Gáb

The cuneiform sign gáb, (also qáb), is an uncommon-use sign of the Amarna letters, and other cuneiform texts. It is possibly an equivalent sign for the later version of DAGAL (extensive Sumerogram), , with an, , replacing the earlier version, the "star" (as Dingir), contained within the cuneiform sign. This later version of DAGAL is somewhat similar to gáb, (a 'rectangular-box form'). The meaning of "DAGAL", Akkadian language for "extensive" – compares to the Amarna letters use of gáb as Akkadian language "gabbu", English language for "all", or "all (of us)"^[1]

Cuneiform gáb/qáb, from the Amarna letters.
(=~Old Babylonian language version.)

Amarna letter EA 367-(titled: "Pharaoh to a Vassal").
Cuneiform sign gáb, used twice on obverse; also qáb, twice on obverse.
(Approximate equivalent (Old Babylonian version).)

For Rainey's version of EA letters 359–379 (only 10 actual letters)^[2] gáb is only used to spell Akkadian "gabbu", and 2 words using qáb, mostly for Akkadian "qabû", English "to speak", and in EA 259 (the "King of Battle, Tablet I"), for "battle", Akkadian "qablu".^[3]

Cuneiform gáb/qáb is mostly used as a syllabic for the three characters of the sign. It is within a small group of signs that are composed of 1- or 2-vertical strokes (at right or left), the other signs being no. 535 Ib (cuneiform), no. 536 ku (cuneiform) (only 1-vertical, left and right), no. 537 lu (cuneiform), and no 575, ur (cuneiform).

Epic of Gilgamesh usage

The gáb/qáb sign as shown is not found in the Epic of Gilgamesh. The Epic uses kab/kap, for example, -(digitized version).