צְלוּל

צְלוּל

a (round or flattened) cake

Definition

The Hebrew noun צְלוּל (tsᵉlûwl) refers to a type of cake or loaf, likely round or flattened in shape. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Judges 7:13, where it describes a cake of barley bread tumbling into the Midianite camp in a dream. The word's derivation from a root meaning 'to roll' suggests its form was shaped by rolling or was perceived as a round object. While its single occurrence limits detailed semantic range, its context clearly identifies it as a portable, edible bread product.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only in Judges 7:13. It appears in the narrative of Gideon, within the dream of a Midianite soldier. The context is symbolic: a 'cake of barley bread' (צְלוּל שְׂעֹרִים) rolls into the camp and strikes a tent, causing it to collapse. This singular usage is part of a divine sign given to assure Gideon of victory. No other patterns exist, as it is a hapax legomenon (a word occurring only once).

Etymology

צְלוּל derives from the root צָלַל (tsâlal, H6749), which carries the basic meaning 'to roll' or 'to roll up.' The noun form thus denotes something that is rolled, likely referring to the method of shaping the dough into a round cake. This connection to a physical action (rolling) is typical for Hebrew words describing manufactured items. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to round or rolled objects.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, bread was a dietary staple, and various forms of cakes or loaves were common. A צְלוּל, as a barley cake, would have been considered a humble food, as barley was less prized than wheat. Its appearance in the dream in Judges 7:13 as an instrument of divine symbolism—a simple, common item overthrowing a military camp—highlights a key biblical theme: God often uses the weak and ordinary to accomplish His purposes, contrasting human and divine strength. לֶחֶם (lechem, H3899) — the general term for bread or food. כִּכָּר (kikkār, H3603) — a round loaf or cake, often larger (e.g., 1 Samuel 2:36). עֻגָה (ʿuggâh, H5692) — a flat cake or disc baked on a griddle (e.g., Genesis 18:6).

Word Details