(Aramaic) corresponding to מְגִלָּה; {a roll}; roll.
Transliteration:mᵉgillâh
Pronunciation:meg-il-law'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic noun `{{H4040}}` (mᵉgillâh) denotes a "roll" or "scroll." Its fundamental meaning refers to a piece of writing material, typically papyrus or parchment, that has been rolled up, usually around one or two wooden rods, for storage and ease of reading. This term is the Aramaic equivalent of the more common Hebrew word `{{H4039}}` (mᵉgillâh), carrying the identical semantic range. It universally signifies a written document in its rolled form, whether it be a legal decree, historical record, or prophetic utterance. There is no evidence of a broader metaphorical or abstract use; its meaning remains consistently literal and concrete.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic term `{{H4040}}` appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in [[Ezra 6:2]]. The context is critical:
* [[Ezra 6:2]]: "And there was found in Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:"
In this solitary occurrence, the "roll" (מְגִלָּה) refers to a written decree of King Cyrus, discovered in the archives at Ecbatana (Achmetha). This document confirms Cyrus's original edict allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. The finding of this roll is pivotal, as it provides the legal basis for the continuation of the Temple's reconstruction, which had been halted by adversaries. The use of `{{H4040}}` here underscores the importance of official, written records in ancient Near Eastern administration and the divine providence that ensured the preservation and discovery of this vital decree at a crucial moment for the returning exiles.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew cognate, `{{H4039}}` (mᵉgillâh), which likewise means "roll" or "scroll" and appears more frequently in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., [[Jeremiah 36:2]], [[Ezekiel 2:9]], [[Zechariah 5:1]]). Both terms point to the common format of written documents in the ancient world.
Other related terms that denote written materials or records include:
* `{{H5612}}` (סֵפֶר, *sepher*): A more general term for "book," "scroll," or "document," often referring to larger collections of writings or official records.
* `{{H3791}}` (כְּתָב, *k<sup>e</sup>thav*): Meaning "writing" or "document," often referring to the content of what is written.
Conceptually, `{{H4040}}` is linked to the broader themes of divine revelation, human law, historical record-keeping, and the preservation of truth, as scrolls were the primary medium for all these purposes.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H4040}}` itself appears only once, its singular occurrence in [[Ezra 6:2]] carries profound theological weight. The discovery of this specific "roll" is presented as an act of divine providence. God, in His sovereign plan, ensured that Cyrus's decree was not lost but preserved in the imperial archives, only to be found precisely when needed to overcome opposition to the Temple's rebuilding. This highlights:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Human Affairs:** God works through the administrative structures and records of Gentile empires to accomplish His purposes for His people.
2. **The Importance of Written Records:** The scroll serves as a tangible manifestation of a divine decree, underscoring the reliability and enduring nature of God's word and His promises, even when mediated through human instruments.
3. **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant:** The decree facilitated the rebuilding of the Temple, a central element of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, demonstrating God's commitment to restoring His people and their worship.
More broadly, in conjunction with its Hebrew counterpart `{{H4039}}` and `{{H5612}}`, the "roll" symbolizes divine revelation (e.g., the scroll given to Ezekiel, [[Ezekiel 2:9-10]]), divine judgment (e.g., the flying scroll in [[Zechariah 5:1-4]]), and the comprehensive record of God's plan and human actions, pointing towards the "books" of life and judgment in eschatological contexts (e.g., [[Revelation 20:12]]).
### Summary
The Aramaic word `{{H4040}}` (mᵉgillâh) precisely denotes a "roll" or "scroll," a rolled-up written document. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Ezra 6:2]] is highly significant, referring to the crucial decree of King Cyrus that authorized the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple. This single instance powerfully illustrates God's meticulous providence, demonstrating His ability to preserve and reveal vital information through human records to advance His divine plan. Though rare, `{{H4040}}` stands as a testament to the enduring nature of written truth and its role in the unfolding narrative of God's interaction with humanity, particularly in His faithfulness to His covenant people.
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