עֲגָלָה (a.ga.lah)
a.ga.lah
cart
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 19 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun a.galah refers to a wheeled vehicle, specifically a cart or wagon used for transporting goods. In the Hebrew Bible, this word appears nineteen times, with significant occurrences in Genesis, Numbers, and First Samuel. It describes the practical machinery of ancient logistics rather than ceremonial objects.
The term derives from a root meaning "to roll," which highlights the defining feature of the object: its wheels. This etymology distinguishes it from other terms for carrying burdens, such as sacks or stretchers. The sources note that while the word is general, its biblical usage often connects to heavy loads or specific historical movements.
A notable instance occurs in Genesis 45:19, where Joseph instructs his brothers to take a.galah carts from Egypt to transport their father Jacob and his household. This detail underscores the word’s role in narratives of migration and provision. Translators typically render it as "cart" or "wagon," preserving the sense of a sturdy, wheeled conveyance designed for substantial weight.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word agalah simply means a wheeled cart or wagon. In the ancient world, this was essential machinery for moving heavy loads over long distances. It appears in stories of family migration and religious transport, showing how God uses practical tools to care for His people.
In Genesis 45, Joseph sends these carts to bring his father Jacob from Canaan to Egypt. This act provided comfort during a hard time and ensured the family’s safety. The sight of the wagons revived Jacob’s spirit, reminding us that God often provides tangible help through ordinary means.
Similarly, in Numbers 7, these carts were given to the Levites to carry the tabernacle parts. This shows that even sacred duties involve practical logistics. God cares about the details of our lives, using everyday objects like wheels and wood to fulfill His promises and support His work.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ cart5×
- a cart5×
- the/ carts4×
- on the/ cart2×
- carts2×
- in the/ carts1×
- carts of1×
- cart/ his1×
- and/ the/ cart1×
- <the>/ cart1×
- <in> the/ cart1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲגָלָ֣ה2×
- הָ/עֲגָלֹ֗ת2×
- הָ/עֲגָלָ֔ה2×
- עֶגְלֹ֥ת1×
- עֶגְלָת֛/וֹ1×
- עֲגָלָ֤ה1×
- עֲגָלָ֛ה1×
- עֲגָלָ֔ה1×
- עֲגָל֗וֹת1×
- עֲגָל֖וֹת1×
- וְ/הָ/עֲגָלָ֡ה1×
- הָ֣/עֲגָלָ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 45:27
They told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them. When he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob, their father, revived.
The wagons serve as a tangible sign of Joseph’s love and God’s provision, physically reviving Jacob’s spirit when he sees them.
-
Numbers 7:6
Moses took the wagons and the oxen, and gave them to the Levites.
Moses distributes the carts to the Levites, showing that God provides practical resources for the orderly service of the tabernacle.
-
I Samuel 6:11
They put Yahweh’s ark on the cart, and the box with the golden mice and the images of their tumors.
The Philistines place the ark on the cart, using it as a vehicle to return a sacred object while testing God’s power through its movement.
-
Amos 2:13
Behold, I will crush you in your place, as a cart crushes that is full of grain.
God uses the image of a heavy grain cart crushing under weight to describe the overwhelming pressure He will bring upon Israel’s oppressors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word agalah mean?
Where is this word most commonly found in the Bible?
Why did Joseph send wagons to his father?
How is agalah different from other words for vehicles?
Every Occurrence (19 verses across 7 books)
Genesis 4 verses
Now you are commanded to do this: Take wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and…
Genesis 45:21The sons of Israel did so. Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision…
Genesis 45:27They told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them. When he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry…
Genesis 46:5Jacob rose up from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel carried Jacob, their father, their little ones, and their wives,…