from גָּלַל; a circumstance (as rolled around); only used adverbially, on account of; because of, for (sake).
Transliteration:gâlâl
Pronunciation:gaw-lawl'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word גָּלָל (gâlâl), Strong's number `{{H1558}}`, functions primarily as an adverbial particle, conveying the meaning "because of," "on account of," or "for the sake of." Its etymological root is found in the verb גָּלַל (gâlal, `{{H1556}}`), which signifies "to roll" or "to roll away." This connection suggests that גָּלָל (gâlâl) refers to a "circumstance (as rolled around)," implying a situation or event that has come to pass and serves as the reason or cause for something else. The "rolling around" metaphor can be understood as the accumulation of factors or the unfolding of events that lead to a particular outcome, thus providing the "reason" or "grounds" for an action or state. It always points to a preceding cause or a purpose for which an action is undertaken.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While not among the most frequently occurring Hebrew particles, גָּלָל (gâlâl) appears in significant contexts, consistently marking the reason or cause for a statement or action.
In [[Genesis 18:28]], Abraham intercedes for Sodom, asking if God would spare the city "for the lack of five" righteous people. Here, גָּלָל (gâlâl) highlights the condition upon which God's mercy might be extended. Similarly, in [[Genesis 30:27]], Laban acknowledges that the LORD has blessed him "for your sake" (Jacob's sake), illustrating how one individual's presence or actions can become the cause of blessing for another.
The particle often expresses a causal link between divine action and human circumstances. In [[Psalm 44:22]] (also quoted in Romans 8:36), the psalmist laments, "For your sake we are killed all the day long," indicating that their suffering is directly related to their allegiance to God. This highlights a profound theological reality where faithfulness can lead to persecution.
In prophetic literature, גָּלָל (gâlâl) frequently underscores the reason for divine judgment or intervention. [[Jeremiah 3:8]] states, "And I saw that for all the adulteries of faithless Israel, I had sent her away and given her a certificate of divorce," where the "adulteries" are the direct cause for God's action. Likewise, [[Lamentations 5:18]] attributes Zion's desolation to its sin: "For this our heart is faint, for these things our eyes are dim, for the mountain of Zion which is desolate."
In [[Daniel 1:10]], the chief eunuch expresses fear for his head "for your sake" (Daniel's sake), meaning that Daniel's refusal to eat the king's food would be the cause of the eunuch's punishment. This demonstrates the particle's use in expressing personal accountability and the ripple effects of choices. Jonah's plea in [[Jonah 1:12]], "Take me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you, for I know that it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you," is a poignant example where גָּלָל (gâlâl) directly links his disobedience as the cause of the storm.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relation is to the verb גָּלַל (gâlal, `{{H1556}}`), "to roll." This etymological connection provides the imagery of circumstances "rolling around" or accumulating to form a reason.
Conceptually, גָּלָל (gâlâl) shares semantic space with other Hebrew particles and phrases that express causality or purpose:
* יַעַן (ya'an, `{{H3282}}`): "because," "on account of." Often used to introduce a reason, particularly for divine judgment.
* לְמַעַן (lema'an, `{{H4616}}`): "for the sake of," "in order that." This particle often expresses purpose or result, though it can overlap with causality. While גָּלָל (gâlâl) emphasizes the *reason* for an action, לְמַעַן (lema'an) often emphasizes the *goal* or *purpose*.
* בַּעֲבוּר (ba'avur, `{{H5668}}`): "for the sake of," "on account of." Similar to גָּלָל (gâlâl) in expressing cause or purpose.
The concept of cause and effect, divine justice, and human responsibility are woven into the fabric of biblical thought, and גָּלָל (gâlâl) serves as a linguistic marker for these relationships.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of גָּלָל (gâlâl) highlights the biblical emphasis on causality and divine intentionality. God's actions are rarely arbitrary; they are "because of" His character, His covenant, or the actions of His people. This particle underscores:
1. **Divine Justice and Mercy:** God's judgments are not capricious but are "because of" sin and rebellion (e.g., [[Jeremiah 3:8]]). Conversely, His mercy and blessings can be extended "for the sake of" the righteous or for His own redemptive purposes (e.g., [[Genesis 18:28]], [[Genesis 30:27]]).
2. **Human Accountability:** Individuals and nations are held accountable for their choices, and consequences arise "because of" their actions (e.g., [[Jonah 1:12]]). This reinforces the principle that choices have real-world, often divine, ramifications.
3. **The Nature of Suffering and Persecution:** For believers, suffering can be understood as occurring "for God's sake" (e.g., [[Psalm 44:22]]), indicating that trials are not always a result of personal sin but can be a consequence of faithfulness in a fallen world. This provides a theological framework for understanding redemptive suffering.
4. **Intercessory Prayer:** The idea of God acting "for the sake of" a few righteous individuals (e.g., Abraham's plea in [[Genesis 18:28]]) underscores the power and significance of intercession. It suggests that the presence and prayers of the faithful can influence divine outcomes.
### Summary
The Hebrew word גָּלָל (gâlâl, `{{H1558}}`) is an adverbial particle meaning "because of," "on account of," or "for the sake of." Derived from the verb "to roll," it conveys the idea of a circumstance or accumulated factors serving as the reason for an event or action. Its usage in the Hebrew Bible consistently marks the causal link between a preceding condition or purpose and a subsequent outcome. Theologically, גָּלָל (gâlâl) is significant for articulating principles of divine justice and mercy, human accountability, the nature of suffering in the service of God, and the efficacy of intercession. It underscores the biblical worldview where actions have consequences and where divine and human events are often interconnected through discernible reasons.
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