or (shortened) גִּלֻּל; from גָּלַל; properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol; idol.
Transliteration:gillûwl
Pronunciation:ghil-lool'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H1544}}` (gillûwl), typically transliterated as "gillul," is a profoundly pejorative term for an idol. Its etymology traces back to the root `{{H1556}}` (gālal), meaning "to roll," which gives the initial sense of something rolled or shapeless, like a log or a lump of dung. This root connection imbues `{{H1544}}` with a strong sense of worthlessness, contempt, and defilement. It is not merely an object of worship, but a "dung-god," a "worthless thing," or an "abomination." Unlike more neutral terms for idols (e.g., `{{H6456}}` for "carved image"), `{{H1544}}` consistently carries a derogatory connotation, emphasizing the utter futility and offensive nature of such objects in the eyes of Yahweh. Its semantic range is thus narrow but intensely focused on expressing divine disdain for false gods and the practices associated with their worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H1544}}` appears 48 times in the Hebrew Bible, with a striking concentration in the prophetic book of Ezekiel, where it occurs 39 times. This heavy usage underscores Ezekiel's relentless condemnation of Israel's idolatry as the primary cause of their exile and suffering.
In earlier books, `{{H1544}}` is used to describe the forbidden objects of worship and the consequences of their veneration. Leviticus warns against turning to gillûlîm (plural) and defiling oneself with them, explicitly stating, "You shall not make idols for yourselves, nor shall you set up for yourselves a carved image or a sacred pillar, nor shall you place a stone figure in your land to bow down to it; for I am the Lord your God" [[Leviticus 26:1]]. Deuteronomy reiterates this prohibition, linking the worship of gillûlîm with the defilement of the land [[Deuteronomy 29:17]].
In the historical books, `{{H1544}}` appears in accounts of Israel's apostasy. For instance, Manasseh, king of Judah, is condemned for setting up altars to the "host of heaven" and making "carved images" and "idols" (gillûlîm) that provoked the Lord to anger [[2 Kings 21:11]].
Ezekiel, however, employs `{{H1544}}` with unparalleled frequency and intensity. He consistently pairs it with "abominations" (`{{H8441}}`), highlighting the extreme offense of idolatry against God. Ezekiel's prophecies vividly depict the people of Israel defiling themselves with their gillûlîm [[Ezekiel 6:4]], taking their precious metals and fashioning them into these detestable images [[Ezekiel 7:20]], and even bringing them into the temple itself [[Ezekiel 8:10]]. The worship of gillûlîm is portrayed as spiritual adultery, a betrayal of the covenant with Yahweh, leading to severe divine judgment, including famine, sword, and exile [[Ezekiel 14:3-8]]. The prophet emphasizes that God will utterly destroy these gillûlîm and cleanse the land [[Ezekiel 30:13]]. Even in the promise of restoration, God declares that He will remove their stony hearts and cause them to walk in His statutes, freeing them from their gillûlîm [[Ezekiel 36:25]].
Jeremiah also uses `{{H1544}}` in his denunciations of Judah's spiritual rebellion, describing how they "burned incense to other gods and bowed down to the works of their hands" [[Jeremiah 50:2]].
Across all contexts, `{{H1544}}` serves as a powerful rhetorical tool to convey God's utter contempt for false worship and the profound defilement it brings upon His people and land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root `{{H1556}}` (gālal), from which `{{H1544}}` is derived, means "to roll." This connection suggests something rolled up, perhaps a shapeless mass, or more pointedly, something like dung or excrement. This underlying sense of worthlessness and filth is crucial to understanding the derogatory force of `{{H1544}}`.
Other Hebrew words for "idol" or "image" include:
* `{{H457}}` (ʾĕlîl): Often translated "no-god" or "worthless one," emphasizing the non-existence or powerlessness of the false deity. Similar in derogatory tone to `{{H1544}}`.
* `{{H6090}}` (ʿātsāb): Refers to an "image" or "idol," sometimes implying something fashioned with effort or causing grief.
* `{{H6456}}` (pesel): A "carved image" or "graven image," often emphasizing the physical form.
* `{{H4656}}` (maṣṣēbâ): A "pillar" or "standing stone," often associated with Canaanite worship.
* `{{H8441}}` (tôʿēbâ): "Abomination," a term frequently paired with `{{H1544}}` in Ezekiel to underscore the detestable nature of idolatry.
The concept of `{{H1544}}` is deeply intertwined with several key theological themes:
* **Idolatry:** The primary concept, encompassing the worship of anything other than Yahweh.
* **Defilement/Uncleanness:** Idols are inherently defiling, rendering those who interact with them unclean.
* **Abomination:** Idolatry is an act utterly detestable to God.
* **Spiritual Adultery/Prostitution:** Often used metaphorically to describe Israel's unfaithfulness to God through idolatry.
* **Covenant Violation:** Worship of `{{H1544}}` is a direct breach of the first two commandments and the covenant itself.
* **Divine Judgment:** The presence and worship of `{{H1544}}` are consistently cited as the cause for God's righteous wrath and judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1544}}` is profound, articulating God's absolute intolerance for idolatry and His demand for exclusive worship.
Firstly, `{{H1544}}` serves as a stark contrast to the living God, Yahweh. By labeling idols as "worthless things" or "dung-gods," the term underscores the infinite qualitative difference between the Creator and the created, between the Omnipotent and the impotent. It highlights the foolishness and spiritual blindness of humanity in turning from the source of life to inanimate objects.
Secondly, the pervasive use of `{{H1544}}` emphasizes the gravity of idolatry as a covenant violation. For Israel, worshiping gillûlîm was not merely a religious error but an act of profound betrayal against the God who had redeemed them from slavery and established a unique relationship with them. It was a rejection of His lordship and a defilement of the holy relationship.
Thirdly, `{{H1544}}` is intrinsically linked to the concept of defilement. Idols are not just inert objects; they are agents of spiritual pollution. Their presence and worship render the land, the people, and even the sanctuary unclean, necessitating divine purification and judgment. This highlights God's holiness and His inability to tolerate impurity in His presence.
Finally, the frequent appearance of `{{H1544}}` in prophetic judgment oracles, particularly in Ezekiel, establishes idolatry as the primary catalyst for divine wrath and the ensuing consequences, such as exile and destruction. Yet, even within these judgments, the promise of a future removal of gillûlîm points to God's ultimate desire for a pure and undivided heart from His people, signifying His redemptive purpose.
### Summary
`{{H1544}}` (gillûwl) is a highly derogatory Hebrew term for an idol, rooted in a sense of worthlessness and defilement, akin to "dung-god." Its consistent use across the Hebrew Bible, especially in the prophetic book of Ezekiel, underscores God's profound contempt for false worship. Contextual analysis reveals its strong association with "abominations" (`{{H8441}}`) and its role as a primary cause for divine judgment against Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. Theologically, `{{H1544}}` serves to highlight the utter futility of false gods in stark contrast to the living Yahweh, emphasizing the defiling nature of idolatry, its status as a grave covenant violation, and its inevitable consequence of divine judgment, while also pointing to God's ultimate desire for His people's spiritual purity.
TRV