אֱיָל
strength
Definition
The Hebrew noun אֱיָל (ʼĕyâl) means 'strength' or 'vigor,' specifically denoting physical strength or vitality. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Psalm 88:4, where the psalmist laments that his 'strength' (ʼĕyâl) is failing. The word is a poetic variant of the more common term אַיִל (ʼayil, H352), which can mean 'ram,' 'ruler,' or 'strong tree/pillar,' but in this form, it is narrowed to the abstract concept of personal power or life force.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only in Psalm 88:4, within a context of deep lament and despair. The psalmist, Heman the Ezrahite, describes being overwhelmed by troubles and draws near to death, stating, 'I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like a man without strength (ʼĕyâl).' Its singular occurrence in this poignant psalm highlights a moment of extreme human weakness and dependence on God.
Etymology
אֱיָל (ʼĕyâl) is a byform or poetic variation of אַיִל (ʼayil, H352). The root idea of ʼayil relates to strength or might, seen in its meanings of 'ram' (a strong animal), 'pillar,' and 'ruler.' ʼEyâl narrows this semantic field to focus specifically on the abstract quality of strength or vigor possessed by a person.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, this word carries theological weight in its context. It portrays the utter human frailty and mortality that contrasts with God's enduring strength. In Psalm 88, the psalmist's declaration of lost ʼĕyâl underscores total reliance on God as the source of life and power. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of this psalm by emphasizing the depth of the speaker's helplessness and the profound need for divine rescue.
In ancient Israelite culture, strength (ʼĕyâl) was a valued attribute for survival, labor, and warfare. Its loss, as described in Psalm 88, signified not just physical decline but a social and spiritual vulnerability, moving an individual to the margins of a community that prized vitality. The poetic use of this rare term heightens the emotional impact of the lament.
כֹּחַ (koach, H3581) — general term for power, strength, or ability. עֹז (ʻoz, H5797) — often denotes might, strength, especially of God or a fortress. חַיִל (chayil, H2428) — can mean strength, wealth, army, or valor, with a broader semantic range.
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 →