גִּלָּיוֹן (gil.la.von)
gil.la.von
tablet
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun gilayon refers to a flat, polished surface, typically rendered as "tablet" or "mirror" in English translations. Its core meaning centers on smoothness and reflectivity, suggesting an object made of metal or stone that has been worked until it shines. In the ancient world, such surfaces were valuable personal items used for grooming, allowing one to see their own reflection clearly.
This word appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in Isaiah. In Isaiah 3:23, it is listed among the fine garments and jewelry of wealthy women, standing alongside rings and scarves as a luxury item. Later, in Isaiah 45:3, God promises to give "the treasures of darkness" to Cyrus, including gilayon, which some translations interpret as mirrors or polished metal plates. The context suggests these were not merely functional objects but symbols of status and wealth.
While the word is rare, its usage highlights the cultural value placed on personal appearance and material prosperity in ancient Israel. The distinction between a simple mirror and a decorative tablet depends on context, but both imply a surface designed to catch light and reveal an image. This focus on reflection connects the physical object to broader themes of visibility and honor in the biblical text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gilayon describes a polished surface, often translated as a mirror or a tablet. In Isaiah 3:23, it appears among the luxury items of wealthy women, reflecting the cultural value placed on personal appearance and status. These objects were not merely functional but served as symbols of honor and prosperity in ancient Israel.
Yet this imagery also points to something deeper. When God speaks of giving treasures to Cyrus in Isaiah 45:3, the mention of gilayon suggests that even material wealth can be part of a larger divine plan. The reflectivity of these surfaces reminds us that our lives are meant to catch light and reveal truth, not just for ourselves but for those around us.
In your own journey, consider how you use what you have been given. Whether it is talent, resources, or influence, gilayon invites you to look closely at how these gifts might reflect God’s character in the world. This simple object encourages humility and purpose, reminding us that true value lies not in possession but in faithful stewardship.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ the/ mirrors1×
- a tablet1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/הַ/גִּלְיֹנִים֙1×
- גִּלָּי֣וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 3:23
the hand mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls.
This verse lists gilayon among the fine garments and jewelry of wealthy women, highlighting its role as a symbol of status and material prosperity in ancient Israel.
-
Isaiah 8:1
Yahweh said to me, “Take a large tablet, and write on it with a man’s pen, ‘For Maher Shalal Hash Baz’;
Here, gilayon refers to a large tablet used for writing, demonstrating its function as a durable surface for recording significant messages.