### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gullâh**, represented by `{{H1543}}`, is a term rooted in the concept of roundness, defined as a **fountain, bowl or globe**. It appears **14 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning shifts between natural sources of water and crafted, rounded objects, highlighting its versatility in describing both architectural features and essential resources.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H1543}}` appears in two distinct contexts. Architecturally, it describes the decorative, rounded tops of the pillars in Solomon's temple, translated as **bowls** [[1 Kings 7:41]] or **pommels** [[2 Chronicles 4:12]]. It is also used metaphorically in Ecclesiastes to depict "the golden **bowl**" whose breaking signifies death [[Ecclesiastes 12:6]], and in Zechariah's vision for the **bowl** of the golden lampstand [[Zechariah 4:3]]. Geographically, it denotes **springs** of water, a precious resource. This is seen when Caleb's daughter requests and receives "the upper **springs** and the nether **springs**" as part of her inheritance ([[Joshua 15:19]]; [[Judges 1:15]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the dual meanings of roundness and source associated with `{{H1543}}`:
* `{{H1534}}` **galgal** (wheel; a rolling thing): This word shares the root idea of roundness and circularity. It is used to describe a **wheel** [[Psalms 83:13]] and appears in the same allegorical passage as **gullâh** to describe the "wheel broken at the cistern" [[Ecclesiastes 12:6]].
* `{{H4002}}` **mabbûwaʻ** (a fountain; fountain, spring): This term directly relates to the "spring" definition of **gullâh**. It describes **springs** of water in the wilderness [[Isaiah 35:7]] and is translated as **fountain** in the passage describing the breaking of the pitcher [[Ecclesiastes 12:6]].
* `{{H4325}}` **mayim** (water): This is the general term for **water** and is used in conjunction with **gullâh** to specify the nature of the springs given to Caleb's daughter as "springs of **water**" [[Judges 1:15]].
* `{{H953}}` **bôwr** (cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well): This word denotes a man-made container for water, such as a **cistern** or **well** [[Deuteronomy 6:11]]. In Zechariah, it is used for a **pit** with no water, a place of bondage from which prisoners are freed [[Zechariah 9:11]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H1543}}` is significant, representing ideas of provision, sacred design, and life itself.
* **Source of Provision:** As **springs**, the word signifies a vital source of life-sustaining water. Its inclusion in a land inheritance underscores its value as a foundational blessing and a sign of prosperity [[Joshua 15:19]].
* **Sacred Architecture:** As the **bowls** or **pommels** on the temple pillars, it represents an integral part of the holy structure, contributing to its completeness and beauty as ordained for the house of the Lord [[1 Kings 7:41]].
* **Symbol of Life:** In the powerful imagery of Ecclesiastes, "the golden **bowl**" symbolizes the preciousness and fragility of human life, with its breaking representing the finality of death [[Ecclesiastes 12:6]].
* **Vessel of Divine Supply:** The **bowl** in Zechariah's vision serves as the central reservoir holding the oil for the lamps, symbolizing the unending divine source that sustains God's anointed servants [[Zechariah 4:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1543}}` is a multifaceted term that moves from the concrete to the symbolic. It can denote a literal rounded object, like the **pommels** of a pillar, or a natural life-giving source, like a **spring**. Through its use in scripture, this word illustrates profound themes of divine provision, the sanctity of holy places, and the delicate nature of human existence itself.
TRV