or (prolonged) גָּלִילָה; the same as גָּלִיל; a circle (with the article); Galil (as a special circuit) in the North of Palestine; Galilee.
Transliteration:Gâlîyl
Pronunciation:gaw-leel'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H1551}}` *Gâlîyl* derives from the root `{{H1556}}` *gālal*, which conveys the idea of "rolling" or "circling." As a noun, *Gâlîyl* fundamentally signifies a "circle" or "circuit." When used with the definite article (הַגָּלִיל, *ha-Gâlîl*), it functions as a proper noun, designating the specific geographical region in northern ancient Israel known as Galilee. The name itself, therefore, inherently describes the region as a distinct "circuit" or "district," possibly alluding to its defined boundaries or its role as a thoroughfare. The prolonged form, גָּלִילָה (*Gâlîlâ*), also refers to the same region.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H1551}}` primarily appears in the Hebrew Bible as the geographical name "Galilee," marking it as a recognized and distinct territory.
* **[[Joshua 20:7]]**: Galilee is first mentioned as the location of Kedesh, one of the cities of refuge in the tribal allotment of Naphtali. This early reference establishes Galilee's presence as a defined region within the Israelite tribal territories. "So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah."
* **[[1 Kings 9:11]]**: King Solomon cedes twenty cities in "the land of Galilee" to Hiram, king of Tyre, as compensation for his assistance in building the Temple and the royal palace. Hiram's dissatisfaction with these cities ("What kind of cities are these that you have given me, my brother?") might suggest their peripheral nature or sparse Israelite population at that time, implying they were not considered prime Israelite territory.
* **[[2 Kings 15:29]]**: During the reign of Pekah, king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser III, the Assyrian king, invades and captures various Israelite regions, including "Galilee," deporting its inhabitants. This account underscores Galilee's vulnerability to foreign invasion and its significance as a target in the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom.
* **[[Isaiah 9:1]] (or [[Isaiah 8:23]] in Hebrew Bibles)**: This is arguably the most significant prophetic mention of Galilee. "But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations." The phrase "Galilee of the nations" (גְּלִיל הַגּוֹיִם, *G'lîl ha-Goyim*) is crucial, pointing to the region's mixed population of Israelites and Gentiles, likely due to its strategic location on trade routes and its history of foreign influence. This prophecy foretells a future reversal of its "contempt" into "glory," a promise famously cited in the New Testament regarding the ministry of Jesus.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H1556}}` *gālal***: The verbal root from which *Gâlîyl* is derived, meaning "to roll" or "to remove by rolling." This connection reinforces the "circular" or "district" sense embedded in the name Galilee.
* **"Galilee of the Nations" (גְּלִיל הַגּוֹיִם, *G'lîl ha-Goyim*)**: This specific designation in [[Isaiah 9:1]] is vital. It highlights the ethnically and culturally mixed character of Galilee, distinguishing it from the more homogenous Judean south. This aspect becomes foundational for understanding the universal scope of the gospel.
* **New Testament "Galilee" (`{{G1056}}` *Galilaia*)**: The Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name. In the Gospels, Galilee serves as the primary setting for Jesus' earthly life and ministry. His upbringing in Nazareth (a Galilean town) and the commencement of His public ministry there ([[Matthew 4:12-17]]) directly fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah, making Galilee a pivotal stage in salvation history.
* **The Way of the Sea**: Mentioned alongside Galilee in [[Isaiah 9:1]], this refers to a major international trade route that passed through the region, further contributing to its diverse population and strategic importance.
### Theological Significance
* **From Contempt to Glory**: The prophecy in [[Isaiah 9:1-2]] posits a profound theological reversal. A region previously held in "contempt"—perhaps due to its mixed population, geographical distance from Jerusalem's religious center, and history of foreign domination—is divinely chosen to be made "glorious." This foreshadows a recurring theme in God's redemptive plan: His tendency to choose the humble, the marginalized, or the unexpected to manifest His greatest works.
* **The Dawn of Light for All Peoples**: The fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in Jesus' ministry in Galilee ([[Matthew 4:12-16]]) signifies that the "great light" of salvation is not confined to the religious elite or the heartland of Judah but extends to the "Galilee of the nations." This underscores the universal scope of God's grace, embracing both Jew and Gentile from the outset of the gospel.
* **The Galilean Identity of Jesus**: Jesus, a "Nazarene" (from Nazareth in Galilee), and the majority of His first disciples were Galileans. This regional identity, often viewed with disdain by Judeans ([[John 1:46]], [[John 7:52]]), became central to the nascent Christian movement. It powerfully illustrates God's choice of ordinary individuals from a seemingly unremarkable, even despised, region to carry forth His extraordinary message of redemption.
* **Divine Faithfulness and Prophetic Fulfillment**: The explicit citation of [[Isaiah 9:1-2]] in the Gospel of Matthew firmly establishes Galilee's significance within God's meticulously unfolding redemptive plan. It demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His prophetic word and the precise manner in which His purposes are enacted through specific historical and geographical contexts.
### Summary
`{{H1551}}` *Gâlîyl*, meaning "circle" or "circuit," denotes the region of Galilee in northern ancient Israel. Its name likely reflects its distinct geographical character. Throughout the Old Testament, Galilee is mentioned as part of Israel's tribal inheritance, a territory exchanged by Solomon, and a region susceptible to foreign invasion. Most significantly, [[Isaiah 9:1]] prophesies that this "Galilee of the nations," a region once deemed insignificant or contemptible due to its mixed population, would ultimately witness a "great light." This prophecy finds its profound fulfillment in the New Testament, where Galilee becomes the primary stage for Jesus' earthly ministry, inaugurating the Kingdom of God and extending its light to all peoples. Thus, *Gâlîyl* evolves from a simple geographical term to a place of immense theological significance, symbolizing God's redemptive work beginning in unexpected places and embracing the world.
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