### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word gôl (גֹּל), transliterated as `{{H1531}}`, is a noun derived from the verb root gālal (גָּלַל) `{{H1556}}`, meaning "to roll" or "to roll away." This etymological connection is crucial, as it directly informs the primary characteristic of the object: its round or cylindrical shape. The base definition indicates "a cup for oil (as round)" or a "bowl." Therefore, the core meaning of gôl is a vessel, specifically a basin or bowl, distinguished by its rounded form, typically functioning as a container for liquids, particularly oil. Its semantic range is quite narrow, consistently referring to this specific type of rounded receptacle.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word gôl `{{H1531}}` appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence exceptionally significant. This unique instance is found in the book of Zechariah:
* **[[Zechariah 4:2-3]]**: "And he said to me, 'What do you see?' I said, 'I see, and behold, a lampstand all of gold, with a bowl on the top of it, and seven lamps on it, with seven lips for each of the lamps that are on the top of it. And there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.'"
In this prophetic vision, the gôl is depicted as an integral component of the golden lampstand. It is positioned "on the top of it," serving as the central reservoir for the oil that continuously feeds the seven lamps. The surrounding context further illuminates its function: two olive trees, flanking the gôl, are portrayed as supernaturally supplying oil directly into this bowl. This imagery suggests an uninterrupted, divine provision of the necessary fuel for the lampstand's light, bypassing any human intervention in its replenishment. This specific context within Zechariah's prophecy, delivered during the period of temple rebuilding, imbues the gôl with profound symbolic meaning concerning divine sustenance and the enablement of God's work.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding gôl `{{H1531}}` is enhanced by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **gālal (גָּלַל) `{{H1556}}`**: The verbal root from which gôl is derived, meaning "to roll," "roll away," or "remove." This root emphasizes the rounded or circular nature inherent in the object.
* **gilgal (גִּלְגָּל) `{{H1536}}`**: A related noun often referring to a "wheel," a "rolling thing," or a place name (e.g., Gilgal) that may be associated with circular formations or rolling stones. It shares the same core concept of circularity or movement.
* **gālîl (גָּלִיל) `{{H1551}}`**: Another derivative, meaning a "cylinder" or "pillar," again highlighting the concept of roundness or a rolled form.
* **kîyôr (כִּיּוֹר) `{{H3595}}`**: A more general term for a "basin" or "laver," often a larger vessel used for washing, such as in the tabernacle or temple. While also a bowl-like container, its function and scale differ.
* **saph (סַף) `{{H5592}}`**: A "basin" or "bowl," sometimes used for collecting sacrificial blood or other liquids.
* **mizrāq (מִזְרָק) `{{H4219}}`**: A "bowl" or "basin" specifically used for sprinkling blood or wine, often in cultic contexts.
Conceptually, the gôl is linked to ideas of divine anointing, continuous supply, the source of light, and the spiritual enablement of leadership.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of gôl `{{H1531}}` in [[Zechariah 4:2-3]] carries immense theological weight. It serves as a powerful symbol within a vision designed to encourage the post-exilic community and their leaders, Zerubbabel and Joshua.
1. **Divine Provision and Anointing**: The gôl on the lampstand represents the inexhaustible source of divine anointing and provision. Unlike other temple vessels that required human replenishment, this bowl is supernaturally filled by the two olive trees, which are identified in [[Zechariah 4:14]] as "the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth." These figures are understood to represent the divinely chosen leadership of Zerubbabel (governor) and Joshua (high priest), embodying the royal and priestly offices. The gôl thus symbolizes the divine reservoir of power, wisdom, and anointing that flows directly from God, through His chosen instruments, to sustain His people and enable them to fulfill His purposes.
2. **Sufficiency of God's Spirit**: The continuous, unceasing flow of oil into the gôl, independent of human effort, powerfully illustrates the principle articulated in [[Zechariah 4:6]]: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." The gôl becomes a visual testament to the sufficiency of God's Spirit to accomplish His work, even when human resources seem inadequate or obstacles insurmountable. It assures that God Himself will provide all that is needed for the completion of His temple and the flourishing of His people.
3. **Intermediary of Light**: As the immediate source of oil for the lamps, the gôl functions as a crucial intermediary. It receives the divine supply and distributes it, allowing the light of God's presence and truth to shine forth. This highlights the vital role of divine grace and enablement in the church's mission to be a light to the world.
### Summary
The Hebrew word gôl (גֹּל) `{{H1531}}` designates a rounded vessel or bowl, a meaning rooted in its etymological connection to the verb "to roll." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Zechariah 4:2-3]] places it at the apex of the golden lampstand in a pivotal prophetic vision. In this context, the gôl functions as the divine reservoir, supernaturally filled with oil by two olive trees, which represent God's anointed leaders. Theologically, the gôl profoundly symbolizes God's inexhaustible provision, continuous anointing, and the sufficiency of His Spirit to empower His people and enable them to shine forth His light. It conveys a timeless message of divine enablement, assuring that God Himself will supply all that is needed for the accomplishment of His will, "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit."
TRV