### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gâlam**, represented by `{{H1563}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to fold; wrap together**. This highly specific term is exceedingly rare, appearing only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{H1563}}` describes a pivotal moment in the life of the prophet Elijah. Before being taken up into heaven, Elijah `{{H452}}` stood at the bank of the Jordan River. He **took** `{{H3947}}` his mantle `{{H155}}` and **wrapped it together** `{{H1563}}`, then **smote** `{{H5221}}` the **waters** `{{H4325}}`. As a result, the waters were **divided** `{{H2673}}`, allowing Elijah and Elisha to cross over on **dry** `{{H2724}}` ground [[2 Kings 2:8]]. The action of folding the garment was the direct preparatory step for the miracle.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial for understanding the context of this miraculous event:
* `{{H155}}` **'addereth**: This word for **mantle** or **robe** refers to the object that was wrapped together. As a significant garment, it represented the prophet's authority and was the physical instrument used to part the waters [[2 Kings 2:8]]. It also appears as a "garment" in [[Joshua 7:21]] and a "robe" worn by a king [[Jonah 3:6]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh**: This root means **to strike** or **smite**. It is the action Elijah performed with the folded mantle to enact the miracle. The same word is used for the smiting of the shepherd in Zechariah's prophecy [[Zechariah 13:7]].
* `{{H2673}}` **châtsâh**: Meaning **to cut or split in two; to halve**, this describes the supernatural effect of Elijah's action. The waters were divided, a miracle Elisha would later repeat with the same mantle [[2 Kings 2:14]].
* `{{H2724}}` **chârâbâh**: This term, meaning **dry (ground, land)**, signifies the outcome of the miracle, creating a safe passage through the riverbed [[2 Kings 2:8]]. This recalls the Israelites crossing the Jordan on dry ground [[Joshua 3:17]].
### Theological Significance
While appearing only once, the theological weight of `{{H1563}}` is tied to its unique context:
* **Preparation for Divine Action:** The act of wrapping the mantle is not incidental; it is the deliberate preparation for a miracle. It illustrates that human action, performed in faith, can be the immediate precursor to an act of God.
* **Focusing Authority:** By folding his mantle `{{H155}}`, Elijah is symbolically concentrating his God-given authority into a single point of impact. The mantle, when wrapped, becomes a focused instrument of power, a concept reinforced when Elisha later takes it up to perform the same act [[2 Kings 2:14]].
* **An Instrument of Passage:** The action of `{{H1563}}` directly leads to the parting of the waters `{{H4325}}`. It is part of a sequence that demonstrates God's power to make a way where there is no way, providing passage for his prophets through an impassable barrier.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1563}}` is a powerful, concise verb that, in its single usage, captures a moment of intense focus and preparation for a miracle. It shows how an ordinary action—folding a piece of cloth—can be imbued with extraordinary purpose. The word is forever linked to the prophet Elijah `{{H452}}`, his mantle `{{H155}}`, and the divine power that could divide waters and make a path on dry ground.
TRV