עֲלִילִיָּה
(miraculous) execution
Definition
The noun עֲלִילִיָּה (ʻălîylîyâh) refers to a great or extraordinary deed, specifically one executed with power and purpose. It carries the sense of a mighty work or achievement, often implying a miraculous or wondrous act. In its sole biblical occurrence in Jeremiah 32:19, it describes God's 'great and mighty deeds,' emphasizing His sovereign power in executing His plans in human history. The term is closely related to עֲלִילָה (ʻălîylâh, H5949), which more broadly means a deed or action, but עֲלִילִיָּה intensifies this to denote a particularly significant or powerful execution.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Jeremiah 32:19. Here, the prophet Jeremiah praises God, declaring, 'great in counsel and mighty in deed' (ESV), where 'deed' translates עֲלִילִיָּה. The context is a prayer acknowledging God's wisdom and His powerful acts in creation and history, particularly in relation to the impending exile and future restoration of Judah. Its singular usage places it in a context of divine praise for God's sovereign and miraculous interventions.
Etymology
עֲלִילִיָּה is a derived form of the more common noun עֲלִילָה (ʻălîylâh, H5949), which means 'deed,' 'work,' or 'action.' The suffix -ִיָּה likely functions as an intensifying or abstracting element, shifting the meaning from a general 'deed' to a 'great deed' or 'mighty execution.' It is built from the root ע־ל־ל (ʻ-l-l), which carries the basic sense of acting or doing. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to deeds or actions.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it highlights a key attribute of God: His active, powerful agency in the world. In Jeremiah 32:19, it is paired with God's 'great counsel,' showing that His mighty deeds are the outworking of His perfect wisdom and sovereign plan. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of this passage by emphasizing that God's works are not random but are powerful executions of His purposeful will, particularly in salvation history. It points to God as the primary actor in miracles and great historical events.
In ancient Israelite culture, 'deeds' or 'works' were often seen as the definitive proof of a person's—or a god's—character and power. A 'mighty deed' (עֲלִילִיָּה) would be understood as an act that demonstrates unparalleled ability and authority, such as the miracles performed by Yahweh during the Exodus. This cultural lens makes Jeremiah's use of the term a powerful affirmation of Yahweh's supremacy over the impotent gods of the nations, whose 'deeds' were unproven.
עֲלִילָה (ʻălîylâh, H5949) — the more common base noun meaning a deed or action, without the intensive connotation of greatness. פֶּלֶא (pele', H6381) — a wonder or miracle, focusing more on the marvelous nature than the execution. גְּבוּרָה (gᵉbûrâh, H1369) — might or strength, often used for acts of power or valor.
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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