from גָּלַל, in the sense of גְּלָל; great; Galal, the name of two Israelites; Galal.
Transliteration:Gâlâl
Pronunciation:gaw-lawl'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H1559}}` (Gâlâl) functions primarily as a proper noun, the name of two distinct individuals in the Old Testament. Its base definition, according to Strong's, is "great," derived from the root `{{H1556}}` (gālal, "to roll"), and specifically "in the sense of `{{H1560}}` (gəlāl)." This etymological connection presents an intriguing semantic nuance.
The root `{{H1556}}` universally conveys the idea of "rolling," whether rolling away a stone, rolling down a mountain, or rolling oneself upon something. From this root, `{{H1560}}` (gəlāl) typically refers to "dung" or "refuse," perhaps conceptualized as something "rolled up" or expelled. The definition of `{{H1559}}` as "great" in the "sense of `{{H1560}}`" is therefore noteworthy. While `{{H1560}}` itself does not mean "great," its connection to `{{H1559}}` for a proper name might imply "great" in terms of *magnitude* or *quantity*, even if the "quantity" refers to refuse. Alternatively, the "greatness" could be a broader semantic extension from the core idea of "rolling" (`{{H1556}}`), signifying something momentous, significant, or vast that has "rolled" into existence or prominence. Thus, `{{H1559}}` can be understood as "great" in a general sense, with an etymological link to the concept of rolling or a large accumulation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H1559}}` (Gâlâl) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, referring to two individuals, likely related or even the same person across different records of the post-exilic community. Both instances refer to Levites:
1. **[[1 Chronicles 9:15]]**: Here, Galal is listed as a Levite, the father of Mattaniah, a descendant of Asaph. This verse details the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the return from exile, emphasizing the roles of priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and temple servants. Galal's inclusion in this genealogy highlights his lineage within the Levitical tribe, specifically those involved in temple music and service.
2. **[[Nehemiah 11:17]]**: In this parallel account of those who settled in Jerusalem, Galal is again mentioned as a Levite, specifically "Galal the son of Jeduthun." Jeduthun was another prominent Levitical choirmaster alongside Asaph. This strong connection to the temple musicians and their return to Jerusalem underscores their vital role in re-establishing worship and order in the post-exilic community. Given the close association with Levitical service and the similar timeframes, it is highly probable that the Galal of [[1 Chronicles 9:15]] (descendant of Asaph) and the Galal of [[Nehemiah 11:17]] (son of Jeduthun) refer to the same individual or a very closely related figure, given that the lines of Asaph and Jeduthun were both responsible for temple music.
In both contexts, the name `{{H1559}}` is part of a genealogical list, offering little direct narrative insight into the character or actions of Galal himself. However, his identity as a Levite implies a life dedicated to the sacred service of God within the temple.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding `{{H1559}}` is rich, primarily stemming from its root:
* `{{H1556}}` (gālal): The fundamental verbal root meaning "to roll." This verb is used in various contexts, such as rolling away a stone ([[Genesis 29:3]]), rolling burdens onto someone ([[Psalm 22:8]]), or even rolling oneself in dust as a sign of mourning ([[Jeremiah 6:26]]). The concept of rolling can imply movement, removal, or accumulation.
* `{{H1560}}` (gəlāl): As noted, this noun means "dung" or "refuse," derived from the idea of something expelled or "rolled out." While its primary meaning is distinct from "great," its appearance in the etymology of `{{H1559}}` suggests a potential, albeit unusual, link to magnitude or quantity.
* Other derivatives of `{{H1556}}` include:
* `{{H1557}}` (gōlel): A "roller" or "cylinder."
* `{{H1558}}` (gəliylāh): Meaning "circuit" or "border," referring to something rolled or encircling.
* `{{H1561}}` (gālîl): "Circuit," "district," notably the region of "Galilee," named for its circular or rolling terrain.
These related terms consistently emphasize the concept of "rolling," whether literally, geographically, or in the sense of accumulation. The specific connection of `{{H1559}}` to "great" thus likely points to a sense of significant rolling, or a large, momentous outcome of such an action.
### Theological Significance
As a proper name, the direct theological significance of `{{H1559}}` is primarily tied to the individuals who bore it. Galal's identity as a Levite underscores the importance of consecrated service to God in the post-exilic community. His lineage within the musical guilds of Asaph and Jeduthun highlights the spiritual significance of worship and the re-establishment of temple liturgy as central to Israel's identity and relationship with Yahweh.
The etymological connection to "great" and "to roll" offers broader theological reflections:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Action**: The concept of "rolling" can metaphorically represent God's sovereign action in history, "rolling away" obstacles or bringing about significant events. For example, God "rolled away the reproach of Egypt" from the Israelites ([[Joshua 5:9]]). While not directly using `{{H1556}}` in all instances, the idea of rolling off burdens or cares onto the Lord is a recurring biblical theme, pointing to trust in God's ability to manage what seems overwhelming.
* **Greatness in Service**: If "Galal" means "great," it could subtly point to the greatness of God manifested through His servants, or the great tasks and responsibilities entrusted to those in divine service. Even if the etymological link to `{{H1560}}` (dung) is considered, the name could be a testament to God's ability to use humble or seemingly insignificant individuals or origins for "great" purposes, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
* **Life as a Journey**: The idea of "rolling" can also evoke a journey, a life in motion, perhaps signifying a life of active faith and dedication to God's purposes, continually moving forward in His will.
### Summary
`{{H1559}}` (Gâlâl) is a Hebrew proper noun, the name of two Levites mentioned in the post-exilic genealogies of [[1 Chronicles 9:15]] and [[Nehemiah 11:17]]. While its primary definition is "great," this is uniquely traced by Strong's to the root `{{H1556}}` ("to roll") and specifically "in the sense of `{{H1560}}`" ("dung" or "refuse"). This suggests "great" might refer to magnitude or significance, possibly implying something momentous that has "rolled" into being, or a large accumulation. The biblical occurrences place Galal within the lineage of temple musicians, highlighting his role in the re-establishment of worship in Jerusalem. The name, therefore, implicitly connects to themes of dedicated service, the greatness of God's work through His people, and the ongoing, dynamic journey of faith.
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