אֶלֶף
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
Definition
The Hebrew word אֶלֶף (ʼeleph) primarily means 'thousand' as a numeral, but its meaning is more nuanced. It can denote a literal thousand (Exodus 12:37), but often functions as a large, round number signifying a vast multitude, especially in military or census contexts (Exodus 18:21). In some poetic and prophetic passages, it may represent a clan or military unit, as seen in Judges 6:15 and 1 Samuel 10:19, where 'thousand' refers to a social subdivision. The word is also the name of the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet (aleph), originally picturing an ox head, which connects to its homonym meaning 'ox' (H504).
Biblical Usage
אֶלֶף is used 389 times, predominantly in the Pentateuch (especially Exodus and Numbers) for census figures, military counts, and large quantities. It frequently appears in divine promises of blessing (Genesis 24:60) and in descriptions of God's covenant faithfulness extending to 'thousands' of generations (Exodus 20:6, 34:7). In historical books, it often tallies troops (Exodus 18:21, 25). Its usage as a social unit is less common but significant in passages like Micah 5:2.
Etymology
The word is identical to H504 (אֶלֶף), meaning 'ox,' likely because the letter aleph (א) was originally a pictograph of an ox head. This symbol, representing strength and primacy as the first letter, was adopted for the numeral 'thousand,' perhaps due to the ox's value or the concept of a foundational unit. Cognates in other Semitic languages also show the dual meaning of 'ox' and 'thousand,' indicating an ancient association.
Semantic Range
אֶלֶף is theologically significant as it frequently quantifies God's blessings, judgments, and covenant promises. In passages like Exodus 20:6 and 34:7, 'thousands' (often translated 'to a thousand generations') emphasizes the vast, enduring scope of God's steadfast love and mercy, contrasting with shorter spans of punishment. Understanding its dual sense as both a literal number and a symbolic unit for a clan enriches readings of texts about Israel's organization and God's provision, highlighting His sovereignty over multitudes.
In ancient Israelite culture, large numbers like 'thousand' often conveyed symbolic completeness or an ideal multitude rather than precise arithmetic, especially in military and tribal contexts. The use of אֶלֶף for a clan or military unit reflects a social structure where such groups were foundational. The connection to the ox (a symbol of wealth and sacrifice) and the alphabet's first letter also imbued the term with connotations of primacy and value, differing from modern, purely numerical usage.
רֶבֶב (reḇaḇ, H7239) — denotes ten thousand or a myriad; often used poetically for an uncountable multitude. מֵאָה (mēʼâ, H3967) — means 'hundred'; a smaller base unit in counting. חָיִל (ḥayil, H2428) — can mean 'army' or 'wealth,' sometimes overlapping in military contexts.
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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