probably by prolonged from גָּלַם; sterile (as wrapped up too hard); figuratively, desolate; desolate, solitary.
Transliteration:galmûwd
Pronunciation:gal-mood'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1565 (גַּלְמוּד, *galmûwd*) carries the primary meaning of "sterile" or "barren," particularly in a physical sense, derived from its probable root גָּלַם (galam), which means "to wrap, fold, or roll up." The implication is of something "wrapped up too hard," thereby preventing growth, production, or fruitfulness. This physical sense extends figuratively to denote "desolate" or "solitary." It describes a state of being unproductive, devoid of life, offspring, or companionship. The word encapsulates a sense of emptiness, unfulfilled potential, and a lack of flourishing, suggesting a condition of being cut off or isolated from life-giving processes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1565 (גַּלְמוּד, *galmûwd*) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Job, underscoring its specific and potent usage in contexts of profound suffering and judgment.
1. **[[Job 3:7]]**: "Lo, let that night be barren; let no joyful sound come into it."
In this verse, Job, in the depths of his despair, curses the night of his conception. He wishes for that night to be *galmûwd*, meaning "barren" or "unproductive." This is a desire for the very moment of his origin to be sterile, yielding no life or joy. It expresses an intense longing for non-existence, a wish that the night would be devoid of any life-affirming sound or outcome, mirroring his own desolate state. The context highlights the extreme suffering that leads one to wish for the undoing of their own beginning.
2. **[[Job 15:34]]**: "For the company of the godless shall be barren, and fire shall consume the tents of bribery."
Here, Eliphaz, one of Job's friends, uses *galmûwd* to describe the "company of the godless." This refers to their assembly, their collective endeavors, or their future progeny. The declaration that they shall be *galmûwd* signifies that their efforts will be unproductive, their lineage will not flourish, and their legacy will be one of emptiness and futility. This is a pronouncement of divine judgment, indicating that the path of the wicked leads to a desolate end, devoid of true prosperity, fruitfulness, or lasting heritage. It stands in stark contrast to the biblical ideal of multiplication and blessing.
In both instances, *galmûwd* conveys a powerful sense of barrenness and desolation, whether as a personal curse born of suffering or as a consequence of godless living.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H1565 (גַּלְמוּד, *galmûwd*) intersects with several key biblical concepts:
* **Root Connection:** The proposed root גָּלַם (galam) implies a state of being "wrapped up" or "closed off." This directly informs the meaning of sterility, as something tightly bound cannot produce.
* **Barrenness (Physical):** The concept aligns with other Hebrew terms for physical barrenness, such as עֲקָרָה (aqarah, `{{H6135}}`), typically used for a barren woman, signifying the inability to bear children.
* **Desolation/Waste:** *Galmûwd* shares conceptual space with words like שְׁמָמָה (sh'mamah, `{{H8077}}`), meaning "desolation" or "waste," often referring to land made desolate by judgment or neglect.
* **Solitude/Isolation:** The figurative sense of "solitary" connects to terms like בָּדָד (badad, `{{H909}}`), meaning "alone" or "isolated," often conveying a sense of separation or abandonment.
* **Unfruitfulness:** The word stands in stark contrast to terms denoting fruitfulness and abundance, such as פָּרָה (parah, `{{H6509}}`), "to be fruitful," or רָבָה (rabah, `{{H7235}}`), "to be great, multiply," which are often associated with divine blessing.
* **Divine Blessing vs. Curse:** The concept of barrenness often appears in the Old Testament as a sign of divine disfavor or judgment, contrasting sharply with the covenant promises of fruitfulness and multiplication (e.g., [[Genesis 1:28]], [[Genesis 12:2]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1565 (גַּּלְמוּד, *galmûwd*) is profound, particularly given its limited but impactful usage in the book of Job:
* **Consequence of Sin and Unrighteousness:** In [[Job 15:34]], *galmûwd* functions as a descriptor of the ultimate fate of the wicked. Their "company" or collective existence is barren, signifying that their actions do not produce lasting good, true prosperity, or a blessed future. This serves as a powerful theological statement about the inherent unfruitfulness and ultimate desolation that result from a life estranged from God's righteousness. It implies a spiritual barrenness, where efforts are futile and lead to nothingness.
* **Expression of Profound Suffering and Despair:** Job's use of *galmûwd* in [[Job 3:7]] reveals the depth of human anguish. His wish for the night of his conception to be barren is a cry for the nullification of his existence, a desire to escape the pain through non-being. Theologically, it illuminates the human experience of suffering so intense that it challenges the very goodness of creation and the purpose of life. It underscores the biblical portrayal of Job's raw and honest lament before God.
* **Contrast with God's Life-Giving Nature:** The concept of *galmûwd* stands in stark opposition to the character of God as the Creator and Giver of life, who blesses with fruitfulness and abundance (e.g., [[Genesis 1:28]], [[Psalm 1:3]]). Barrenness, whether physical or existential, often represents a state outside of God's intended flourishing, a lack of divine blessing, or the consequence of separation from the source of life.
* **Theological Anthropology:** *Galmûwd* speaks to the human condition, highlighting the potential for both physical and spiritual unfruitfulness. It reminds us that true fruitfulness, whether in terms of offspring, good works, or lasting legacy, is ultimately dependent on God's blessing and alignment with His will.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H1565 (גַּלְמוּד, *galmûwd*) signifies "sterile," "barren," or "desolate," stemming from a root suggesting being "wrapped up too hard" and thus unproductive. Its two occurrences in the book of Job powerfully illustrate its semantic range. In [[Job 3:7]], it describes Job's desperate wish for the night of his conception to be barren, reflecting profound personal despair and a longing for non-existence. In [[Job 15:34]], it characterizes the "company of the godless" as barren, serving as a pronouncement of the ultimate futility and desolation that await those estranged from God. Theologically, *galmûwd* highlights the consequences of unrighteousness, the depth of human suffering, and stands in stark contrast to the life-giving, fruitful nature of God and His blessings. It speaks to both physical and spiritual unfruitfulness, emphasizing a state devoid of true life, productivity, or lasting heritage.
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