from גָּלַל; a valve of a folding door (as turning); also a ring (as round); folding, ring.
Transliteration:gâlîyl
Pronunciation:gaw-leel'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word גָּלִיל (gâlîyl), Strong's `{{H1550}}`, is a noun derived from the verb גָּלַל (gālal, `{{H1556}}`), which fundamentally means "to roll," "to roll away," or "to roll down." This etymological root imbues gâlîyl with a semantic range centered on concepts of roundness, circularity, and the ability to turn or rotate. Its base definition encompasses two primary applications:
1. A "valve of a folding door (as turning)": This refers to a leaf or panel of a door that pivots or rolls, allowing for opening and closing. This aspect emphasizes movement and access.
2. A "ring (as round)": This denotes any circular object, such as a decorative ring or a cylindrical shape, highlighting its form.
Thus, gâlîyl describes something that rolls, is rolled, or possesses a distinctly round or cylindrical configuration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term גָּלִיל (gâlîyl) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, with each instance illustrating one facet of its semantic breadth, primarily the "round" or "cylindrical" aspect:
* **[[Esther 1:6]]**: In this verse, gâlîyl is translated as "rings" (גְּלִילֵ֣י כֶ֗סֶף, *geliyley kessef*, "silver rings"). The passage describes the lavish royal garden of King Ahasuerus: "There were white, green, and blue hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble." Here, gâlîyl unambiguously refers to circular silver rings, functioning as fasteners for the opulent hangings. This usage perfectly aligns with the "ring (as round)" facet of the definition, underscoring the decorative and luxurious nature of the Persian court. The rings facilitate the hanging and potentially the adjustment or movement of the fabrics.
* **[[Song of Solomon 5:14]]**: This passage features the Shulammite's poetic and vivid description of her beloved. She declares, "His hands are rods of gold, set with beryl" (יָדָיו֙ גְּלִילֵ֣י זָהָ֔ב מְמֻלָּאִ֖ים בַּתַּרְשִׁ֑ישׁ, *yadaw geliyley zahav memulla'im battarshish*). While some translations render this as "gold cylinders" or "gold rings," the imagery evokes something round, substantial, and precious, akin to polished cylindrical bars or segments of gold. In the context of describing the beloved's physical beauty, gâlîyl here connotes the strength, smoothness, and intrinsic value of his hands, perhaps suggesting a series of segments or a smooth, rounded, column-like form. This usage extends the "round" meaning to encompass cylindrical or rod-like shapes, emphasizing strength, beauty, and preciousness.
It is noteworthy that the "valve of a folding door" meaning, while part of the base definition, does not find direct attestation in these specific biblical occurrences. The focus remains on objects characterized by their round or cylindrical form.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most pivotal related word is the verbal root גָּלַל (gālal, `{{H1556}}`), from which gâlîyl is directly derived. This root signifies "to roll," "to roll away," or "to roll down." This core concept of rolling or roundness permeates various cognate Hebrew terms, establishing a broader semantic field:
* גָּלָל (gālāl, `{{H1555}}`): Refers to dung or refuse, potentially conceptualized as something rolled or expelled.
* גֹּלֶל (gōlel, `{{H1557}}`): Denotes a stopper or a stone rolled over a well's mouth, as famously seen in [[Genesis 29:3]], highlighting the act of rolling to open or close access.
* גַּל (gal, `{{H1530}}`): Can refer to a heap (often of stones rolled together) or a wave (which rolls).
* גָּלִיל (gālîl, `{{H1559}}`): The geographical region of Galilee, possibly named for its rolling hills or circular valleys.
Collectively, these cognates reinforce the semantic domain of rolling, roundness, and circular motion, whether applied to tangible objects, geographical features, or actions.
### Theological Significance
While גָּלִיל (gâlîyl) functions primarily as a descriptive term for physical objects and does not carry explicit theological doctrines on its own, its usage within the sacred texts contributes to broader theological themes:
1. **Beauty and Value in Creation:** In both [[Esther 1:6]] and [[Song of Solomon 5:14]], gâlîyl describes objects of preciousness and beauty—silver rings and golden "rods." This highlights the biblical appreciation for aesthetic excellence and the inherent value placed on materials and craftsmanship. It implicitly points to the divine source of all beauty and the human capacity to create and appreciate it, reflecting God's own delight in order and beauty.
2. **Symbolism of Wholeness and Perfection:** The "ring" or "cylindrical" aspect of gâlîyl, rooted in roundness, can subtly evoke the symbolic associations of circles with completeness, eternity, and perfection. While not explicitly stated, this underlying symbolism resonates with divine attributes of perfection and the eternal nature of God's covenant and purposes.
3. **Divine Providence (through the root גָּלַל):** Although gâlîyl itself does not directly refer to divine action, its root גָּלַל (to roll) is powerfully linked to God's sovereign power to remove obstacles or bring about change. Examples include the rolling away of the stone from a well (e.g., [[Genesis 29:8]]) or, by New Testament conceptual parallel, the stone from the tomb. This connection, though indirect for gâlîyl, serves as a reminder of the divine hand that "rolls away" difficulties and opens paths.
Thus, gâlîyl contributes to the rich tapestry of biblical language, precisely describing the tangible world and, by extension, touching upon themes of beauty, value, and the subtle echoes of divine order.
### Summary
The Hebrew word גָּלִיל (gâlîyl, `{{H1550}}`) is derived from the verb גָּלַל (gālal, `{{H1556}}`), meaning "to roll." Its core semantic range encompasses objects that are round, cylindrical, or capable of turning. In its two biblical occurrences, gâlîyl consistently refers to circular or cylindrical forms: "silver rings" used for ornamentation in [[Esther 1:6]] and "rods of gold" describing a beloved's hands in [[Song of Solomon 5:14]]. While the definition includes a "valve of a folding door," this specific usage is not attested in the biblical text. The word primarily functions as a precise descriptive term, highlighting beauty, value, and structural form. Though not a term of explicit theological doctrine, its usage contributes to the biblical appreciation for material beauty and implicitly connects to the broader concept of divine order and the symbolism of completeness inherent in round shapes.
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