(Aramaic) or גְּלָא; (Aramaic), corresponding to גָּלָה; {to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal}; bring over, carry away, reveal.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **gᵉlâh**, represented by `{{H1541}}`, primarily means to **reveal** or, by implication, to **exile** or **carry away**. It appears 10 times across 8 unique verses. The definition encompasses the ideas of denuding, exiling captives, and figuratively revealing hidden knowledge.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H1541}}` has two distinct applications. Its most frequent use is in the book of Daniel, where it refers to the divine act of revealing mysteries. God is described as the one who "revealeth the deep and secret things" [[Daniel 2:22]], and this power is demonstrated when the king's secret dream is "revealed unto Daniel in a night vision" [[Daniel 2:19]]. The second application relates to exile. In Ezra, the word describes how, after the fathers provoked God to wrath, they were given to Nebuchadnezzar who "carried the people away into Babylon" [[Ezra 5:12]]. Another instance describes how the Assyrian king Asnappar "brought over" nations to settle in Samaria [[Ezra 4:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of `{{H1541}}`, particularly its use in the book of Daniel:
* `{{H7328}}` **râz** (secret): This is the object that is acted upon by `{{H1541}}`. A **secret** is the mystery which God is able to **reveal** ([[Daniel 2:19]], [[Daniel 2:47]]).
* `{{H426}}` **ʼĕlâhh** (God): The scriptures identify **God** as the ultimate agent of revelation. He is the "God in heaven that revealeth secrets" [[Daniel 2:28]].
* `{{H1841}}` **Dânîyêʼl** (Daniel): The prophet **Daniel** is the human vessel through whom God's revelation is made known. The king acknowledges this power when he states that **Daniel** was able to **reveal** the secret [[Daniel 2:47]].
* `{{H5020}}` **Nᵉbûwkadnetstsar** (Nebuchadnezzar): This king is both the one to whom God reveals secrets and the one used by God to carry the people away into exile, linking both meanings of `{{H1541}}` to a single historical figure ([[Daniel 2:28]], [[Ezra 5:12]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1541}}` is significant, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty.
* **Sovereignty over Knowledge:** The word consistently points to God as the sole "revealer of secrets" [[Daniel 2:47]]. Daniel explicitly states that the secret was not revealed due to any special human wisdom he possessed, but by God's power alone [[Daniel 2:30]].
* **Sovereignty over Nations:** The use of `{{H1541}}` to describe exile frames this historical event as an act of divine judgment. The people were "carried away" because their "fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath" [[Ezra 5:12]].
* **Revelation of the Heart:** The purpose of God's revelation is not merely to foretell the future, but also to make known the "thoughts of thy heart" [[Daniel 2:30]], exposing the inner condition of humanity before a sovereign God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1541}}` is a powerful Aramaic word that demonstrates two facets of God's authority. In the book of Daniel, it is used repeatedly to describe God's unique ability to **reveal** what is hidden and secret. In Ezra, it signifies God's power to **carry away** and uproot a people as an act of judgment. In both contexts, the word underscores the theme of God's complete control over both divine mysteries and the course of human history.
TRV