a variation of גָּלָל; dung (plural balls of dung); dung.
Transliteration:gêlel
Pronunciation:gay'-lel
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H1561 (גֵּלֶל, gêlel) primarily denotes "dung," specifically referring to "balls of dung" or "excrement." It is understood as a variation of H1556 (גָּלַל, gālāl), which means "to roll," aptly describing the physical form of animal droppings. Thus, gêlel carries the literal, earthy connotation of waste matter, universally recognized as impure and contemptible. Its semantic range is narrow, focusing directly on the physical byproduct of digestion, devoid of metaphorical or abstract extensions beyond its inherent defiling nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1561 (gêlel) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, found in the prophetic book of Ezekiel: [[Ezekiel 4:12]]. In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel is commanded by Yahweh to perform a series of symbolic acts to illustrate the siege and subsequent defilement of Jerusalem and the exile of Israel. The specific instruction reads: "And you shall eat it as barley cakes, and you shall bake it with human dung (גֵּלֶל) before their eyes." This command is immediately followed by a divine concession in [[Ezekiel 4:15]], where God permits Ezekiel to use cow's dung instead of human dung, highlighting the extreme and repugnant nature of the initial command. The context here is one of severe judgment and famine. The use of human gêlel for fuel signifies the utter degradation, lack of resources, and ritual impurity that the people of Judah would experience during the siege. It speaks to a state where even basic necessities like fuel for cooking become scarce, forcing the use of the most defiling and abhorrent materials, thereby violating fundamental purity laws (cf. [[Deuteronomy 23:12-14]]). The act graphically portrays the defilement of their food and, by extension, their entire existence, due to their unfaithfulness and idolatry.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted, H1561 (gêlel) is a variation of H1556 (גָּלַל, gālāl), "to roll," underscoring its physical form. Other Hebrew terms for "dung" or "excrement" are used in the biblical text, each with subtle nuances:
* H6569 (פֶּרֶשׁ, pereš): Often refers to the dung of sacrificial animals, particularly in the context of being carried outside the camp and burned as part of purification rituals (e.g., [[Exodus 29:14]], [[Leviticus 4:11]]). This term emphasizes the waste product from a specific, ritualistic context.
* H6675 (צוֹאָה, tso'ah): A more general term for excrement or filth, often used in contexts of moral or ritual impurity (e.g., [[Isaiah 4:4]], [[Proverbs 30:12]]).
* H1806 (דֹּמֶן, dômén): Refers to dung as manure, used for fertilizing fields, but also in contexts of being scattered as a sign of contempt or judgment (e.g., [[2 Kings 9:37]], [[Psalm 83:10]]).
* H2755 (חֲרָאִים, ḥărā'îm): A cruder, more vulgar term for excrement, used in highly contemptuous contexts (e.g., [[2 Kings 18:27]] / [[Isaiah 36:12]]).
The concept of gêlel is inherently linked to ideas of defilement, impurity (טָמֵא, H2931), and abomination (תּוֹעֵבָה, H8441) within the Levitical purity laws. The use of human excrement for fuel was an extreme violation of the hygienic and ritual stipulations for a holy people, meant to separate them from the defiling practices of surrounding nations.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of H1561 (gêlel) in [[Ezekiel 4:12]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark symbol of the ultimate degradation and defilement that would befall God's covenant people due to their persistent rebellion and idolatry. The command for Ezekiel to bake bread over human dung vividly illustrates the depth of their sin and the severity of divine judgment.
1. **Consequence of Sin:** The defilement of food, a basic necessity for life, underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment. Their very means of sustenance would become impure, reflecting their spiritual impurity. This act directly contravenes the meticulous dietary and purity laws given by Yahweh, which were designed to set Israel apart as a holy nation.
2. **Breach of Covenant:** The use of gêlel symbolizes the complete breakdown of the covenant relationship. God had promised blessing for obedience and curses for disobedience, and this act represents the fulfillment of the most extreme curses (cf. [[Deuteronomy 28:53-57]]).
3. **God's Holiness and Justice:** The repugnance of gêlel highlights the absolute holiness of God. His demand for purity in His people is unwavering. The judgment, though severe, is portrayed as just, a necessary response to Israel's profound defilement of His name and sanctuary through their idolatry and sin. The concession in [[Ezekiel 4:15]] reveals God's mercy even amidst judgment, acknowledging the prophet's plea and the extreme nature of the initial command, yet still maintaining the core message of defilement.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun H1561 (גֵּלֶל, gêlel), meaning "dung" or "balls of dung," is a potent term carrying strong connotations of impurity and contempt. Its sole appearance in [[Ezekiel 4:12]] is highly significant, portraying the prophet's symbolic act of baking bread over human excrement. This vivid imagery serves as a dire prophetic warning and a graphic depiction of the extreme degradation, famine, and ritual defilement that awaited Jerusalem and its inhabitants due to their persistent sin and covenant unfaithfulness. The use of gêlel underscores the severity of God's judgment, the comprehensive nature of the consequences of sin, and the stark contrast between God's absolute holiness and humanity's profound impurity.
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