גִּלֲלַי (gi.la.lay)
gi.la.lay
Gilalai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Gilalai appears only once in Scripture, recorded in Nehemiah 12:36 among the Levitical musicians who participated in the dedication of Jerusalem’s rebuilt walls. He is identified as the son of Jonathan and one of several brothers serving in this musical ministry.
Linguistic sources suggest the name likely means "weighty" or "heavy," derived from a root associated with bearing weight. This etymology may reflect a family tradition or a characteristic attributed to him, though the text itself offers no further biographical details beyond his role in worship.
His inclusion highlights the communal nature of the wall’s consecration, where music and praise were central to the celebration. Gilalai represents one voice among many in this restored community, illustrating how ordinary individuals contributed to significant spiritual milestones during the post-exilic return.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Gilalai appears in Nehemiah 12:36 among the Levitical musicians who led the celebration when Jerusalem’s walls were rebuilt. His name likely means “weighty” or “heavy,” perhaps reflecting a family tradition or a characteristic attributed to him. Though Scripture gives no further details about his life, his inclusion highlights how ordinary individuals contributed to significant spiritual milestones during the post-exilic return.
This moment reminds us that worship is a communal act, involving many voices and instruments working together. Gilalai’s presence shows that every person has a role in God’s work, even if their name is only briefly mentioned. It encourages us to see our own contributions—however small they may seem—as part of something larger and meaningful.
In this restored community, music and praise were central to the celebration, pointing to the joy and gratitude that come from seeing God’s promises fulfilled. Gilalai represents one voice among many, illustrating how diverse gifts unite in worship. His story invites us to consider how we might participate in God’s ongoing work of restoration and renewal in our own lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Gilalai1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גִּֽלֲלַ֡י1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 12:36
and his brothers, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe was before them.
Gilalai is listed among the Levitical musicians who led the dedication of Jerusalem’s rebuilt walls, highlighting his role in communal worship.