גָּלִיל
𐤂𐤋𐤉𐤋
Galil
H1551 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A district or region characterized by circular boundaries, most notably referring to the area known as Galil (Galilee) in northern ancient Israel. The term primarily indicates a geographic region or circuit, sometimes implying a distinct, bounded area. In biblical usage, it often serves as the proper name for the territory north of the Jezreel Valley, inhabited variously by Israelites and non-Israelites, but may also mean a 'district,' 'region,' or 'circuit' elsewhere.
Semantic Range
circle, circuit, region, district; proper noun for the northern district of Galil/Galilee; area with circular or defined borders
Root / Etymology
From the root גלל (galal), meaning 'to roll,' conveying the idea of something circular, round, or encircled. The word גָּלִיל (Galil) likely developed from the sense of 'circle' or 'circuit,' extending metaphorically to a 'region' or 'district' whose borders encircle an area. The form גָּלִילָה (Galilah) is a longer variant with the same etymological background.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, גָּלִיל most notably refers to the region north of the Jezreel Valley, encompassing tribal allocations such as Naphtali and Zebulun. During the monarchic period, it was often a contact zone between Israelites and neighboring peoples. The territory is referenced in prophetic and narrative texts, sometimes as a region lacking the full Israelite character of areas farther south. In post-exilic and Second Temple literature, 'Galil' became more clearly a defined region with mixed populations. English translations as 'Galilee' reflect later traditions; in early periods, the term often simply denoted a circuit, region, or district. Usage contrasts with terms like מִדְרָשׁ (midrash, precinct/region) or חֶבֶל (chevel, measuring cord/region, often with connotations of allotted territory). The term's meaning expanded from a physical 'encircled' area to a specific regional identity over time.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
or (prolonged) גָּלִילָה; the same as גָּלִיל; a circle (with the article); Galil (as a special circuit) in the North of Palestine; Galilee.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been recorded for this word yet.
Root Family
גלל (g-l-l) — to roll, encircle, make round
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1530 | גַּל | rolled heap |
| H1534 | גַּלְגַּל | in the rolling-wheel |
| H1535 | גַּלְגַּל | his wheels |
| H1536 | גִּלְגָּל | Rolling-Circle |
| H1537 | גִּלְגָּל | in Gilgal |
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1551-01 |
בַּ/גָּלִיל֙ | bagalil | HRd/Np |
in Galilee | in the Galil Circuit | in Galil | 3 |
H1551-04 |
הַ/גָּלִ֔ילָ/ה | hagalilah | HTd/Np/Sd |
Galilee | the Galil Circuit | the Galil | 1 |
H1551-03 |
הַ/גָּלִֽיל | hagalil | HTd/Np |
of Galilee | the Encircled District | the Galil | 1 |
H1551-02 |
גְּלִ֖יל | gelil | HNp |
Galilee | Galil Circuit | Galil | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1551-01 |
Joshua 20:7 | בַּ/גָּלִיל֙ | bagalil | HRd/Np |
in Galilee | in the Galil Circuit | in Galil |
H1551-01 |
Joshua 21:32 | בַּ/גָּלִ֤יל | bagalil | HRd/Np |
in Galilee | in the Galil Circuit | in Galil |
H1551-03 |
1 Kings 9:11 | הַ/גָּלִֽיל | hagalil | HTd/Np |
of Galilee | the Encircled District | the Galil |
H1551-04 |
2 Kings 15:29 | הַ/גָּלִ֔ילָ/ה | hagalilah | HTd/Np/Sd |
Galilee | the Galil Circuit | the Galil |
H1551-02 |
Isaiah 8:23 | גְּלִ֖יל | gelil | HNp |
Galilee | Galil Circuit | Galil |
H1551-01 |
1 Chronicles 6:61 | בַּ/גָּלִיל֙ | bagalil | HRd/Np |
in-the-Galilee | in the Galil Circuit | in Galil |