a variation of גַּלְגַּל; {a wheel; by analogy, a whirlwind; also dust (as whirled)}; wheel.
Transliteration:gilgâl
Pronunciation:ghil-gawl'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1536 (גִּלְגָּל, *gilgâl*) is primarily defined as a "wheel," serving as a variation of `{{H1534}}` (גַּלְגַּל, *galgal*), which also denotes a wheel or rolling thing. From this core meaning, its semantic range extends through analogy to encompass "whirlwind" and "dust (as whirled)." The underlying concept is one of circular motion, rotation, or rolling. While the proper noun "Gilgal" (e.g., `{{H1537}}`) is etymologically related, referring to a place name often associated with "rolling away" (e.g., the reproach of Egypt in [[Joshua 5:9]]), the H1536 entry specifically pertains to the common noun meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As a common noun, H1536 (גִּלְגָּל, *gilgâl*) appears only once in the Masoretic Text:
* [[Psalm 77:18]]: "The voice of Your thunder was in the *whirlwind*; the lightnings lit up the world; the earth trembled and shook."
In this solitary instance, gilgâl is translated as "whirlwind" (e.g., ESV, KJV, NASB). The context is a psalm of Asaph, a profound reflection on God's mighty acts in history, particularly the Exodus. The verse describes a powerful theophany, a divine manifestation characterized by overwhelming natural phenomena—thunder, lightning, and seismic activity. The presence of God's voice "in the whirlwind" underscores the awe-inspiring, dynamic, and uncontrollable nature of His power. It aligns with other biblical depictions of God's presence amidst storms and powerful atmospheric events, serving as a vehicle for His revelation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{H1534}}` (גַּלְגַּל, *galgal*): This is the direct etymological root, meaning "wheel," "rolling thing," or "whirlwind." The connection highlights the shared semantic core of circular motion.
* `{{H1537}}` (גִּלְגָּל, *Gilgal*) and `{{H1538}}` (גִּלְגָּל, *Gilgal*): These refer to the proper noun, the significant geographical location in ancient Israel. While distinct from H1536 as a common noun, the place name's etymology is often linked to the concept of "rolling," as seen in [[Joshua 5:9]] where the reproach of Egypt was "rolled away" at Gilgal. This reinforces the fundamental idea of circular or rolling movement inherent in the root.
* Other Hebrew terms for "whirlwind" or "storm," such as `{{H5492}}` (סוּפָה, *suphah*), `{{H5591}}` (סַעַר, *sa'ar*), and `{{H5590}}` (סְעָרָה, *se'arah*), share the broader semantic field of powerful atmospheric disturbances. However, gilgâl specifically emphasizes the *circular* or *rolling* aspect of the phenomenon, giving it a distinct nuance.
* Concepts of divine power, theophany, and the use of natural forces as expressions of God's majesty are central to understanding gilgâl in its biblical context.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence as a common noun, the use of H1536 as "whirlwind" in [[Psalm 77:18]] carries significant theological weight. The whirlwind is a recurring motif in the Old Testament for divine manifestation and power, often serving as the context for God's direct communication or powerful intervention (e.g., God speaking to Job from the whirlwind in [[Job 38:1]], Elijah's ascension in a whirlwind in [[2 Kings 2:11]]). In [[Psalm 77:18]], the "whirlwind" is not merely a meteorological event but a powerful, awe-inspiring vehicle for God's thunderous voice. This imagery underscores:
1. **God's Sovereignty over Creation:** The untamed power of the whirlwind serves as a testament to God's absolute control over natural forces, which He employs as instruments of His will and revelation.
2. **Divine Majesty and Transcendence:** The overwhelming nature of the whirlwind evokes a sense of God's incomprehensible power and His transcendent otherness, inspiring fear and reverence.
3. **Context for Divine Revelation:** The whirlwind becomes a sacred space, a conduit through which God's presence and voice are manifested to humanity, affirming His active involvement in the world and His people's history.
### Summary
H1536 (גִּלְגָּל, *gilgâl*) primarily denotes "wheel" but extends semantically to "whirlwind" and "dust (as whirled)," emphasizing circular or rolling motion. Its sole common noun occurrence is in [[Psalm 77:18]], where it describes the "whirlwind" as the context for God's thunderous voice during a powerful theophany. Etymologically linked to `{{H1534}}` ("wheel") and the place name Gilgal (e.g., `{{H1537}}`), the word's core concept of "rolling" is consistent. Theologically, gilgâl in [[Psalm 77:18]] contributes to the biblical motif of the whirlwind as a powerful symbol of God's majestic presence, His sovereign power over creation, and the awe-inspiring nature of His self-revelation. It evokes profound reverence for the Lord who manifests Himself in overwhelming might.
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