גְּלָל

גְּלָל

weight or size (as if rolled)

Definition

The Hebrew noun גְּלָל (gᵉlâl) refers to something of great weight or size, derived from the imagery of something rolled together, thus implying mass or bulk. In its two biblical occurrences in Ezra, it describes the large, heavy stones used in the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Specifically, in Ezra 5:8, it denotes the 'great stones' being set in the temple's structure, and in Ezra 6:4, it refers to the 'large stones' mandated for the construction by King Darius's decree. The word consistently conveys the sense of substantial, massive building materials, emphasizing the scale and solidity of the project.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Ezra, appearing only twice in the Old Testament. It is employed in official administrative correspondence and decrees regarding the reconstruction of the temple. In both Ezra 5:8 and Ezra 6:4, it describes the specific construction materials—large stones—highlighting the substantial nature and perhaps the costliness or durability of the work being reported and authorized.

Etymology

The word גְּלָל is of Aramaic origin, derived from a root corresponding to the Hebrew root גָּלַל (gālal, H1556), which means 'to roll'. This connection suggests the core idea of something rolled together into a mass, hence developing the meaning of 'weight' or 'size'. It is a cognate that entered the biblical text within the Aramaic sections, reflecting the linguistic context of the Persian period.

Semantic Range

While גְּלָל itself is a technical term for construction material, its use in Ezra carries theological significance. It underscores the faithfulness in fulfilling God's command to rebuild the temple with quality and substantial resources, as authorized by pagan kings (Ezra 6:3-5). This detail highlights God's sovereignty in moving even foreign rulers to provide for His worship and the restoration of His people, emphasizing that the work was done properly and durably, reflecting the importance of the temple itself. In the ancient Near Eastern context, especially in monumental construction, the size and quality of stones were direct indicators of a building's importance, durability, and the resources invested. The specification of 'great stones' (גְּלָל) in an official Persian decree (Ezra 6:4) aligns with royal building practices, signaling that this temple project was sanctioned and supported at the highest imperial level, granting it legitimacy and prestige in the eyes of the surrounding peoples. אֶבֶן (ʾeven, H68) — The general Hebrew word for 'stone'; גְּלָל specifies large, heavy stones. כָּבֵד (kāḇēḏ, H3515) — An adjective meaning 'heavy' or 'weighty'; גְּלָל is a noun focusing on the object's massive nature.

Word Details