Lexical Summary galil: turned on pivots Original Word: גָּלִיל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance folding, ring From galal; a valve of a folding door (as turning); also a ring (as round) -- folding, ring. see HEBREW galal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom galal Definition a turning, folding NASB Translation turned on pivots (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. [גָּלִיל] adjective turning, folding (= revolving), plural גְּלִילִים of leaves of doors 1 Kings 6:34 (twice in verse). Topical Lexicon Definition and Range of Meaning גָּלִיל points to something round or cylindrical—door-leaves that pivot, rods on which fabric is hung, or ornamental bars likened to gold. The underlying idea is a solid, often polished, turning or supporting element in architecture, furnishings, or poetic imagery. Occurrences in Scripture • 1 Kings 6:34 (twice) – describing the folding leaves of the temple doors. Historical and Architectural Context 1. Temple Construction (1 Kings 6:34) Solomon’s craftsmen fitted the doors of the inner sanctuary with four folding leaves. These pivots allowed the massive cedar gateway to open smoothly, preserving sacred space while providing access for priestly ministry. The mention of the turning leaves underscores the ingenuity invested in the house “built for the Name of the LORD” and helps the reader picture its function and grandeur. 2. Persian Court Luxury (Esther 1:6) At Ahasuerus’ feast, linen and purple curtains hung from silver גָּלִילִים mounted on marble pillars. The rods display the opulence of the empire and set the stage for the subsequent clash between regal pride and divine providence. The very fixtures that flaunted royal wealth furnish indirect testimony to the greater sovereignty God will soon exert on behalf of His covenant people. 3. Poetic Praise of the Beloved (Song of Solomon 5:14) In the bride’s lavish description, “His arms are rods of gold set with beryl”. The image communicates strength, splendor, and preciousness. The cylindrical shape suggests firmness, while the gold and precious stone point to worth. In the larger canonical context, many readers see a foreshadowing of the Messiah whose strong, nail-pierced arms accomplish redemption. Symbolic and Theological Reflections • Strength and Stability – Whether holding up curtains or forming door-leaves, גָּלִיל supports weight and grants movement without collapse. It pictures the Lord’s unshakeable faithfulness that sustains His people (Psalm 55:22). Practical Ministry Applications 1. Craftsmanship for God’s House The artisanship implied by גָּלִיל encourages believers to pursue excellence in any task offered to the Lord—whether building, music, or hospitality (Colossians 3:23–24). Esther’s banquet setting, though pagan, prompts Christians to host gatherings that honor God, using material resources to bless others and point them toward divine grace (1 Peter 4:9–11). Song of Solomon 5:14 invites couples to esteem physical and emotional attributes within covenant boundaries, fostering admiration that mirrors Christ’s love for the church. Rods of gold are powerful yet ornamented. Likewise, spiritual strength should be exercised with holiness and beauty (2 Timothy 2:21). Christological Insight Temple doors hint at the One who said, “Behold, I have set before you an open door that no one can shut” (Revelation 3:8). Silver rods in Persia contrast with the salvific silver of redemption (1 Peter 1:18–19). Golden arms in the Song anticipate the resurrected Lord whose arms remain mighty to save (Isaiah 59:1). Summary גָּלִיל weaves together craftsmanship, royalty, love, and redemption. In doors that turn, rods that uphold, and poetic praise, the term underscores God-given strength employed for beauty, access, and covenant faithfulness—ultimately directing hearts to the perfect union of power and grace in Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations גְּלִ֥ילֵי גְּלִילִ֔ים גְּלִילִֽים׃ גְּלִילֵ֣י גלילי גלילים גלילים׃ gə·lî·lê gə·lî·lîm gəlîlê geLilei geliLim gəlîlîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 6:34 HEB: הַדֶּ֤לֶת הָֽאַחַת֙ גְּלִילִ֔ים וּשְׁנֵ֧י קְלָעִ֛ים NAS: door turned on pivots, KJV: door [were] folding, and the two INT: door of the one turned and the two leaves 1 Kings 6:34 Esther 1:6 Songs 5:14 4 Occurrences |
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