גָּלַל

גָּלַל

to roll (literally or figuratively)

Definition

The Hebrew verb גָּלַל (gâlal) fundamentally means 'to roll' in both literal and figurative senses. Literally, it describes the physical rolling of a stone, as when Jacob rolls the stone from the well's mouth in Genesis 29:3, 8, 10. Figuratively, it extends to concepts of removal, such as rolling away reproach (Joshua 5:9) or rolling a great stone as a seal or memorial (Joshua 10:18, 2 Samuel 20:12). In some contexts, it takes on a more abstract meaning of committing or entrusting something, as seen in Psalm 37:5 (though not in the provided references), or even wallowing, as in Jeremiah 6:26.

Biblical Usage

גָּלַל is used 18 times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative books like Genesis, Joshua, and Samuel. Its usage is concrete, often involving stones: rolling them to access water (Genesis 29), using them as covers or seals (Joshua 10:18, 2 Samuel 20:12), or as symbols for removing disgrace (Joshua 5:9). In Genesis 43:18, it appears in the phrase 'seek occasion against us,' showing a derived sense of something being 'rolled' or brought upon someone. The verb consistently portrays an action that changes the position or state of an object, whether physical or metaphorical.

Etymology

גָּלַל is a primitive root, likely imitative of a rolling motion. It is related to nouns like גַּל (gal, H1530) meaning 'heap' or 'wave,' and גְּלִיל (gᵊlîyl, H1550) meaning 'circuit' or 'region,' both conveying a sense of something rounded or circular. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, such as Akkadian 'galālu' (to roll). The core meaning of circular motion expanded to include removal (rolling away) and entrustment (rolling onto another).

Semantic Range

גָּלַל is theologically significant in contexts where God acts to 'roll away' human disgrace or judgment, most notably in Joshua 5:9 where God rolls away the reproach of Egypt from Israel. This action symbolizes divine forgiveness and a fresh start, prefiguring New Testament themes of redemption. The rolling of stones also appears in burial contexts (e.g., Matthew 28:2 echoes this imagery with the resurrection), linking the verb to concepts of sealing and opening divinely ordained transitions. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting God's active, tangible intervention in human affairs. In ancient Israelite culture, heavy stones were commonly used to seal wells (Genesis 29), tombs, or to mark significant sites (Joshua 10:18, 2 Samuel 20:12). Rolling such a stone required communal effort, making Jacob's solo action in Genesis 29 notable. The act of 'rolling away' a reproach (Joshua 5:9) would be understood as a public, irreversible removal of shame, akin to physically displacing a burdensome object. This contrasts with modern abstract notions of forgiveness, emphasizing a visible, concrete change in status. סָבַב (sāḇaḇ, H5437) — to turn around or surround, focusing on circular motion rather than linear rolling; הָפַךְ (hāp̄aḵ, H2015) — to overturn or overthrow, implying a more violent or complete reversal than a controlled roll.

Word Details