עָלֵז
exultant
Definition
The Hebrew noun עָלֵז (ʻâlêz) describes a state of being exultant, jubilant, or triumphantly joyful. It conveys a strong, often celebratory emotion, typically associated with victory, deliverance, or overwhelming gladness. In its sole biblical occurrence in Isaiah 5:14, it is used in a negative, ironic context, describing the 'exultant' or 'jubilant' throng being swallowed by Sheol, contrasting their presumed joy with their impending doom.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 5:14. It is used in a prophetic oracle of judgment. The context is poetic and metaphorical, portraying Sheol (the realm of the dead) as opening its mouth wide to swallow the arrogant and jubilant people of Jerusalem. The usage is ironic, highlighting how their earthly exultation will be met with divine judgment.
Etymology
עָלֵז is derived from the root verb עָלַז (ʻālaz, H5937), which means 'to exult,' 'to rejoice,' or 'to triumph.' This root conveys a sense of leaping for joy or expressing exuberant gladness. The noun form captures the quality or state of a person who is characterized by such triumphant rejoicing.
Semantic Range
This word, though used only once, carries significant theological weight in its context. It highlights the biblical theme that human pride and self-congratulation (עָלֵז) apart from God are fleeting and ultimately lead to judgment. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of Isaiah 5:14 by emphasizing the stark contrast between the short-lived, arrogant joy of the people and the sobering reality of God's justice. It serves as a warning against misplaced exultation.
In ancient Israelite culture, public, vocal rejoicing was a common expression for military victories, harvests, and religious festivals. The term עָלֵז would evoke this image of communal, boisterous celebration. Isaiah's prophetic use subverts this positive cultural association, applying it to a prideful, misplaced confidence that God condemns.
שָׂמֵחַ (śāmēaḥ, H8056) — a more general term for being glad or joyful. גִּיל (gîl, H1524) — often denotes a spinning or circular motion of joy, like dancing. רָנַן (rānan, H7442) — emphasizes a ringing cry or shout of joy.
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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