Lexical Summary megillah: Scroll, Roll, Book Original Word: מְגִלָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance roll (Aramaic) corresponding to mgillah -- roll. see HEBREW mgillah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to megillah Definition a scroll NASB Translation scroll (1). Topical Lexicon Definition and Physical Description The noun מְגִלָּה (megillah) denotes a rolled document, commonly rendered “scroll.” In the ancient Near East, legal and religious texts were written on prepared animal skins or papyrus sheets that were sewn together and rolled from both ends. When opened, the writing appeared in columns perpendicular to the length of the roll, read from right to left. A scroll could be sealed with clay impressions or tied with cords to ensure authenticity and security (Isaiah 29:11; Jeremiah 32:10–14). Scriptural Context The single occurrence of מְגִלָּה in the Hebrew canon lies in Ezra 6:2, where a “scroll” is discovered in the fortress of Ecbatana containing Cyrus’s decree for rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. This discovery validated the Jews’ work, overcoming local opposition and confirming divine providence at a pivotal moment in redemptive history. Though Ezra alone employs מְגִלָּה with this spelling, cognate words for scrolls pervade Scripture (e.g., Psalm 40:7; Jeremiah 36; Ezekiel 2:9–3:3), demonstrating the centrality of written revelation. Historical Background During the Persian period, royal archives preserved official edicts on scrolls. Archaeological finds—such as the Persepolis Fortification Tablets—attest to meticulous record-keeping. Ezra 6:2 reflects this practice, showing that imperial policy could be retrieved years later to support covenant purposes. The presence of the decree in a foreign stronghold underscores God’s sovereignty over nations (Proverbs 21:1). Theological Significance 1. Vindication of God’s People: The scroll in Ezra authenticated the divine mandate given through Cyrus (Isaiah 44:28–45:13). Scripture highlights how written records protect the faithful and expose opponents (Esther 6:1). Ministry Applications • Authority of Written Scripture: Ezra’s reliance on a discovered scroll encourages believers to seek confirmation of doctrine and practice in the inscripturated word (Acts 17:11). Related Passages for Study Ezra 6:1-12; 2 Chronicles 34:14-18; Psalm 40:7; Jeremiah 36:1-32; Ezekiel 2:9-3:3; Zechariah 5:1-4; Luke 4:16-21; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Revelation 5:1-10. Forms and Transliterations מְגִלָּ֣ה מגלה mə·ḡil·lāh megilLah məḡillāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 6:2 HEB: בְּמָדַ֥י מְדִינְתָּ֖ה מְגִלָּ֣ה חֲדָ֑ה וְכֵן־ NAS: of Media, a scroll was found KJV: a roll, and therein INT: of Media the province A scroll a follows 1 Occurrence |
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