סָלַד
probably to leap (with joy), i.e. exult
Definition
The Hebrew verb סָלַד (çâlad) is a rare word occurring only once in the Old Testament. Its precise meaning is debated due to its single attestation. Based on context and cognate languages, it is most commonly understood to mean 'to leap' or 'to exult,' describing a physical or emotional springing up, likely for joy. In its sole biblical use in Job 6:10, it appears in a difficult poetic line where Job expresses a grim determination or hardened resolve, leading some translations to render it as 'harden myself.' This suggests a possible semantic range from a literal leap to a metaphorical hardening or steeling of one's heart or will in the face of suffering.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in the poetic book of Job. It appears in Job 6:10 within Job's lament, where he declares, 'Then I would still have this consolation— my joy in unrelenting pain— that I had not denied the words of the Holy One.' The verb is part of a clause often translated as 'I would exult' or 'I would harden myself,' depicting an intense, inward emotional response to his extreme suffering. Its isolation makes its usage pattern unique and context-dependent.
Etymology
סָלַד (çâlad) is identified as a primitive root. Its etymology is uncertain, but scholars often connect it by context and potential cognates to the idea of leaping or springing. The development to a sense of 'harden' in some translations (like the KJV's 'harden self') is likely a contextual interpretation from Job 6:10, where a leap of joy seems incongruous, suggesting a derived or metaphorical meaning of steeling or fortifying oneself emotionally.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, this word contributes to the profound theology of suffering and integrity in the book of Job. In Job 6:10, it touches on the concept of finding a perverse 'joy' or steadfast resolve in pain precisely because it proves one has not denied God's words. Understanding this rare Hebrew term enriches the reading by highlighting the extreme tension in Job's speech—between despair and a tenacious, almost defiant, hold on his righteousness and God's ultimate justice, even when God seems silent.
The cultural understanding is tied to ancient Near Eastern expressions of grief and resolve. A 'leap' could be associated with rituals of mourning or sudden emotional outbursts. Job's potential 'hardening' of himself reflects a cultural ideal of stoic endurance in suffering, maintaining one's position and reputation. The ambiguity of the word mirrors the complex, layered nature of poetic discourse in wisdom literature, where physical actions often describe internal states.
גיל (gîyl, H1523) — a more common verb for rejoicing or exulting, typically without the connotation of hardening. פסח (pâsach, H6452) — to leap or skip, often used literally. קשׁה (qâshâh, H7185) — to be hard, severe, or stubborn, closer to the 'harden' interpretation but not involving leaping.
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.
Full methodology & sources →