גֻּלָּה

גֻּלָּה

a fountain, bowl or globe (all as round)

Definition

The Hebrew noun גֻּלָּה (gullâh) refers to a round object, with its specific meaning determined by context. In architectural descriptions of Solomon's Temple, it denotes the 'bowls' or rounded capitals atop the pillars (1 Kings 7:41-42, 2 Chronicles 4:12-13). In Zechariah 4:2, it describes the 'bowl' of a lampstand. In a different context, it refers to a 'spring' or 'fountain' of water, as seen in the story of Achsah's request (Joshua 15:19, Judges 1:15). Finally, in Ecclesiastes 12:6, it is used poetically for the 'golden bowl' (a metaphor for life) that is broken at death.

Biblical Usage

גֻּלָּה is used in three primary contexts across nine Old Testament occurrences. It appears most frequently (five times) in descriptions of the Temple's bronze pillars, referring to their ornate, bowl-shaped capitals (1 Kings 7:41-42; 2 Chronicles 4:12-13). Twice, it refers to a water source or 'spring' in a narrative about land inheritance (Joshua 15:19; Judges 1:15). It also appears once in prophetic vision (Zechariah 4:2) as part of a lampstand and once in poetic wisdom literature (Ecclesiastes 12:6) as a metaphor.

Etymology

Derived from the root גָּלַל (gālal, H1556), meaning 'to roll' or 'to be round.' This root gives the word its core sense of roundness or circularity. It is a feminine noun, and related words include גַּל (gal, H1530), meaning 'heap' or 'wave,' and גִּלְגָּל (gilgāl, H1536), meaning 'wheel,' all sharing the concept of circular motion or form.

Semantic Range

While primarily a descriptive term, גֻּלָּה gains theological weight in its contexts. The 'bowls' in the Temple point to God's ordained beauty and craftsmanship in worship (1 Kings 7). The 'spring' represents God's provision and blessing in the Promised Land (Joshua 15:19). Most significantly, in Ecclesiastes 12:6, the breaking of the 'golden bowl' is a powerful metaphor for the end of human life, underscoring the book's theme of life's fragility and the certainty of death, directing readers to fear God. In its architectural sense, the 'bowl' (gullâh) was a specific, ornate component of monumental pillars in ancient Near Eastern temples and palaces, signifying importance and stability. As a 'spring,' it represented a vital, life-sustaining resource in the arid climate of Canaan, making it a highly valuable element of a land inheritance. The poetic use in Ecclesiastes draws on the image of a precious, delicate vessel to symbolize a human life. מַעְיָן (maʿyān, H4599) — a spring or fountain (more common general term for a water source). כִּיּוֹר (kîyôr, H3595) — a basin or laver (often larger, for ritual washing). אֲגַן (ʾăḡan, H101) — a basin or bowl (for holding liquid, often in ritual contexts).

Word Details