עֹלָה
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
Definition
The Hebrew noun עֹלָה (ʻôlâh) primarily refers to the 'burnt offering,' a central sacrifice in Israelite worship where the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing total dedication to God (Leviticus 1:3-9). Its core meaning derives from the root עָלָה ('to go up, ascend'), picturing the offering's smoke ascending to heaven. In a few instances, the word retains its literal sense of 'ascent' or 'stairway,' as in Ezekiel 40:26, which describes steps leading up to a temple gate. However, its overwhelming usage in the Old Testament is for the ritual sacrifice, making it a key technical term for worship.
Biblical Usage
עֹלָה is used 262 times, predominantly in the legal and ritual texts of the Pentateuch (especially Leviticus and Numbers) to prescribe the procedures for the burnt offering. It appears frequently in narrative contexts where sacrifices are made, such as Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:2, 13) and Noah's offering after the flood (Genesis 8:20). The term is also common in the historical and prophetic books, often in the context of proper or improper worship at the temple (e.g., 1 Samuel 7:9, Jeremiah 6:20). Its usage is almost exclusively cultic, relating to the sacrificial system.
Etymology
The word is the feminine active participle of the verb עָלָה (ʻālâ, H5927), meaning 'to go up, ascend, climb.' This derivation directly informs its dual meaning. Literally, it can mean 'that which goes up' (like a stairway). Figuratively and most commonly, it refers to the sacrifice that is 'made to go up' in smoke upon the altar. The related noun מַעֲלָה (maʻălâ, H4608) means 'step, ascent,' sharing the same root concept.
Semantic Range
The עֹלָה is theologically significant as the sacrifice of complete surrender and atonement. It was a 'soothing aroma to the LORD' (Leviticus 1:9), signifying the worshiper's total dedication of life to God and the need for comprehensive atonement for sin. Unlike other offerings where parts were eaten, the burnt offering was wholly given to God, representing unreserved commitment. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of key passages like Genesis 22, where the 'burnt offering' foreshadows ultimate sacrifice, and highlights the seriousness of approach to a holy God in the Old Testament system.
In ancient Israelite culture, the burnt offering was the most frequent and fundamental animal sacrifice. It was a public, ritual act performed at the tabernacle or temple by priests. The complete consumption by fire distinguished it from other offerings (like peace or sin offerings) and communicated that the entire gift belonged to God, with nothing held back for human use. This practice of total dedication through fire was unique to Israel's covenant worship and central to their understanding of relationship with Yahweh.
זֶבַח (zevach, H2077) — a general term for 'sacrifice' or 'slain offering,' often a fellowship offering where parts were eaten. קָרְבָּן (qorbān, H7133) — a broader term for 'offering' or 'gift' presented to God, which includes but is not limited to animal sacrifices. חַטָּאת (chaṭṭā'th, H2403) — the 'sin offering,' specifically for purification from unintentional sins.
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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