(Aramaic) corresponding to גָּלוּת; {captivity; concretely, exiles (collectively)}; captivity.
Transliteration:gâlûwth
Pronunciation:gaw-looth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic noun H1547 (גָּלוּת, *gâlûwth*) denotes the state of being exiled or in captivity, and by extension, can refer to the collective body of exiles themselves. It is the Aramaic cognate of the Hebrew H1546 (גָּלוּת), sharing the same root and semantic range. The fundamental sense conveyed is that of forced removal, displacement from one's homeland, and subjugation to a foreign power. This word encapsulates the profound experience of the Babylonian exile, a pivotal event in Israelite history. It speaks to both the physical reality of being transported away from the Promised Land and the communal identity forged in that crucible of displacement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H1547 appears predominantly in the Aramaic portions of the biblical text, specifically within the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage consistently refers to the Babylonian captivity and its aftermath.
In the book of Ezra, H1547 frequently describes the "sons of the captivity" (בְּנֵי גָלוּתָא, *bĕnê gâlûṯāʼ*), referring to those who returned from Babylon to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and re-establish the community. For instance, [[Ezra 4:1]] speaks of the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin coming to "the sons of the captivity." Similarly, [[Ezra 6:16]] notes that "the sons of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the sons of the captivity" dedicated the house of God with joy. This usage highlights the collective identity of those who had endured the exile and were now participating in the restoration of their homeland and religious life. The term underscores their shared experience of displacement and their renewed commitment to their covenantal identity upon their return.
In the book of Daniel, H1547 is used to describe the state of captivity itself. [[Daniel 2:25]] mentions Daniel being "one of the exiles of Judah" (מִבְּנֵי גָלוּתָא דִּי יְהוּד), emphasizing his status as a captive in Babylon. [[Daniel 5:13]] similarly refers to Daniel as "one of the exiles from Judah" (מִבְּנֵי גָלוּתָא דִּי יְהוּדָא), underscoring the circumstances that brought him to the Babylonian court. These occurrences underscore the historical reality of the exile as a period of subjugation and testing for God's people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to H1547 is its Hebrew counterpart, H1546 (גָּלוּת), which carries the identical meaning of "captivity" or "exile" and is used extensively in Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Chronicles. Both nouns derive from the verbal root H1540 (גָּלָה, *gâlāh*), meaning "to uncover," "to reveal," but also "to go into exile" or "to deport." This root connection emphasizes the act of being removed or uncovered from one's place.
Other related terms include:
* H7628 (שְׁבִי, *shĕvî*): Captivity, often referring to captives or spoils of war. While distinct, it shares the semantic field of forced removal and subjugation.
* H5074 (נֶגֶד, *neged*): This Aramaic word, meaning "opposite" or "before," is sometimes used in contexts of being brought before authorities, implicitly related to the circumstances of exiles.
* The concept of diaspora (Greek: διασπορά), though a later term, directly describes the scattering of the Jewish people, a reality initiated by the Babylonian exile and perpetuated through subsequent historical events.
Theological concepts intrinsically linked to H1547 include divine judgment, covenant curses, the faithfulness of God in restoration, and the identity of Israel as a people in covenant with Yahweh, even when dispersed.
### Theological Significance
The concept of gâlûwth (captivity/exile) is profoundly significant in biblical theology, particularly in the post-exilic period. It represents:
1. **Divine Judgment and Covenant Consequences:** The exile was understood as the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant curses outlined in [[Leviticus 26]] and [[Deuteronomy 28]]. It was a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry, injustice, and disobedience to God's commands. The gâlûwth served as a stark demonstration of God's holiness and His commitment to upholding His covenant, even through severe discipline.
2. **Purification and Refinement:** While a judgment, the exile also functioned as a crucible for purification. It stripped Israel of its false securities, including the temple and the land, forcing a re-evaluation of their relationship with Yahweh. This period fostered a deeper commitment to the Torah, the development of synagogue worship, and a renewed emphasis on personal and communal holiness, as seen in the ministries of Ezekiel and Daniel.
3. **God's Sovereignty Over Nations:** The gâlûwth demonstrates God's sovereign control over world empires. He used Babylon as His instrument of judgment and Persia (under Cyrus) as His instrument of restoration, showing that even in their darkest hour, Israel remained under the watchful eye of their God. The decrees concerning the return from gâlûwth (e.g., [[Ezra 1:1-4]]) are clear testaments to God working through pagan kings.
4. **Hope of Restoration and Future Redemption:** Despite the severity of the gâlûwth, it was never intended to be a permanent state. The prophets, and later the historical accounts of Ezra and Nehemiah, emphasize the promise of return and restoration. The "sons of the captivity" who returned represent a remnant, a seed of hope for the future of Israel. This theme of restoration points forward to the ultimate gathering of God's people in the eschatological age, a concept deeply rooted in the experience of gâlûwth and return.
### Summary
H1547 (גָּלוּת, *gâlûwth*) is an Aramaic term primarily found in Ezra and Daniel, signifying both the state of forced displacement or "captivity" and the "exiles" themselves as a collective body. It is semantically identical to its Hebrew counterpart H1546 and derives from the root H1540 ("to go into exile"). Its biblical occurrences vividly portray the historical reality of the Babylonian exile and the subsequent return. Theologically, gâlûwth is a potent concept, representing divine judgment for covenant unfaithfulness, a period of purification for God's people, and a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty over nations. Ultimately, it underscores the enduring hope of restoration and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in the midst of profound suffering and dispersion.
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