גְּלִילוֹת (ge.li.lot)
ge.li.lot
Geliloth
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun geliloth refers to a specific location on the border between the tribes of Benjamin and Judah, appearing only once in Scripture within Joshua 15:7. Its meaning is derived from the root for "circle" or "circuit," suggesting a place characterized by circular formations, likely piles of stones that marked boundaries or served as memorials.
Lexical sources identify this site as another name for Gilgal, the camp where the Israelites first settled in Canaan after crossing the Jordan. The description places it near the Jordan Valley, serving as a landmark for the inheritance allotted to Judah. This usage highlights how geographical markers in Joshua often carried symbolic weight, with stone circles representing both physical borders and theological milestones in the conquest narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Geliloth appears in Joshua 18:17 as a marker on the border between Benjamin and Judah. It likely refers to Gilgal, the camp where Israel first settled after crossing the Jordan. The root of the word suggests a circle or circuit, perhaps pointing to stone piles that marked boundaries.
These geographical details are more than just ancient map points. They remind us that God guides His people with specific directions and clear landmarks. In our own lives, we often look for signs of His guidance, much like Israel looked for these markers in the land He promised them.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Geliloth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גְּלִיל֔וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 18:17
It extended northward, went out at En Shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim. It went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.
This verse identifies Geliloth as a boundary marker near Adummim, linking it to Gilgal and showing how physical landmarks defined the tribal inheritance.