גָּלַל (ga.lal)
ga.lal
to roll
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb galal carries the simple, physical meaning of rolling something along a surface. It describes the motion of turning an object over and over as it moves forward or away. In the Old Testament, this word appears sixteen times, often depicting heavy stones being moved to seal or open tombs and wells.
Its most famous usage occurs in Genesis 29:3, where Jacob rolls a large stone from the mouth of a well so the flock can drink. The action requires significant strength and effort, highlighting the physical weight involved. The word also appears in Proverbs to describe rolling a stone back onto one’s head, illustrating a return to trouble or folly.
The term is straightforward and lacks complex metaphorical layers found in some other Hebrew verbs. It focuses entirely on the mechanical act of rotation and displacement. Translators consistently render it as "roll," "roll away," or "roll up," depending on whether the object is being moved aside or gathered together.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word galal describes the simple, physical act of rolling something heavy. In ancient times, this often meant moving large stones to seal tombs or cover wells. It required significant strength and effort, highlighting the weight of the object being moved. When Jacob rolled the stone from Laban’s well, he was performing a laborious task that allowed life-giving water to flow.
This image carries a gentle promise for those feeling burdened. In Joshua 5:9, God declares He has 'rolled away' the reproach of Egypt. This suggests that what feels immovable or shameful can be shifted by divine action. The word reminds us that while we may struggle with heavy responsibilities, God is able to move obstacles that seem too large for human effort alone.
There is also a warning in Proverbs 26:27 about the consequences of our actions. If you dig a pit or roll a stone, it may return to harm you. This teaches us to be mindful of how we treat others and handle our responsibilities. Our efforts should aim to bring relief and justice, not create new burdens for ourselves or those around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- roll4×
- to/ roll himself1×
- they have rolled themselves1×
- roll away1×
- and/ they will be rolled up1×
- and/ they rolled1×
- and/ people will roll1×
- and/ it may roll on1×
- and/ he rolled1×
- and/ [one who] rolls1×
- and/ I will roll/ you1×
- [was] wallowing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִתְגֹּלֵ֥ל1×
- לְ/הִתְגֹּלֵ֤ל1×
- וַ/יָּ֤גֶל1×
- וְ/נָגֹ֥לּוּ1×
- וְ/יִגַּ֥ל1×
- וְ/גֹ֥לֵ֥ל1×
- וְ/גָלֲל֤וּ1×
- וְ/גָֽלֲלוּ֙1×
- וְ/גִלְגַּלְתִּ֙י/ךָ֙1×
- הִתְגַּלְגָּֽלוּ\׃1×
- גֹּֽלּוּ\־1×
- גֹּ֣ל1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 5:9
Yahweh said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” Therefore the name of that place was called Gilgal to this day.
This verse uniquely applies the physical act of rolling to God removing shame and historical burden from His people.
-
Genesis 29:10
When Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban, his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban, his mother’s brother, Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother.
Jacob’s action here demonstrates the physical strength required to remove the stone, enabling water for the flock.
-
Amos 5:24
But let justice roll on like rivers, and righteousness like a mighty stream.
This metaphorical use asks for justice to move continuously and powerfully, like a heavy object rolling down a slope.
-
Proverbs 26:27
Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it. Whoever rolls a stone, it will come back on him.
The verse illustrates the principle of retribution, where malicious actions intended for others return to cause self-harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does galal mean in the Bible?
Why is rolling a stone significant in Scripture?
How is galal used metaphorically?
Every Occurrence (16 verses across 10 books)
Genesis 4 verses
There all the flocks were gathered. They rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the…
Genesis 29:8They said, “We can’t, until all the flocks are gathered together, and they roll the stone from the well’s mouth. Then…
Genesis 29:10When Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban, his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban, his mother’s brother, Jacob…
Genesis 43:18The men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “Because of the money that was…