Galgal
/ɡalˈɡal/noun
A transliteration of the Biblical Hebrew word for a wheel, whirlwind, or revolving celestial sphere.
Did you know?In later Jewish mystical and astronomical writing, galgal could refer to a celestial sphere or planetary revolution, linking the word to the architecture of the heavens.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic period
Proto-Semitic
*galgal-
“A reduplicated formation associated with rolling or revolving motion; the exact prehistoric form is reconstructed cautiously.”
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
גַּלְגַּל (galgal)
“Wheel; something revolving, including a whirlwind or rolling object.”
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
גַּלְגַּל
“A wheel-like or revolving form; in poetic contexts, a storm-driven whirlwind.”
Medieval Hebrew
Hebrew
galgal
“A celestial sphere or rotating heavenly circuit in philosophical and astronomical writing.”
Modern English
English
galgal
“A scholarly transliteration used for the Hebrew term, especially in biblical, Jewish, and mystical studies.”