالْجِبْتِ.