Word Study for H1549 (גִּלָּיוֹן)

gillâyôwn /ghil-law-yone'/ Ask about this word

Rootor גִּלְיוֹן · from גָּלָה

Meaninga tablet for writing (as bare); by analogy, a mirror (as a plate)

KJV usageglass, roll.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of gillâyôwn — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word gillâyôwn, represented by H1549, refers to a roll, a tablet for writing, or by analogy, a mirror or glass. It is derived from a root meaning to be bare. This word appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, with each instance revealing a different facet of its meaning.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The two uses of H1549 present a study in contrasts. In Isaiah 8:1, the LORD H3068 commands the prophet to take H3947 a great roll H1549 and write H3789 on it. Here, it serves as a tangible medium for a divine, prophetic message. Conversely, in Isaiah 3:23, the word is translated as glasses H1549, likely referring to polished metal mirrors. It appears in a list of luxury items, including fine linen H5466 and vails H7289, that will be taken away in judgment.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the contexts in which H1549 is used:

H3789 kâthab (to grave, by implication, to write): This is the action performed upon the roll in Isaiah 8:1. The command to write establishes the object as a surface for recording a permanent message, whether it be God's law on the heart Jeremiah 31:33 or names in a book of remembrance Malachi 3:16.
H2747 chereṭ (a chisel or graver; also a style for writing): This is the tool specified for writing on the H1549 roll in Isaiah 8:1. Described as a "man's pen," it connects the act to common inscription, though it can also refer to a graving tool used for fashioning idols Exodus 32:4.
H5466 çâdîyn (a wrapper, i.e. shirt): In its second appearance, H1549 is grouped with luxury goods like fine linen Isaiah 3:23. This item also appears as something made and sold by the virtuous woman Proverbs 31:24, underscoring its value as a manufactured good.
H6797 tsânîyph (a head-dress): Also listed with glasses in Isaiah 3:23, these hoods, or diadems, further establish the context of ornamentation and wealth. The word can also describe a righteous man's judgment as a diadem Job 29:14.

Theological Significance

The significance of H1549 is found in its dual application, representing both divine purpose and human vanity.

A Vessel for Divine Revelation: As a roll, H1549 is the chosen instrument for making a prophecy from the LORD H3068 public and permanent. The act of writing on it transforms a common object into a sacred record of God's word Isaiah 8:1.
A Symbol of Worldly Excess: As glasses or mirrors, H1549 symbolizes the material luxury and pride that invite judgment. Its inclusion in the list of finery in Isaiah 3:23 marks it as an object of transient human adornment, in direct opposition to the eternal nature of the message written on the roll.

Summary

In summary, H1549 gillâyôwn is a word whose meaning is defined entirely by its context. It can be a great roll used to bear the weight of a divine command, making God's message known Isaiah 8:1. It can also denote glasses, or mirrors, which are emblems of worldly luxury and vanity that are ultimately fleeting Isaiah 3:23. The word demonstrates how a single object can be used for either sacred duty or secular indulgence.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

גִּלְיֹנִים
גִּלָּיוֹן

Related Words

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

2 verses, all in Isaiah — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.