Rolling Thing
TextsWhat is the meaning of Rolling Thing in the Bible?
The Hebrew term galgal, translated as 'rolling thing' in some versions, literally means 'wheel' or 'revolving thing' and appears in Isaiah 17:13 to depict the tumultuous noise of invading armies, with the Revised Version rendering it as 'whirling dust before the mountains.'
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing galgal as a mechanical or natural metaphor for chaotic motion clarifies the prophetic imagery of overwhelming military force, allowing readers to visualize the sudden and destructive nature of the judgment described in the text.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Rolling Thing functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Rolling Thing in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Rolling Thing clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Isaiah 17:13
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Rolling Thing." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/rolling-thing/