גָּלָל (ga.lal)
ga.lal
Galal
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Galal refers to two distinct Levites mentioned in the biblical records of the post-exilic community. One is listed as a son of Asaph (1 Chronicles 9:15), and the other as a son of Jeduthun (1 Chronicles 9:16; Nehemiah 9:17). These individuals were part of the musical and temple service leadership that helped restore worship in Jerusalem after the return from exile.
Although the name appears in only three verses, its presence highlights the organized structure of the Levitical families. The sources indicate the meaning "influential," suggesting a role of significance within their community. By appearing alongside other key figures like Shemaiah, the text underscores the continuity of religious duties and the importance of familial lineage in maintaining the temple's operations during this critical historical period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Galal appears in the records of Levites who served in the temple after the exile. These men were part of a structured team responsible for music and prayer, ensuring worship continued with order and reverence. Their names remind us that God values faithful service, even when it happens behind the scenes.
In Nehemiah 11:17, we see Mattaniah leading thanksgiving while others like Abda supported him. This shows how community worship relies on many people working together. Each role mattered, and every voice contributed to the whole. We can find comfort in knowing that our own quiet acts of service are seen and valued by God.
These lists preserve the memory of ordinary believers who did extraordinary things through consistency. They teach us that history is shaped not just by leaders, but by those who show up day after day. Your steady faithfulness matters to God’s story too.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Galal2×
- and/ Galal1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גָּלָ֖ל2×
- וְ/גָלָ֑ל1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 9:15
and Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph,
This verse lists Galal among Asaph's descendants, showing his place in the musical lineage that restored temple worship.
-
I Chronicles 9:16
and Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites.
Here Galal is identified as Jeduthun's grandfather, linking him to another key family of Levitical singers.
-
Nehemiah 11:17
and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers; and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
This occurrence connects Abda, son of Galal, to the post-exilic worship team, highlighting the continuity of service across generations.