a primitive root; to be obstinate; (inter-) meddle (with).
Transliteration:gâlaʻ
Pronunciation:gaw-lah'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H1566 (גָּלַע, *gâlaʻ*), a primitive root, carries a primary semantic range encompassing *to be obstinate* and *to meddle (with)*. While seemingly distinct, these two facets converge on a core concept of disruptive, unauthorized, or persistent interference. "To be obstinate" implies a stubborn refusal to yield, often in the face of reason or authority, leading to friction and conflict. "To meddle" suggests an unwarranted intrusion into affairs, stirring up trouble or becoming entangled where one does not belong. Both aspects denote a negative, contentious engagement, characterized by a lack of peace or a deliberate provocation of discord. The word points to an action that breaks harmony or introduces strife into a situation or relationship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1566 appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively within the book of Proverbs, where its usage illuminates the nature and consequences of strife.
In [[Proverbs 17:14]], the text states: "The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before it breaks out." Here, gâlaʻ is used in the Hithpael stem, suggesting a reflexive or reciprocal action: "to meddle with oneself" or "to stir oneself up." The verse warns against the initiation of conflict, likening it to a breach in a dam—once the water starts flowing, it is exceedingly difficult to contain. The implication is that engaging in or provoking strife, even in its nascent stages, is a foolish and destructive act.
Similarly, [[Proverbs 20:3]] declares: "It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling." Again, gâlaʻ appears in the Hithpael, denoting the active participation in or initiation of contention. The verse sharply contrasts the wise individual, who understands the value of avoiding conflict, with the fool (`{{H191}}`), who is characterized by a propensity to engage in or even instigate quarrels. The "meddling" here is not merely passive involvement but an active, often belligerent, participation in disputation.
Across both occurrences, H1566 is consistently linked with "strife" (מָדוֹן, *māḏôn* or רִיב, *rîḇ*), highlighting its role as an action that precipitates or perpetuates discord rather than fostering peace.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H1566 intersects with several other significant Hebrew terms and concepts that describe conflict, wisdom, and folly:
* **Strife and Contention:**
* `{{H7379}}` (רִיב, *rîḇ*): "strife," "contention," "dispute." This is a direct parallel to the context of H1566 in Proverbs, often referring to legal disputes or interpersonal quarrels.
* `{{H4066}}` (מָדוֹן, *māḏôn*): "strife," "contention," "discord." This word is explicitly linked with H1566 in [[Proverbs 17:14]] and [[Proverbs 20:3]], underscoring the nature of the "meddling" as leading to or being synonymous with discord.
* **Folly and Wisdom:**
* `{{H191}}` (אֱוִיל, *’ĕwîl*): "fool," "stupid person." The fool is consistently portrayed in Proverbs as one who engages in gâlaʻ (meddling/quarreling), in contrast to the wise person who avoids it ([[Proverbs 20:3]]).
* `{{H2451}}` (חָכְמָה, *ḥoḵmâ*): "wisdom." The pursuit of wisdom in Proverbs often involves discerning when to speak and when to remain silent, when to engage and when to withdraw from conflict. Avoiding gâlaʻ is a mark of wisdom.
* **Peace:**
* `{{H7965}}` (שָׁלוֹם, *shālôm*): "peace," "completeness," "well-being." The actions described by H1566 are antithetical to *shalom*, actively disrupting the peace and wholeness of relationships and community.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1566 lies primarily in its contribution to the wisdom literature's understanding of human conduct and its consequences. The proverbs concerning gâlaʻ underscore the divine commendation of peace and the condemnation of strife.
1. **Divine Order and Human Responsibility:** God, as the creator of order, values harmony and peace within His creation and among His people. Engaging in "meddling" or "obstinate contention" disrupts this divinely intended order. Humans are called to exercise wisdom and self-control to maintain peace, reflecting God's character.
2. **The Nature of Folly:** The word highlights a key characteristic of the "fool" (`{{H191}}`) in wisdom literature: a propensity for conflict and an inability to discern the destructive nature of strife. This is not merely a social misstep but a moral failing, indicative of a heart that lacks wisdom and understanding of God's ways.
3. **The Value of Peace and Reconciliation:** By strongly cautioning against gâlaʻ, the Scriptures implicitly elevate the value of peace, reconciliation, and the avoidance of unnecessary conflict. This aligns with broader biblical themes that encourage pursuing peace ([[Psalm 34:14]], [[Romans 12:18]]) and living in harmony.
4. **Consequences of Sin:** The "breaking out" of strife, like uncontrolled water, serves as a powerful metaphor for the escalating and destructive consequences of unbridled contention. It illustrates how seemingly small acts of "meddling" can lead to widespread damage, a principle applicable to various forms of sin that disrupt relationships and community.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H1566 (גָּלַע, *gâlaʻ*) is a primitive root signifying "to be obstinate" or "to meddle (with)." Its limited but potent appearances in Proverbs reveal its primary association with the initiation and perpetuation of strife and contention. The word describes a disruptive, often foolish, engagement in conflict, whether through stubborn refusal or unwarranted interference. The biblical texts consistently portray such "meddling" as antithetical to wisdom and honor, leading to destructive outcomes akin to an uncontrolled flood. The theological implications emphasize God's value for peace and order, the moral failing inherent in foolish contention, and the call for believers to pursue harmony and avoid the divisive actions represented by gâlaʻ. It serves as a profound warning against the destructive power of unbridled human will and the wisdom of choosing peace over provocation.
TRV