הָלָא
to remove or be remote
Definition
The Hebrew verb הָלָא (hâlâʼ) means 'to remove' or 'to be remote/distant.' It conveys the action of casting something far away or causing it to be separated. In its sole biblical occurrence in Micah 4:7, it describes God's act of making a remnant into a strong nation by removing them from a state of affliction or exile, implying a transformative separation. The sense is not merely physical distance but often carries a connotation of decisive removal for a purpose.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used only once in the Old Testament, in Micah 4:7. It appears in a prophetic context of restoration, where God promises to take a lame and outcast remnant and 'remove' them from their afflicted state to establish them as a powerful nation. The usage is specific to God's redemptive action on behalf of His people.
Etymology
The verb הָלָא (hâlâʼ) is likely a denominative verb derived from the adverb הָלְאָה (hâlᵉʼâh, H1973), which means 'afar off,' 'to a distance,' or 'beyond.' This derivation suggests its core meaning is tied to the concept of distance or removal. It shares a semantic field with other words indicating separation or farness.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, this word is theologically significant in its context. In Micah 4:7, it captures God's sovereign power to redeem and transform His suffering people. The act of 'removing' or 'casting far off' their afflicted state underscores His role as deliverer and king. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of this Messianic prophecy, highlighting the decisive, complete nature of God's future restoration for the remnant.
In the ancient Near Eastern context, the concept of removal or being cast far off often related to exile, defeat, or being separated from one's community and land. Micah's prophecy subverts this, portraying God as the one who reverses such a fate for His people, turning distant outcasts into a central, strong nation under His rule.
רָחַק (rāḥaq, H7368) — a more common verb for being or becoming distant, often physically or relationally. סוּר (sûr, H5493) — to turn aside, depart, or remove, frequently used for turning away from evil or God's path. נָדַח (nādaḥ, H5080) — to drive away, thrust out, or scatter, often used for exile.
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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