Lexical Summary galam: To cover, to wrap, to enclose Original Word: גָּלַם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wrap together A primitive root; to fold -- wrap together. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to wrap up, fold, fold together NASB Translation folded it together (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [גָּלַם] verb wrap up, fold, fold together (Late Hebrew id., Aramaic in derivatives) — Qal Imperfect וַיִּגְלֹם 2 Kings 2:8 וַיִּקַּח אֵלִיָּהוּ אֶתאַֿדַּרְתּוֺ וַיִּגְלֹם. Topical Lexicon Biblical occurrence 2 Kings 2:8 records the sole appearance of גָּלַם. “Then Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters. They were divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground” (Berean Standard Bible). The verb describes the prophet’s deliberate “rolling up” of his mantle immediately before the miraculous parting of the Jordan River. Narrative context: Elijah’s final acts The scene stands at the climax of Elijah’s earthly ministry. By rolling the mantle, the prophet prepares a symbolic and practical instrument through which the Lord will replicate the crossing miracles of Moses (Exodus 14:21) and Joshua (Joshua 3:14-17). The action leads directly to Elijah’s ascension, Elisha’s succession, and the transit of prophetic authority. Symbolism of the rolled mantle • Authority transferred. When Elijah later ascends, the mantle falls to Elisha (2 Kings 2:13-14), marking an unbroken prophetic office. Theological themes linked to the idea of “rolling” or “wrapping” 1. Readiness for divine action: Elijah’s quick preparation of his cloak pictures a servant poised for obedience (compare Exodus 12:11). Historical and cultural insights Prophetic mantles were typically heavy outer garments made of animal hair or rough cloth, visible tokens of a prophet’s calling (Zechariah 13:4). Rolling such a garment tightens the fabric into a makeshift staff or rod, reminiscent of Moses’ staff—which the Lord repeatedly turned into a tool of judgment and salvation (Exodus 4:17). Prophetic and messianic echoes Malachi 4:5 promises Elijah’s return “before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.” John the Baptist, ministering “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17), stands beside the same Jordan that Elijah crossed, calling Israel to repentance. The rolled mantle thus prefigures the prophetic authority that heralds Messiah’s advent. Practical ministry applications • Spiritual preparation: Believers must “roll up” every gift God entrusts to them, ready for decisive obedience. Summary Although גָּלַם appears only once, its placement at a pivotal redemptive moment amplifies its importance. Elijah’s rolled mantle embodies readiness, authority, and continuity in God’s saving work—truths that resonate throughout Scripture and remain vital for contemporary discipleship. Forms and Transliterations וַיִּגְלֹם֙ ויגלם vaiyigLom way·yiḡ·lōm wayyiḡlōmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Kings 2:8 HEB: אֶת־ אַדַּרְתּ֤וֹ וַיִּגְלֹם֙ וַיַּכֶּ֣ה אֶת־ NAS: his mantle and folded it together and struck KJV: his mantle, and wrapped [it] together, and smote INT: Elijah his mantle and folded and struck the waters 1 Occurrence |
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