עִילַי
Ilai, an Israelite
Definition
עִילַי (ʻÎylay) is a proper noun referring to Ilai, one of King David's mighty warriors, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 11:29. The name is derived from a root meaning 'elevated' or 'high,' possibly signifying a person of stature or exalted character. As a personal name, it carries no other distinct meanings or senses in the biblical text. Ilai is listed among David's elite military leaders, specifically noted in the context of his 'Thirty' warriors, highlighting his role as a loyal and valiant supporter of the king.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 11:29, where it identifies 'Ilai the Ahohite' as one of David's mighty men. The context is a historical list of warriors who demonstrated exceptional bravery and loyalty to David, particularly during his rise to power and establishment of his kingdom. The usage is purely as a personal name within a genealogical and military record, with no narrative or poetic development elsewhere in Scripture.
Etymology
The name עִילַי (ʻÎylay) is derived from the Hebrew root עָלָה (ʻālâ, H5927), meaning 'to go up, ascend, or be high.' It is related to words expressing elevation, such as עֹלָה (ʻōlâ, 'burnt offering,' something that ascends) and עֶלְיוֹן (ʻelyôn, 'Most High,' a title for God). As a proper name, Ilai likely conveys the sense of 'exalted one' or 'high one,' reflecting a positive attribute or hope associated with the individual.
Semantic Range
In ancient Israelite culture, names often held significant meaning, reflecting character traits, parental hopes, or divine attributes. Ilai, meaning 'elevated,' may have been given to signify honor, status, or aspiration. As one of David's mighty men, Ilai would have been part of a warrior class esteemed for courage and loyalty, integral to the establishment and defense of the Davidic kingdom, which held theological importance for Israel's identity and God's covenant promises.
עָלָה (ʻālâ, H5927) — the root verb meaning 'to ascend,' from which Ilai is derived. עֶלְיוֹן (ʻelyôn, H5945) — an adjective meaning 'Most High,' often used as a divine title, sharing the root concept of elevation.
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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