The Hebrew verb גָּלָה (root: ג-ל-ה) has a range of meanings depending on the context and binyan:
– In the Qal binyan, it often means “to uncover,” “to reveal,” or “to be exposed.”
– In the Hiphil binyan, it often means “to take into exile,” “to remove,” or “to deport.”
– In some cases, especially in Niphal, it can mean “to be revealed” or “to be uncovered.”
This verb plays a significant role in biblical narratives involving revelation, exposure (of sin, truth, or shame), and exile of individuals or entire nations.
Qal Binyan Conjugation of גָּלָה (“to uncover,” “to reveal”)
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | גָּלִיתִי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | גָּלִיתָ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | גָּלִיתְ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | גָּלָה |
| 3rd person feminine singular | גָּלְתָה |
| 1st person plural | גָּלִינוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | גְּלִיתֶם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | גְּלִיתֶן |
| 3rd person plural | גָּלוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | גּוֹלֶה |
| Feminine singular | גּוֹלָה |
| Masculine plural | גּוֹלִים |
| Feminine plural | גּוֹלוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶגְלֶה |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תִּגְלֶה |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תִּגְלִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִגְלֶה |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תִּגְלֶה |
| 1st person plural | נִגְלֶה |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תִּגְלוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תִּגְלֶינָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִגְלוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | גְּלֵה |
| 2nd person feminine singular | גְּלִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | גְּלוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | גְּלֶינָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Genesis 35:7 – אֲשֶׁר נִגְלוּ אֵלָיו אֱלֹהִים
“Where God had revealed Himself to him…” — using the sense of revelation. - 2 Kings 24:15 – וַיֶּגֶל יְכָנְיָהוּ בָּבֶלָה
“And he carried away Yeḵhonyahu to Babel (Babylon).” — exile meaning. - Isaiah 40:5 – וְנִגְלָה כְּבוֹד יְהוָה
“And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed.”
Summary
The verb גָּלָה spans the ideas of uncovering, revealing, and exile. It reflects both divine acts of revelation and acts of judgment where people are exposed and removed from their homeland. Its use brings out profound themes of exposure to divine truth, judgment, and restoration across the Hebrew Bible.
