עָגֹל (a.gol)
a.gol
round
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word a.gol describes something that is round or circular. It appears only five times in the Old Testament, serving as a straightforward adjective for physical shape rather than carrying complex metaphorical weight.
Its primary usage is found in the detailed descriptions of the Temple’s construction. Specifically, it characterizes the bronze Sea and its supporting bases in 1 Kings 7:23-25 and 2 Chronicles 4:2-4. The text uses a.gol to emphasize the perfect circular form of these massive vessels, which held water for ritual purification.
While the word itself is simple, its context highlights the precision required in sacred architecture. The sources note that this term distinguishes the curved shape of the Sea from other structural elements. Translators consistently render it as "round," reflecting its unambiguous physical meaning in these historical accounts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word agol simply means round or circular. In the Old Testament, it appears only five times, mostly describing the bronze Sea and its supports in Solomon’s Temple. These massive vessels were ten cubits across and held water for ritual purification. The text uses this straightforward adjective to highlight the precision of their construction.
This focus on shape reminds us that God cares about details. The artisans did not cut corners; they built with exactness. When we look at these descriptions, we see a God who values order and beauty in His dwelling place. It is a quiet witness to the care taken in sacred spaces.
For your faith, this word invites you to appreciate the tangible aspects of worship. God is not distant from physical reality. He uses materials like bronze and stone to point to spiritual truths. The roundness of the Sea may symbolize eternity or completeness, though the text itself remains simple. We can trust that our Creator attends to both the grand and the small.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- round5×
- [was] round1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עָגֹ֣ל\׀2×
- עָגֹ֤ל1×
- עָגֹ֣ל1×
- עָג֣וֹל\׀1×
- עֲגֻלּֽוֹת\׃1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 7:23
He made the molten sea ten cubits from brim to brim, round in shape. Its height was five cubits; and a line of thirty cubits encircled it.
This verse establishes the primary use of the word, describing the massive bronze Sea as round with a circumference of thirty cubits.
-
II Chronicles 4:2
Also he made the molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim. It was round, five cubits high, and thirty cubits in circumference.
The parallel account in Chronicles confirms the dimensions and circular shape, emphasizing the consistency of the Temple's design.
-
I Kings 7:31
Its opening within the capital and above was a cubit. Its opening was round like the work of a pedestal, a cubit and a half; and also on its opening were engravings, and their panels were square, not round.
Here the word distinguishes the round opening from square panels, showing its role in specifying architectural details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word agol mean?
Where does agol appear in the Old Testament?
Why is this word important for understanding the Bible?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
I Kings 4 verses
He made the molten sea ten cubits from brim to brim, round in shape. Its height was five cubits; and a line of thirty…
I Kings 7:31Its opening within the capital and above was a cubit. Its opening was round like the work of a pedestal, a cubit and a…
I Kings 7:35In the top of the base there was a round band half a cubit high; and on the top of the base its supports and its panels…
I Kings 10:19There were six steps to the throne, and the top of the throne was round behind; and there were armrests on either side…