עָלַז
to jump for joy, i.e. exult
Definition
The Hebrew verb עָלַז (ʻâlaz) means to exult, rejoice, or triumph, often with a sense of outward, exuberant celebration. It frequently describes a joyful response to God's salvation or victory, as when the psalmist's heart leaps for joy because God is his strength and shield (Psalm 28:7). In some contexts, it carries the specific nuance of triumphing over enemies, as seen in the taunt against the Philistines not to rejoice over the fallen King Saul (2 Samuel 1:20). The word can also depict the natural world, like fields and trees, 'exulting' before the Lord (Psalm 96:12).
Biblical Usage
עָלַז is used 16 times, predominantly in the Psalms (11 occurrences), where it expresses joyful praise to God, often in communal worship or personal thanksgiving (e.g., Psalm 149:5). It appears in contexts of military victory (Psalm 60:6, 108:7) and divine judgment, where the psalmist questions how long the wicked will be allowed to 'exult' (Psalm 94:3). The usage in 2 Samuel 1:20 is a notable prohibition against rejoicing over an enemy's downfall. The verb is almost exclusively used in poetic and prophetic literature, emphasizing emotional, celebratory expression.
Etymology
A primitive root, עָלַז is related to the idea of leaping or jumping for joy. It shares a conceptual field with other Hebrew joy words but emphasizes the physical, exuberant aspect of rejoicing. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic, support the meaning of exultation or shouting for joy.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it captures the proper human response to God's character and acts of salvation. It moves beyond internal feeling to embodied, celebratory worship. Understanding עָלַז enriches reading by highlighting that biblical joy in God is often communal, vocal, and physically expressive, as seen when all creation is called to exult before the Lord (Psalm 96:12). It contrasts with mere happiness, being rooted in God's covenant faithfulness and victory.
In ancient Israelite culture, joy was often expressed communally and physically through song, dance, and shouts (e.g., Psalm 68:4). עָלַז reflects this cultural expectation of outward, demonstrative celebration, especially in response to God's deliverance in battle or during festival worship. This contrasts with some modern, more internalized conceptions of joy.
שָׂמַח (śāmaḥ, H8055) — a broader term for being glad or rejoicing, often less physically demonstrative. גִּיל (gîl, H1523) — to rejoice, spin around with joy, also implying a circular motion of delight. רָנַן (rānan, H7442) — to shout or sing for joy, emphasizing the vocal expression.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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