Lexical Summary galil: Galilee, rings, rods Original Word: גָּלִיל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Galilee Or (prolonged) Galiylah {gaw-lee-law'}; the same as galiyl; a circle (with the article); Galil (as a special circuit) in the North of Palestine -- Galilee. see HEBREW galiyl NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom galal Definition a cylinder, rod, circuit, district, also a district in Pal. NASB Translation Galilee (5), rings (1), rods (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. גָּלִיל noun masculine cylinder, rod, circuit, district; — 1 cylinder, rod, only plural construct גְּלִילֵי כֶסֶף Esther 1:6 of support of rich hangings ("" עַמּוּדֵי שֵׁשׁ); & גְּלִילֵי זָהָב מְמֻלָּאִים בַּתַּרְשִׁישׁ Songs 5:14, simile of (? fingers of) hands: cylinders of gold set with topaz. 2 circuit, district, on northern border of Israel in Naphtali (see below), population largely heathen (Late Hebrew id. Aramaic גְּלִילָא, proper name, of a location always with article Joshua 20:7; Joshua 21:32; 1 Chronicles 6:61 all ׳קֶדֶשׁ בַּגּ; ׳אֶרֶץ הַגּ 1 Kings 9:11, so also ᵐ5 Joshua 12:23 (compare Di) for גִּלְגַּל q. v.; הַגָּלִ֫ילָה Galilee, 2 Kings 15:29 ("" אֶרֶ֖ נַפְתָּלִי) Ew§ 173 h n Sta§ 308 a 2 Ges§ 90 f. Topical Lexicon Names and MeaningGalil conveys the idea of a “ring” or “district,” ultimately yielding the English “Galilee.” The word points to a well-defined, yet spacious, northern territory that became both the backdrop of Israel’s earlier tribal life and the home base of Messiah’s earthly ministry. Geographical Setting Lying between the Jezreel Valley and the Lebanese ranges, and bordered eastward by the Sea of Galilee and the upper Jordan, Galil combines fertile volcanic soil, ample rainfall, and major trade arteries. These natural gifts made the region agriculturally rich and geopolitically coveted, explaining its repeated appearance in diplomatic dealings, prophetic warnings, and redemptive promises. Biblical Occurrences • Joshua 20:7 – “So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali…”. The first reference links Galil with a city of refuge, underscoring God’s provision of mercy amid Israel’s settlement. Historical Development Tribal Period: Naphtali’s rugged uplands fostered a mixed population, as complete conquest proved elusive (see Judges 1:33). United Monarchy: David drew troops from the area; Solomon used it in foreign policy, indicating both productivity and strategic worth. Exilic Trauma: Assyria’s invasion emptied the land of many Israelites, introducing Gentile resettlements that gave rise to “Galilee of the nations.” Second Temple Era: A strong Jewish populace re-emerged, marked by zeal for Scripture and anticipation of deliverance—soil ready for Gospel seed. Strategic Significance Agricultural Hub: Galil’s grain, figs, olives, and vineyards sustained both northern and southern kingdoms. Military Gateway: Whoever held Galil controlled approaches from Phoenicia and Aram; its fall signaled national vulnerability. Levitical Presence: The city of refuge and priestly towns broadcast God’s law and grace into a pluralistic setting, prefiguring the later ministry of Jesus. Prophetic and Messianic Import Isaiah’s promise materializes when Jesus settles in Capernaum: “The people living in darkness have seen a great light” (Matthew 4:16). From Galilee He calls disciples, heals the sick, calms storms, and delivers kingdom teaching. The resurrected Lord commissions His followers from a Galilean mountain (Matthew 28:16-20), turning the once-humbled district into the launchpad of worldwide mission. Lessons for Discipleship 1. God redeems neglected places; what was humbled is honored. Summary Galil’s six Old Testament mentions sketch a trajectory from tribal allotment through exile to prophetic hope. By the New Testament era, the same hills and lakes witness the incarnate Word, proving Scripture’s unified storyline and God’s unbroken commitment to shine light where shadows once prevailed. Forms and Transliterations בַּגָּלִ֤יל בַּגָּלִיל֙ בגליל גְּלִ֖יל גליל הַגָּלִ֔ילָה הַגָּלִֽיל׃ הגליל׃ הגלילה bag·gā·lîl baggaLil baggālîl gə·lîl geLil gəlîl hag·gā·lî·lāh hag·gā·lîl haggaLil haggālîl haggaLilah haggālîlāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 20:7 HEB: אֶת־ קֶ֤דֶשׁ בַּגָּלִיל֙ בְּהַ֣ר נַפְתָּלִ֔י NAS: Kedesh in Galilee in the hill KJV: Kedesh in Galilee in mount INT: set Kedesh Galilee the hill of Naphtali Joshua 21:32 1 Kings 9:11 2 Kings 15:29 1 Chronicles 6:76 Isaiah 9:1 6 Occurrences |
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) — גְּלִיל הַגּוֺיִם