or עָגוֹל; from an unused root meaning to revolve,; circular; round.
Transliteration:ʻâgôl
Pronunciation:aw-gole'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עָגֹל (H5696), transliterated as ʻâgôl, functions as an adjective meaning "circular" or "round." It is derived from an unused root that implies the concept of "revolving" or "turning," which directly informs its semantic range of describing a shape without corners, characterized by a continuous curve. This word primarily denotes a physical attribute, describing objects that possess a spherical or cylindrical form. Its core meaning is straightforward and descriptive, focusing on the geometric characteristic of roundness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term עָגֹל (H5696) appears in the Hebrew Bible in three distinct contexts, each highlighting its descriptive precision:
1. **Temple Architecture:** In [[1 Kings 7:23]] and its parallel passage [[2 Chronicles 4:2]], עָגֹל is used to describe the "molten sea," a large bronze basin in Solomon's Temple. The text states, "And he made the molten sea, ten cubits from brim to brim, **round** (עָגֹל) all about, and its height was five cubits, and a line of thirty cubits encircled it all around."
* **Contextual Analysis:** Here, עָגֹל provides a precise architectural detail, indicating the exact form of a crucial cultic vessel. The roundness, along with the specified dimensions, underscores the meticulous and divinely ordained nature of the Temple's construction. It signifies a shape chosen for its specific properties within the sacred space, perhaps alluding to perfection, wholeness, or the encompassing nature of God's presence.
2. **Poetic Description:** In [[Song of Solomon 7:2]] (Masoretic Text 7:3), עָגֹל is employed in a poetic description of the beloved: "Your navel is a **round** (עָגֹל) goblet that never lacks mixed wine; your belly is a heap of wheat encircled with lilies."
* **Contextual Analysis:** In this context, עָגֹל contributes to the aesthetic appreciation of the human form. The "round goblet" imagery evokes beauty, fullness, and perhaps an abundance or completeness. It highlights a physical feature as desirable and pleasing, demonstrating the word's application beyond mere architectural specification to the realm of human perception of beauty.
In all occurrences, עָגֹל consistently describes a physical characteristic. Its usage in the Temple narratives emphasizes precision and divine order, while in Song of Solomon, it contributes to an idealized portrayal of beauty and form.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of עָגֹל (H5696) connects it to several related Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **Words for Circularity/Surrounding:**
* `{{H2328}}` (chug): A noun meaning "circle," "circuit," or "vault," often used in cosmological contexts, as in the "circle of the earth" ([[Isaiah 40:22]]). While עָגֹל is an adjective describing something *as* round, חוג refers to the circle itself.
* `{{H5437}}` (sabab): A verb meaning "to turn," "to go around," or "to surround." This verb captures the motion implied by the unused root of עָגֹל.
* `{{H5458}}` (saviv): An adverb or preposition derived from `{{H5437}}`, meaning "around" or "surrounding." This term often accompanies descriptions of objects that are round "all about."
* **Architectural Terminology:** In its Temple context, עָגֹל relates to other terms describing precise measurements and forms, such as `{{H4301}}` (middah), "measurement," and words detailing materials and construction, underscoring the ordered nature of sacred space.
* **Concepts of Wholeness and Perfection:** The shape of a circle or sphere, which עָגֹל describes, often symbolizes completeness, eternity (having no beginning or end), and perfection across various cultures. This symbolism may subtly inform its use in the description of the Temple's furnishings.
### Theological Significance
While עָגֹל (H5696) is a descriptive adjective, its specific applications in the biblical text carry indirect theological weight:
* **Divine Order and Precision:** In the context of the Temple's "molten sea," the use of עָגֹל underscores the divine mandate for precise design and execution in sacred architecture. God's instructions for the Tabernacle and Temple were exceedingly detailed, down to the very shapes of its furnishings. The roundness of the sea, therefore, speaks to a divinely ordained aesthetic and functional perfection. It suggests that even the geometric forms within God's sanctuary reflect His meticulous order and holy standards, contributing to an environment suitable for divine presence and worship. The absence of sharp angles might also symbolize harmony or completeness within the sacred space.
* **Appreciation of Created Beauty:** In Song of Solomon, עָגֹל contributes to a celebration of physical beauty within God's creation. The description of the human body as "round" in certain features highlights an aesthetic appreciation that is affirmed within the biblical narrative. This suggests that beauty, including physical form, is not inherently antithetical to spiritual truth but can be seen as a reflection of the Creator's artistry and a source of joy. It points to a holistic understanding of human experience, where physical attributes can be admired and celebrated.
### Summary
The Hebrew adjective עָגֹל (H5696), meaning "circular" or "round," is a precise descriptive term derived from a root implying revolution. Its occurrences in the Hebrew Bible are limited but significant. In [[1 Kings 7:23]] and [[2 Chronicles 4:2]], עָגֹל is employed to detail the exact, divinely specified dimensions of the "molten sea" in Solomon's Temple, highlighting the meticulous order and perfection inherent in sacred architecture. This usage subtly points to God's precise design and the symbolic wholeness associated with the circular form in the context of divine worship. In contrast, [[Song of Solomon 7:2]] utilizes עָגֹל in a poetic description of the human body, associating roundness with beauty, fullness, and desirability. Thus, while fundamentally a descriptor of shape, עָG5696 contributes to biblical portrayals of both divine architectural precision and the celebrated beauty of creation, indirectly affirming God's hand in both sacred design and the natural world.
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