a primitive root; probably to caper (as a goat); appear.
Transliteration:gâlash
Pronunciation:gaw-lash'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H1570 (גָּלַשׁ, *gâlash*) is a primitive root, indicating a foundational meaning that is not derived from other words. Its primary proposed meaning is "to caper (as a goat)," suggesting a lively, bounding, or leaping movement characteristic of goats on rugged terrain. This implies agility, dynamic motion, and perhaps a sense of uninhibited freedom. A secondary, yet related, semantic nuance is "to appear." This could be understood as the visual effect of the "capering" motion, where something suddenly comes into view or emerges over a landscape. The "probably" qualifier in its base definition indicates that scholars infer its precise meaning largely from its single biblical occurrence and comparative Semitic philology, but the connection to goat-like movement is widely accepted. The rareness of the word (a hapax legomenon) means its semantic range is almost entirely defined by this singular context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H1570 (גָּלַשׁ, *gâlash*) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making it a hapax legomenon. This sole occurrence is found in [[Song of Solomon 4:1]]: "Behold, you are beautiful, my love; behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats *gâlash* from Mount Gilead."
In this highly poetic and descriptive context, the beloved praises the beauty of his bride. The comparison of her hair to "a flock of goats *gâlash* from Mount Gilead" is rich in imagery. Mount Gilead was known for its verdant pastures and rugged slopes, an ideal habitat for goats. The term *gâlash* here vividly describes the movement or appearance of these goats. If interpreted as "capering," it evokes an image of a vibrant, dynamic, and perhaps cascading flow of dark hair, similar to how a large flock of dark goats might appear to tumble or pour down the side of a mountain. This suggests abundance, vitality, and a natural, untamed beauty. If interpreted as "appearing," it could refer to the way a sprawling flock, spread across a mountainside, suddenly becomes visible or seems to emerge from the landscape, creating an impression of vastness and dark, flowing mass. Both interpretations lend themselves to a powerful visual metaphor for the bride's abundant, dark, and flowing hair, highlighting its richness and perhaps its lively movement.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that H1570 (גָּלַשׁ, *gâlash*) is a hapax legomenon, direct lexical relatives within the Hebrew Bible are not readily apparent. Its meaning is largely inferred from its context and comparative linguistic studies. However, conceptually, it relates to:
* **Dynamic Movement:** Words describing agile or energetic motion, particularly in a natural setting. While not a direct synonym, it shares a conceptual space with verbs of leaping, bounding, or flowing.
* **Appearance and Emergence:** The secondary meaning of "appear" connects it to verbs like `{{H7200}}` (*ra'ah*, "to see" or "to appear"), though *gâlash* implies a more specific, perhaps sudden or voluminous, appearance.
* **Pastoral and Natural Imagery:** The word is deeply embedded in the natural world, specifically relating to goats and mountains. This connects it to a broader lexicon of agricultural and wilderness terms, such as `{{H6629}}` (*tso'n*, "flock") and `{{H2022}}` (*har*, "mountain").
* **Figurative Language and Poetic Device:** As part of the Song of Solomon, *gâlash* exemplifies the rich use of metaphor and simile in biblical poetry to convey abstract qualities (like beauty) through concrete, sensory images.
### Theological Significance
The word H1570 (גָּLַשׁ, *gâlash*) does not carry explicit theological weight on its own, unlike terms such as "holiness" or "covenant." However, its singular occurrence within the Song of Solomon contributes to the broader theological tapestry of the book. The Song of Solomon is often interpreted allegorically as a depiction of God's fervent love for His people (Israel or the Church) or Christ's love for His bride. In this allegorical framework, the beauty of the bride, described in part by the vivid imagery of *gâlash*, represents the attractiveness, purity, and spiritual vitality of the redeemed community in the eyes of God.
The natural, uninhibited beauty evoked by "a flock of goats *gâlash* from Mount Gilead" can be seen as reflecting the goodness and aesthetic excellence inherent in God's creation. It underscores that beauty, even in its raw, natural form, is part of God's design and can be celebrated. Furthermore, the use of such a unique and evocative word highlights the depth and richness of divine revelation expressed through poetic literature, demonstrating that even a single, rare lexical item can contribute significantly to the overall message of love, intimacy, and divine appreciation.
### Summary
H1570 (גָּלַשׁ, *gâlash*) is a unique Hebrew verb, appearing only once in the Old Testament in [[Song of Solomon 4:1]]. Its core meaning is understood as "to caper (as a goat)" or "to appear," suggesting a dynamic, perhaps cascading movement or a sudden, voluminous emergence. In its sole biblical context, it serves as a vivid poetic simile, comparing the beloved's abundant hair to "a flock of goats *gâlash* from Mount Gilead," thereby evoking an image of vibrant, flowing, and natural beauty. While not bearing direct theological meaning itself, *gâlash* contributes to the rich metaphorical language of the Song of Solomon, which, when interpreted allegorically, speaks to the profound love between God and His people, and the divinely ordained beauty of the redeemed. The word underscores the power of biblical poetry to convey deep meaning and sensory detail through even the rarest of lexical choices.
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