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גַּלְגַּל

𐤂𐤋𐤂𐤋

galgal

H1535 noun

SILEX Entry

Root גלל to roll, to revolve, to turn

Definition

A circular object that rolls or rotates; most commonly a wheel, as used on vehicles or in mechanisms, but also metaphorically for something that rolls or revolves, or imagery involving circular movement. In its lexical usage, refers to physical wheels as well as objects or entities characterized by rotation or rolling.

Semantic Range

wheel, rotating object, something that rolls, circular movement, metaphor for rapid or revolving motion

Root / Etymology

From the Hebrew root גָּלַל (galal), meaning 'to roll, roll away.' גַּלְגַּל is a reduplicated noun form that reflects the action of rolling, with frequentative or intensive nuance. The Aramaic word is cognate with the Hebrew form, both referring to things that roll or revolve.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Aramaic of the Hebrew Bible (e.g., Daniel), גַּלְגַּל refers straightforwardly to a wheel, particularly as part of a chariot or a moving object. The term features in visions or descriptions that evoke circular movement or mechanical structures (e.g., Daniel 7:9). In Biblical Hebrew, the form גִּלְגָּל (Gilgal) is also used as a place name, but this is distinct. The base meaning connects to the broader root idea of rolling or turning, evident in multiple Semitic languages. English Bible translations typically render the term as 'wheel,' which accurately captures the literal sense, but metaphorical or visionary uses may involve imagery of movement or rotation beyond basic technology. The term does not carry mechanical or technical specificity (such as types of wheels) as may be implied in later periods. In Daniel, the cultural setting is exilic/post-exilic, and Aramaic is used as the literary language for certain passages, reflecting broader imperial linguistic trends rather than strictly Israelite tradition.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

(Aramaic) corresponding to גַּלְגַּל; a wheel; wheel.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

גלל (g-l-l) — to roll, to revolve, to turn

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1530 גַּל rolled heap
H1534 גַּלְגַּל in the rolling-wheel
H1536 גִּלְגָּל Rolling-Circle
H1537 גִּלְגָּל in Gilgal
H1538 גֻּלְגֹּלֶת his skull

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H1535-01 גַּלְגִּלּ֖וֹ/הִי galegilohi ANcmpc/Sp3ms its wheels his wheels 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H1535-01 Daniel 7:9 גַּלְגִּלּ֖וֹ/הִי galegilohi ANcmpc/Sp3ms its wheels his wheels
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