### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word *mᵉgillâh* (מְגִלָּה, `{{H4039}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the verb *gālal* (גָּלַל, `{{H1556}}`), which means "to roll" or "to roll away." Consequently, its primary and most literal meaning is a "roll" or "scroll." This refers to the ancient form of a book, typically constructed from sheets of papyrus or parchment sewn together and then rolled around a stick or sticks for storage and reading. The term highlights the physical characteristic of the document.
Semantically, while *mᵉgillâh* denotes the physical object, its usage extends to signify the content contained *within* the scroll. It refers to a written document, a volume, a record, or a book. It inherently implies something written, often with an authoritative, legal, or prophetic character, intended for preservation and dissemination.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *mᵉgillâh* appears 18 times in the Masoretic Text, primarily in prophetic and historical books, underscoring its role as a medium for divine and human communication.
* **Jeremiah 36:** This chapter provides the most extensive and illustrative use of *mᵉgillâh*. Jeremiah dictates God's prophecies of judgment to Baruch, who writes them on a scroll (מְגִלָּה, [[Jeremiah 36:2]], [[Jeremiah 36:4]], [[Jeremiah 36:6]], [[Jeremiah 36:14]], [[Jeremiah 36:18]], [[Jeremiah 36:20]], [[Jeremiah 36:21]], [[Jeremiah 36:23]], [[Jeremiah 36:25]], [[Jeremiah 36:27]], [[Jeremiah 36:28]], [[Jeremiah 36:32]]). King Jehoiakim's defiant act of cutting and burning parts of this scroll ([[Jeremiah 36:23]]) dramatically highlights the scroll as the tangible embodiment of God's word and the king's rejection of divine authority. Despite its destruction, God commands Jeremiah to make another scroll with the same words, demonstrating the enduring nature of His decree.
* **Ezekiel 2:9-10; 3:1-3:** In a profound vision, Ezekiel sees a hand holding a scroll (מְגִלָּה, [[Ezekiel 2:9]]). This scroll is written on both sides with "lamentations and mourning and woe" ([[Ezekiel 2:10]]). The Lord commands Ezekiel to eat the scroll, symbolizing the prophet's internalization of the divine message, however bitter, before he proclaims it to the rebellious house of Israel. This act emphasizes the prophet's commission and the nature of his difficult message.
* **Zechariah 5:1-2:** Zechariah sees a vision of a "flying scroll" (מְגִלָּה, [[Zechariah 5:1]], [[Zechariah 5:2]]) that is twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide. This scroll represents a curse going out over the whole land, specifically against thieves and perjurers. Here, the *mᵉgillâh* serves as an instrument of divine judgment and the embodiment of God's Law and its consequences for transgression.
* **Ezra 6:2:** A scroll (מְגִלָּה, [[Ezra 6:2]]) is found in Ecbatana, containing a decree from King Cyrus regarding the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. In this context, the *mᵉgillâh* is a royal edict, emphasizing its legal and authoritative nature as a governmental document.
* **Esther 9:32:** The "book of Esther" itself is referred to as a *mᵉgillâh* (מְגִלָּה, [[Esther 9:32]]), specifically "this *mᵉgillâh*." This usage clearly identifies it as a written historical record or narrative. This is also the basis for the later Jewish rabbinic designation of the "Megillot" (the Five Scrolls: Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther), read on specific holidays.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root *gālal* (גָּלַל, `{{H1556}}`):** The direct verbal root of *mᵉgillâh* signifies "to roll." This connection highlights the physical form of the ancient document, emphasizing its rolled nature.
* ***Sēpher* (סֵפֶר, `{{H5612}}`):** This is the more general and widely used Hebrew word for "book," "document," "letter," or "writing." While a *mᵉgillâh* is always a type of *sēpher* (a written document), *sēpher* does not necessarily specify the rolled form. The distinction is often subtle; *mᵉgillâh* emphasizes the rolled format, whereas *sēpher* broadly refers to any written content. For example, Jeremiah's scroll is called both a *mᵉgillâh* (e.g., [[Jeremiah 36:2]]) and a *sēpher* (e.g., [[Jeremiah 36:11]]). The choice of *mᵉgillâh* often adds specificity regarding its physical presentation.
* ***Kātab* (כָּתַב, `{{H3789}}`):** "To write." This verb is intrinsically linked to the function of a *mᵉgillâh*, as the scroll is the medium upon which words are written.
* **Prophetic Revelation:** The concept of God's word being communicated and preserved for humanity. The *mᵉgillâh* serves as the primary physical vessel for this divine communication, making it tangible and accessible.
### Theological Significance
The *mᵉgillâh* holds profound theological significance, primarily as the embodiment of God's authoritative word and revelation.
* **Divine Authority and Revelation:** The frequent appearance of *mᵉgillâh* in prophetic contexts underscores its role as the tangible medium through which God's authoritative message is conveyed to humanity. Whether it contains prophecy, law, or historical record, its existence signifies God's intention to communicate His truth clearly and preserve it for all generations. It is a testament to the fact that God speaks and His words are recorded.
* **Permanence and Preservation of God's Word:** The account of Jeremiah's scroll being burned and then re-written ([[Jeremiah 36]]) powerfully illustrates the invincibility of God's word. Human attempts to suppress or destroy divine revelation are ultimately futile; God ensures His message endures and is preserved, highlighting His sovereignty over His own communication.
* **Prophetic Commission and Internalization:** Ezekiel's eating of the scroll ([[Ezekiel 2:9-3:3]]) is a vivid metaphor for the prophet's profound internalization of God's message. It signifies not just intellectual understanding, but a complete absorption of the divine word, however difficult or bitter, making it an intrinsic part of the prophet's being before he delivers it.
* **Divine Judgment and Covenant Consequences:** The "flying scroll" in Zechariah ([[Zechariah 5:1-2]]) portrays the *mᵉgillâh* as an active instrument of divine judgment, carrying the curses of the covenant. This demonstrates that God's written word is not merely informative but active and effective in executing His justice and upholding His covenant.
* **The Written Word as a Witness and Record:** Beyond prophecy and judgment, the *mᵉgillâh* functions as a reliable witness to God's actions, His decrees, and His plans. It is a permanent record that can be consulted, remembered, and acted upon, providing a historical and theological anchor for future generations.
### Summary
The Hebrew word *mᵉgillâh* (מְגִלָּה, `{{H4039}}`), derived from the root *gālal* (to roll, `{{H1556}}`), denotes a "scroll" or "roll," emphasizing its ancient physical form. Biblically, the *mᵉgillâh* is consistently portrayed as the authoritative vessel for divine revelation, prophecy, law, and historical record. Instances such as Jeremiah's scroll ([[Jeremiah 36]]), which was defiantly burned but divinely re-written, and Ezekiel's eaten scroll ([[Ezekiel 2:9-3:3]]), which symbolized the internalization of God's message, powerfully illustrate its central role in conveying God's word, its reception, and its inherent power. While related to the broader term *sēpher* (book, `{{H5612}}`), *mᵉgillâh* specifically emphasizes the rolled format, often signifying a formal, complete, and divinely sanctioned document. Theologically, the *mᵉgillâh* underscores the permanence and authority of God's written word, its role in prophetic commission, and its function as an instrument of both divine judgment and covenant faithfulness. It stands as a testament to God's commitment to communicate His truth and preserve it for all generations.
TRV