plural of גְלִילָה; circles; Geliloth, a place in Palestine; Geliloth.
Transliteration:Gᵉlîylôwth
Pronunciation:ghel-ee-lowth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term גְּלִילוֹת (Gᵉlîylôwth), Strong's number `{{H1553}}`, is a plural form derived from the root גלל (galal), meaning "to roll." The base noun גְלִילָה (gᵉlîylâ, `{{H1552}}`) signifies a "circle," "circuit," or "region," stemming from the idea of something rolled or rounded. Thus, גְּלִילוֹת literally denotes "circles" or "regions." In its biblical usage, it functions as a proper noun, referring to a specific geographical location, underscoring its meaning as a defined, perhaps rounded or circuitous, area within the land. The semantic range is primarily geographical, pointing to a distinct territory or boundary marker.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term גְּלִילוֹת (Gᵉlîylôwth) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Joshua:
* **[[Joshua 18:17]]**: "And was drawn northward, and went forth to En-shemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben."
In this solitary occurrence, Geliloth is identified as a specific landmark within the meticulously detailed description of the tribal boundaries. It serves as a point on the northern border of the tribe of Benjamin, situated in relation to other known geographical features such as En-shemesh and the ascent of Adummim. The precise delineation of these boundaries, including lesser-known markers like Geliloth, highlights the importance of the land distribution among the Israelite tribes. Its inclusion in this detailed survey underscores the divine order and specificity with which the Promised Land was apportioned, ensuring each tribe received its designated inheritance. The context is purely geographical and administrative, defining the limits of a tribal territory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word גְּלִילוֹת (Gᵉlîylôwth) is intimately connected to its singular form, גְלִילָה (gᵉlîylâ, `{{H1552}}`). This singular form is famously known as the origin of the name "Galilee," a prominent region in northern Israel. Just as Geliloth signifies "regions" or "circles" in a specific boundary context, Galilee (from גְלִילָה) refers to a distinct region, often characterized by its surrounding "circles" of non-Israelite populations, or simply as a geographical district.
The underlying root גלל (galal) is productive in Hebrew, giving rise to words related to "rolling." Examples include:
* גָּלָל (gālāl, `{{H1556}}`), referring to "dung" (something rolled up or excreted).
* גֹּלֶלֶת (gōleleth, `{{H1538}}`), meaning "skull" (due to its rounded shape).
* The verb גָּלַל (galal, `{{H1559}}`) itself means "to roll," as in rolling a stone away from a well or tomb.
The conceptual connections extend to the broader themes of land inheritance, tribal boundaries, and the divine ordering of the Promised Land, as seen throughout the book of Joshua. The meticulous attention to such details, even to a seemingly minor landmark like Geliloth, speaks to the divine precision in fulfilling covenantal promises.
### Theological Significance
While גְּלִילוֹת (Gᵉlîylôwth) is a geographical term, its theological significance is embedded within the broader narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land. The detailed enumeration of boundaries, including Geliloth, in [[Joshua 18]] serves several theological purposes:
1. **Divine Providence and Order:** The precise demarcation of tribal territories reflects God's meticulous and sovereign ordering of the land. It was not a chaotic division but a divinely orchestrated allocation, demonstrating God's providential care for each tribe.
2. **Covenant Fulfillment:** The land inheritance was a central promise of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The establishment of these boundaries, even down to specific landmarks like Geliloth, signifies the fulfillment of these ancient promises, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness to His word.
3. **Identity and Belonging:** For each tribe, their allotted territory, defined by such landmarks, provided a distinct identity and a tangible place of belonging within the larger nation of Israel. This sense of rootedness in the land was integral to their national and religious identity under the Old Covenant.
4. **Theology of Place:** The very specificity of names like Geliloth elevates the physical geography of the Promised Land to a sacred space, imbued with theological meaning as the arena of God's redemptive history with His people. Every hill, valley, and boundary marker was part of God's unfolding plan.
### Summary
גְּלִילוֹת (Gᵉlîylôwth, `{{H1553}}`) literally translates to "circles" or "regions," stemming from the Hebrew root for "to roll." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Joshua 18:17]] identifies it as a specific geographical landmark, a boundary marker for the tribe of Benjamin in the Promised Land. Though mentioned only once, its inclusion in the meticulous record of tribal inheritances underscores the divine order and precision in God's allocation of the land to Israel. Theologically, Geliloth, like other boundary markers, testifies to God's covenant faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, His providential care in establishing His people, and the crucial role of defined territory in shaping Israel's identity and sense of belonging within the sacred space of the Promised Land. It is a testament to the detailed fulfillment of divine promises.
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