Original Word: גָּלִיל
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Galiyl
Pronunciation: gah-LEEL
Phonetic Spelling: (gaw-leel')
Definition: Region, district, circuit
Meaning: Galil

Galilee

Or (prolonged) Galiylah {gaw-lee-law'}; the same as galiyl; a circle (with the article); Galil (as a special circuit) in the North of Palestine -- Galilee.

see HEBREW galiyl

Word Origin
from galal
Definition
a cylinder, rod, circuit, district, also a district in Pal.
NASB Translation
Galilee (5), rings (1), rods (1).

II. גָּלִיל noun masculine cylinder, rod, circuit, district; —

1 cylinder, rod, only plural construct גְּלִילֵי כֶסֶף Esther 1:6 of support of rich hangings ("" עַמּוּדֵי שֵׁשׁ); & גְּלִילֵי זָהָב מְמֻלָּאִים בַּתַּרְשִׁישׁ Songs 5:14, simile of (? fingers of) hands: cylinders of gold set with topaz.

2 circuit, district, on northern border of Israel in Naphtali (see below), population largely heathen (Late Hebrew id. Aramaic גְּלִילָא, ) — גְּלִיל הַגּוֺיִם Isaiah 8:23; elsewhere =

proper name, of a location always with article Joshua 20:7; Joshua 21:32; 1 Chronicles 6:61 all ׳קֶדֶשׁ בַּגּ; ׳אֶרֶץ הַגּ 1 Kings 9:11, so also ᵐ5 Joshua 12:23 (compare Di) for גִּלְגַּל q. v.; הַגָּלִ֫ילָה Galilee, 2 Kings 15:29 ("" אֶרֶ֖ נַפְתָּלִי) Ew^{§ 173 h n} Sta^{§ 308 a 2} Ges^{§ 90 f}.

Word Origin: Derived from the root גָּלַל (galal), meaning "to roll" or "to encircle."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The corresponding Greek entry for Galil is Strong's Greek Number G1056, Γαλιλαία (Galilaia), which also refers to the region of Galilee. This term is frequently used in the New Testament to describe the area where Jesus conducted much of his ministry and where many significant events in the Gospels took place.

Usage: The term "Galil" is used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to the region known as Galilee, located in the northern part of ancient Israel. It is mentioned in various contexts, often highlighting its geographical and cultural significance.

Context: Galil, or Galilee, is a significant region in biblical history, known for its diverse population and fertile land. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, the Jordan River to the east, and the Jezreel Valley to the south. The region is divided into Upper and Lower Galilee, with Upper Galilee being more mountainous and Lower Galilee characterized by rolling hills and valleys.

In the Old Testament, Galilee is mentioned in several passages, often in the context of tribal allotments and territorial boundaries. For example, in Joshua 20:7, Galilee is designated as one of the cities of refuge: "So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali..." (BSB). The region is also noted for its association with various tribes, including Naphtali and Zebulun.

In the New Testament, Galilee gains prominence as the setting for much of Jesus' ministry. It is in Galilee that Jesus performs many miracles, delivers teachings, and calls his first disciples. The region's mixed population, including Jews and Gentiles, reflects the diverse audience of Jesus' message. Matthew 4:15-16 highlights this: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light..." (BSB).

Galilee's historical and cultural significance is further underscored by its mention in prophetic literature, where it is often associated with hope and restoration. The region's strategic location made it a crossroads of trade and cultural exchange, contributing to its rich and varied history.

בַּגָּלִ֤יל בַּגָּלִיל֙ בגליל גְּלִ֖יל גליל הַגָּלִ֔ילָה הַגָּלִֽיל׃ הגליל׃ הגלילה bag·gā·lîl baggaLil baggālîl gə·lîl geLil gəlîl hag·gā·lî·lāh hag·gā·lîl haggaLil haggālîl haggaLilah haggālîlāhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts