גָּלַם

to fold

Definition

The Hebrew verb גָּלַם (gâlam) means 'to fold' or 'to wrap up.' It describes the specific action of folding or rolling something together, often a garment or cloth. In its sole biblical occurrence, it refers to Elijah folding his mantle before striking the Jordan River (2 Kings 2:8). The action is preparatory and symbolic, setting the stage for a miraculous event. No other distinct meanings or senses are attested for this word in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in 2 Kings 2:8. The context is the prophetic narrative of Elijah and Elisha, where Elijah takes his mantle, folds it (וַיִּגְלֹם, wayyiḡlom), and strikes the water to divide the Jordan River. The usage is highly specific, describing a deliberate physical action performed with a prophet's garment immediately before a miracle. It appears only in this historical/prophetic book.

Etymology

גָּלַם (gâlam) is considered a primitive root in Hebrew. Its core meaning relates to folding or wrapping. Cognates in other Semitic languages, such as Arabic and Aramaic, support this sense of 'rolling' or 'wrapping up.' The word does not have a widely attested complex derivational history but remains a straightforward action verb.

Semantic Range

While the word itself simply means 'to fold,' its single use is theologically significant. In 2 Kings 2:8, Elijah's act of folding his mantle is the immediate prelude to replicating the miracle of the parted Jordan, echoing the authority of Moses and Joshua. This action symbolically prepares the instrument (the mantle) that will later be passed to Elisha, representing the transfer of prophetic authority and power. Understanding this specific Hebrew term highlights the intentional, ritual-like nature of the prophet's actions in this pivotal narrative.

In the ancient Near East, a prophet's mantle or cloak was not merely clothing but a symbol of his office, identity, and divine authority. The act of deliberately folding such a garment before using it to perform a miracle would have been seen as a significant, purposeful gesture. It may have been a practical way to handle the cloth effectively, but in this narrative context, it carries symbolic weight, distinguishing it from a casual, everyday action.

חָבַשׁ (ḥāḇaš, H2280) — to bind or wrap tightly, often for bandaging or girding. עָטָה (ʿāṭâ, H5844) — to wrap or cover oneself, as with a garment. כָּרַע (kāraʿ, H3766) — to bend or kneel, a different type of folding related to the body.

Word Details

Scripture References