or (by permutation) גּוּל; a primitive root; properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e. usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear; be glad, joy, be joyful, rejoice.
Transliteration:gîyl
Pronunciation:gheel
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H1523 (גִּיל, *gîyl*) is a primitive root whose core meaning is "to spin round" or "to whirl." This physical action serves as a vivid metaphor for an intense, overflowing emotional state. Primarily, gîyl denotes a profound sense of joy, gladness, or exultation. It signifies a joy so deep and pervasive that it might manifest in outward expressions like dancing, shouting, or exuberant celebration. Unlike a mere feeling of happiness, gîyl often suggests a joy that is overwhelming, almost uncontrollable, arising from a powerful internal impetus.
Secondarily, and less commonly, the root can also signify a "violent emotion" that manifests as fear or cringing. This interpretation highlights the root's capacity to convey any powerful emotion that causes one to "spin" or "tremble." While the vast majority of its occurrences are positive, indicating rejoicing, this secondary nuance suggests that the intensity of the emotion, rather than its specific valence, is central to the root's meaning. It can be a trembling of joy, awe, or even fear.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb gîyl appears approximately 45 times in the Hebrew Bible, predominantly in the Psalms, Prophets, and Wisdom literature. Its primary usage consistently points to exuberant rejoicing, often in response to divine action or character.
A prominent context for gîyl is the joy experienced in God's salvation and faithfulness. For instance, the psalmist declares, "But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation" [[Psalm 13:5]]. Similarly, [[Psalm 35:9]] states, "Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD, exulting in his salvation." This joy is not superficial but deeply rooted in Yahweh's deliverance and covenant keeping.
Prophetic texts frequently employ gîyl to describe the future joy of restoration and the coming of the Messiah. [[Isaiah 61:10]] proclaims, "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation." Here, gîyl is paired with `{{H7797}}` (*śîś*), emphasizing the profound and multifaceted nature of this eschatological joy. The new heavens and new earth will be a cause for perpetual gîyl: "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create" [[Isaiah 65:17-18]].
The word also describes joy in God's law and commands: "I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil" [[Psalm 119:162]]. This indicates a deep, almost overwhelming delight in divine truth.
While less common, the "fear" or "cringing" aspect, as an intense emotion, is sometimes debated in specific contexts. The idea of "trembling" or "shuddering" due to an overwhelming emotion, whether positive (awe) or negative (fear), is inherent in the root's physical sense of "spinning." For example, [[Job 3:22]] speaks of those who "rejoice exceedingly and are glad when they find the grave," which, while indicating joy, carries an intense, almost morbid connotation. The core remains the powerful, often uncontrollable, nature of the emotion.
### Related Words & Concepts
Gîyl frequently appears alongside other Hebrew terms for joy and exultation, enriching our understanding of its semantic range:
* `{{H7797}}` (*śîś*): Often paired with gîyl, meaning "to exult, rejoice." The combination "śîś wə-gîyl" (rejoice and exult) appears frequently, creating a hendiadys that emphasizes profound, overflowing gladness (e.g., [[Isaiah 61:10]], [[Isaiah 65:18]]).
* `{{H8055}}` (*śāmēaḥ*): A more general term for "to be glad, rejoice, be joyful." While śāmēaḥ can denote simple happiness, gîyl often implies a more intense, demonstrative, and often divinely-sourced joy.
* `{{H7442}}` (*rānān*): "To shout for joy, sing aloud, cry out." This term emphasizes the vocal expression of joy, often accompanying gîyl's internal exultation.
* `{{H5970}}` (*ʿālaẓ*): "To exult, triumph." Similar to gîyl in denoting a vigorous expression of joy, often in victory.
The conceptual sphere of gîyl is deeply intertwined with:
* **Salvation and Deliverance:** The primary catalyst for gîyl is often God's saving acts.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** Joy is a natural response to God's unwavering commitment to His people.
* **Divine Presence:** Experiencing God's nearness elicits profound gîyl.
* **Hope and Eschatology:** Gîyl is a hallmark of the future messianic age and the new creation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of gîyl is profound, positioning joy not merely as a fleeting emotion but as a divinely-ordained response and a hallmark of God's relationship with His people.
1. **God as the Source of True Joy:** Gîyl is almost exclusively directed towards Yahweh, His attributes, His word, and His saving deeds. It underscores that lasting, deep-seated joy originates from God alone. This contrasts sharply with worldly happiness, which is often transient and dependent on circumstances.
2. **A Commanded Response:** The Scriptures often command believers to gîyl in the Lord (e.g., [[Psalm 32:11]]). This indicates that rejoicing is not merely an option but a duty and a privilege, a proper theological posture in light of who God is and what He has done.
3. **Eschatological Hope:** Gîyl is a dominant theme in prophetic visions of the future. The joy of the redeemed in the messianic kingdom will be a profound and unending gîyl, signifying complete restoration, peace, and the triumph of God's justice. This gives believers a future-oriented hope that sustains them through present difficulties.
4. **Authentic Worship:** The "spinning" or "whirling" aspect of gîyl suggests a dynamic, often physical, expression of worship. It speaks to a worship that engages the whole person—mind, emotion, and body—in exuberant praise of God.
5. **The Nuance of Intense Emotion:** While predominantly positive, the root's capacity to convey intense emotion, even akin to fear or trembling, suggests that gîyl is not a superficial cheerfulness but a deep, overwhelming experience. This can include awe and reverence before God's majesty, where even joy might cause one to tremble.
### Summary
H1523 (גִּיל, *gîyl*) is a powerful Hebrew root signifying an intense, overflowing emotional state, primarily expressed as profound joy, gladness, and exultation. Its core meaning of "spinning round" metaphorically conveys the overwhelming nature of this emotion, often leading to outward, exuberant expressions. Biblically, gîyl is predominantly a response to God's salvation, faithfulness, and the anticipation of His future redemptive acts. It underscores that true joy is divinely sourced and a commanded posture for believers. While less common, the root's capacity to describe any "violent emotion" can, in rare instances, extend to a trembling or cringing, highlighting the sheer intensity rather than the specific positive valence. Theologically, gîyl points to God as the ultimate source of joy, serving as a beacon of eschatological hope and a vital component of authentic, whole-person worship.
TRV