גֻּלָּה (gul.lah)
gul.lah
bowl
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun gulah refers to a bowl, basin, or spring. In the biblical text, it describes vessels used for holding liquids or light, appearing in nine verses across Judges, Joshua, and II Chronicles.
Its meaning is concrete: a hollowed-out container. The sources note its use for lamp bowls and the bowl-shaped tops of temple pillars, highlighting its role in daily life and sacred architecture. It denotes a physical object designed to hold or support, rather than an abstract concept.
The word shares a root with gol (H1531), emphasizing its connection to round, hollow forms. Translators typically render it as "bowl" or "basin," preserving the tangible nature of the item. This clarity helps readers visualize the objects mentioned in historical and ritual contexts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gulah describes a concrete vessel—a bowl or basin designed to hold something valuable. In the ancient world, these were not mere decorations but functional items essential for daily life and worship. They held oil for light, water for cleansing, or offerings for God. This tangible reality reminds us that our faith is lived out in physical, everyday actions.
Scripture uses this image to describe both the grandeur of Solomon’s Temple and the fragility of human life. The golden bowl on the lampstand in Zechariah’s vision symbolizes God’s enduring presence and light. Conversely, Ecclesiastes warns that even the strongest vessels can break. This contrast invites us to trust in the One who provides true light and sustenance, rather than relying on our own fragile strength.
When we feel weak or uncertain, we can look to the imagery of the lampstand. The bowl holds the oil that feeds the flame. Similarly, God holds us in His care. We do not need to generate our own light; we simply need to remain connected to Him. This simple truth offers comfort in times of darkness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- springs4×
- [the] bowls of4×
- springs of2×
- the/ bowl1×
- and/ the/ bowls1×
- and/ a bowl1×
- and/ [the] bowls of1×
- [the] bowl of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גֻּלֹּ֣ת6×
- גֻּלֹּ֥ת2×
- גֻּלּ֣וֹת2×
- וְ/הַ/גֻּלּ֧וֹת1×
- וְ/גֻלֹּ֧ת1×
- וְ/גֻלָּ֣הּ1×
- הַ/גֻּלָּ֔ה1×
- גֻּלַּ֣ת1×
Key Verses
-
Zechariah 4:2
He said to me, “What do you see?” I said, “I have seen, and behold, a lamp stand all of gold, with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven lamps on it; there are seven pipes to each of the lamps which are on the top of it;
This verse uses the bowl as part of a vision of divine provision, showing how God sustains His people through visible signs of His Spirit.
-
Ecclesiastes 12:6
before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the spring, or the wheel broken at the cistern,
Here the broken golden bowl symbolizes the end of life’s vitality, reminding readers of the fragility of earthly existence and the need for eternal hope.
-
I Kings 7:41
the two pillars; the two bowls of the capitals that were on the top of the pillars; the two networks to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the top of the pillars;
The bowls on the temple pillars highlight the beauty and order of God’s dwelling place, reflecting His glory in sacred architecture.