גַּלִּים

𐤂𐤋𐤉𐤌

Galim

H1554 noun

SILEX Entry

Root גל to roll, heap up, mound, wave, spring

Definition

Gallim; a toponym meaning 'heaps, waves, springs,' derived from the plural form of the root 'gal.' Refers specifically to a locality mentioned in biblical narratives, characterized by geographical features such as mounds or rising land forms, or possibly places associated with water springs or wave-like undulations in the landscape.

Semantic Range

mound, heap, pile of stones, wave, spring (of water), place characterized by mounds or springs, toponym Gallim

Root / Etymology

From the root גל (gal), meaning 'heap, mound; wave, billow.' The word גַּלִּים (Gallîm) is the plural form, suggesting 'heaps,' 'waves,' or 'springs.' Used as a place name, it likely marks a location notable for such physical features.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, גַּלִּים (Gallîm) appears as a geographical name: for example, a locality assigned to the territory of Benjamin (Isaiah 10:30), and possibly referenced in relation to Michal's husband Phalti (1 Samuel 25:44). The exact identification of the site is debated, with some suggesting connections to topography marked by mounds or natural springs. The plural form generally implies abundance or multiplicity of the root feature (gathered stones, springs, or undulating land). In translation traditions (e.g., KJV), 'Gallim' is simply carried over as a place name; the deeper physical association is generally lost in English text. Unlike the English term 'Gallim,' which lacks any topographical connotation, the Hebrew suggests a meaningful relationship to landscape features. The term does not carry later religious or ethnic connotations and refers only to the ancient location.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

plural of גַּל; springs; Gallim, a place in Palestine; Gallim.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

גל (g-l) — roll, heap up, mound, wave, spring

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H1554-01 גַּלִּ֑ים galim HNp of Gallim Heaps 1
H1554-02 מִ/גַּלִּֽים migalim HR/Np from Gallim from Heaps 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H1554-02 1 Samuel 25:44 מִ/גַּלִּֽים migalim HR/Np from Gallim from Heaps
H1554-01 Isaiah 10:30 גַּלִּ֑ים galim HNp of Gallim Heaps