### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gâlaʻ**, represented by `{{H1566}}`, is a primitive root defined as to be obstinate or to (inter-)meddle with. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily within the book of Proverbs, where it is associated with conflict and foolishness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H1566}}` consistently relates to contentious or disruptive engagement. It is presented as the mark of a fool `{{H191}}`, who "will be **meddling**" in contrast to the honorable man who ceases from strife [[Proverbs 20:3]]. The term is also used to describe the escalation of a conflict, with scripture warning to "leave off `{{H5203}}` contention `{{H7379}}`, before it be **meddled** with," comparing the beginning of strife to letting out water [[Proverbs 17:14]]. In a different context, a man who has separated himself out of desire is said to seek and **intermeddleth** with all wisdom [[Proverbs 18:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of meddling:
* `{{H191}}` **ʼĕvîyl** (fool): This term describes the character of one who meddles. While an honorable man avoids strife, the text states that "every **fool** will be meddling" [[Proverbs 20:3]].
* `{{H4066}}` **mâdôwn** (strife): This word for a contest or quarrel is the direct context for meddling. The beginning of **strife** is compared to a breach that should be abandoned before it is meddled with [[Proverbs 17:14]].
* `{{H3519}}` **kâbôwd** (honour): Presented as the opposite of a meddling nature, it is an **honour** for a man to cease from strife, an action the fool does not take [[Proverbs 20:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological warnings associated with `{{H1566}}` are direct and practical.
* **The Inception of Conflict:** The word highlights a critical point in a dispute. To meddle is to escalate a quarrel beyond its initial stage, like opening a floodgate that cannot be easily closed [[Proverbs 17:14]]. Wisdom involves ceasing contention before this point.
* **A Mark of Foolishness:** Scripture explicitly contrasts the meddler with the honorable man. Engaging in strife is not a sign of strength but of being a fool `{{H191}}`, while honor `{{H3519}}` is found in restraint [[Proverbs 20:3]].
* **Intense Pursuit:** The use of `{{H1566}}` in [[Proverbs 18:1]] suggests that the obstinate nature of the word can also apply to an intense, all-consuming search. In this case, a person who has separated `{{H6504}}` himself then **intermeddleth** with all wisdom `{{H8454}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1566}}` is a term that primarily cautions against the obstinate act of engaging in conflict. It defines the behavior of a fool and stands in direct opposition to the honor found in peaceably ceasing from strife. While it most often appears in a negative light, its use in the context of seeking wisdom suggests a broader meaning of intensely and obstinately engaging with a subject, whether it be a quarrel or a pursuit of knowledge.
TRV