(Aramaic) corresponding to גַּלְגַּל; a wheel; wheel.
Transliteration:galgal
Pronunciation:gal-gal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The word `{{H1535}}` (galgal) is an Aramaic term whose core meaning is unequivocally "wheel." It is a direct cognate and semantic equivalent of the Hebrew `{{H1536}}` (galgal), which also denotes a "wheel" or a "rolling thing." Both terms derive from the verbal root גלל (gālal), which conveys the idea of "rolling" or "revolving." Thus, a "wheel" is a natural and direct derivative, being an object characterized by its rolling or revolving motion. While its literal semantic range is narrow, denoting a mechanical device, its singular usage in a profound prophetic context imbues it with significant symbolic depth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic word `{{H1535}}` (galgal) appears only once in the biblical text, exclusively within the prophetic book of Daniel.
* **[[Daniel 7:9]]**: "I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels `{{H1535}}` a burning fire."
In this singular occurrence, `{{H1535}}` is used within Daniel's awe-inspiring vision of the Ancient of Days, a powerful depiction of God on His throne of judgment. The "wheels" are not merely functional components of a static throne but are described as themselves being "a burning fire." This imagery resonates deeply with similar divine throne visions, particularly those found in the book of Ezekiel (e.g., [[Ezekiel 1:15-21]], [[Ezekiel 10:9-13]]), where the Hebrew cognate `{{H1536}}` is employed. The fiery nature of the wheels in Daniel evokes themes of divine power, unapproachable holiness, and the consuming nature of God's presence, especially in the context of judgment. The presence of wheels also suggests the dynamic, mobile, and omnipresent nature of God's sovereignty, implying that His rule is not confined but actively extends throughout all creation and history.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H1536}}` (galgal):** This is the direct Hebrew cognate, also meaning "wheel." Its frequent appearance in Ezekiel's elaborate descriptions of the divine chariot-throne (Merkabah) provides crucial parallel imagery for understanding the symbolic weight of "wheels" in divine visions (e.g., [[Ezekiel 1:15]], [[Ezekiel 1:16]], [[Ezekiel 1:19]], [[Ezekiel 1:20]], [[Ezekiel 1:21]]; [[Ezekiel 10:2]], [[Ezekiel 10:6]], [[Ezekiel 10:9]], [[Ezekiel 10:10]], [[Ezekiel 10:13]]). The shared imagery across these prophetic texts underscores a consistent biblical understanding of divine mobility, power, and omnipresence.
* **גלל (gālal):** The verbal root from which both `{{H1535}}` and `{{H1536}}` are derived, meaning "to roll." This root emphasizes the inherent dynamic, revolving nature of a wheel, connecting the physical object to the concept of movement and activity.
* **Divine Chariot/Throne Imagery:** The concept of God's throne being equipped with "wheels" is central to the *Merkabah* tradition, particularly prominent in Ezekiel. This imagery signifies God's active presence, His ability to move throughout His creation, and His sovereign control over all things. It portrays God not as a static deity but as one who actively intervenes in the affairs of the world.
* **Fire as a Divine Attribute:** The description of the wheels as "a burning fire" links to a pervasive biblical motif where fire symbolizes divine presence, holiness, judgment, and consuming power (e.g., the burning bush in [[Exodus 3:2]], the pillar of fire in [[Exodus 13:21]], God's appearance on Mount Sinai in [[Exodus 19:18]], and the "consuming fire" of God's character in [[Deuteronomy 4:24]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H1535}}` in [[Daniel 7:9]] carries profound theological weight, contributing significantly to the depiction of God's ultimate sovereignty and judgment.
* **Divine Majesty and Power:** The fiery wheels underscore the immense power, majesty, and dynamic presence of the Ancient of Days. They are not inert elements but active components of a living, moving throne, signifying God's unstoppable authority.
* **Omnipresence and Mobility:** The presence of wheels on God's throne implies that His rule is not confined to a single location but is active and extends throughout all creation. His throne is not static but capable of movement, symbolizing His active involvement in history and His unceasing governance.
* **Judgment and Holiness:** The description of the wheels as "a burning fire" powerfully connects them to divine judgment and the consuming holiness of God. Fire in biblical imagery often purifies, consumes, and reveals divine wrath against sin. This suggests that God's throne is a place from which righteous rule is exercised and from which ultimate judgment will emanate.
* **Consistency of Prophetic Vision:** The striking parallel with Ezekiel's vision, utilizing the cognate `{{H1536}}`, demonstrates a consistent theological understanding across different prophetic books regarding the nature of God's throne and His dynamic, sovereign character. It reinforces the truth that God is not a distant, inactive deity but one who actively governs and judges the cosmos.
### Summary
The Aramaic word `{{H1535}}` (galgal) precisely means "wheel," serving as the direct Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew `{{H1536}}`. Its sole, yet profoundly significant, occurrence in [[Daniel 7:9]] describes the "fiery wheels" of the Ancient of Days' throne. This imagery is not merely descriptive but deeply symbolic, conveying God's immense power, active omnipresence, and the consuming holiness inherent in His divine judgment. The "burning fire" associated with these wheels emphasizes the awe-inspiring nature of God's majesty and His active involvement in the unfolding of cosmic history and final judgment. The word, though simple in its base meaning, gains profound theological weight within its unique prophetic context, echoing similar divine throne imagery found elsewhere in scripture and underscoring the dynamic and sovereign nature of the Almighty.
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