גְּלָל
𐤂𐤋𐤋
gᵉlâl
H1560 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Object of great size or significance, especially a large stone, often with emphasis on physical mass or magnitude. The term designates specifically something notable for its weight or bulk, rather than other forms of greatness (such as number or status). In most contexts in biblical Aramaic, it refers to a great stone.
Semantic Range
large stone, object of great weight, something rolled or capable of being rolled (by virtue of size), great object (physically), great in magnitude
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Aramaic root גלל, which corresponds to the Hebrew root גָּלַל (galal), meaning 'to roll.' The nominal form גְּלָל (gelal) thus refers to that which is rolled—commonly a large, heavy stone. This derivation connects the root sense ('to roll') with an object of sufficient mass that it would typically be moved by rolling.
Historical & Contextual Notes
גְּלָל appears in biblical Aramaic texts (notably in Daniel), where it signifies a large stone—specifically, a stone used as a seal or to cover an opening (e.g., Daniel 6:18[17]). Unlike Hebrew terms such as אֶבֶן (ʾeven, 'stone' generally) or סֶלַע (selaʿ, 'rock, crag'), גְּלָל emphasizes the stone’s size and the act of rolling, implying that it is too large to be carried by hand. English translations often use 'great stone' or 'large stone,' which reflects the primary sense but may underplay the term's etymological link to rolling. The term does not carry broader senses of 'greatness' regarding status or honor, but refers specifically to physical size or weight. The usage does not shift significantly across biblical Aramaic texts, as its occurrences are limited and contextually consistent. There is no direct evidence of the term referring to greatness in number or status. In later Aramaic or related dialects, derivative forms may take on related senses, but in biblical Aramaic, the meaning remains focused on physical mass.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to גָּלַל; weight or size (as if rolled); great.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גלל (g-l-l) — to roll, to roll away, to be round, to move by rolling
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1530 | גַּל | rolled heap |
| H1534 | גַּלְגַּל | in the rolling-wheel |
| H1535 | גַּלְגַּל | his wheels |
| H1536 | גִּלְגָּל | Rolling-Circle |
| H1537 | גִּלְגָּל | in Gilgal |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1560-01 |
גְּלָ֔ל | gelal | ANcmsa |
large | massive stone | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences