Bible Word Study
הַלָּזֶה
hallâzeh · this very
הַלָּזֶה
this very
Definition
The Hebrew pronoun הַלָּזֶה (hallâzeh) is a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'this very' or 'this same.' It is a compound word that intensifies the demonstrative 'this' (זֶה) by prefixing the definite article (הַ), creating a sense of specificity and immediacy. In its two biblical occurrences, it points emphatically to a person or group that is present and directly in view. In Genesis 24:65, it identifies Rebekah's future husband, Isaac, as 'this very man' walking in the field. In Genesis 37:19, Joseph's brothers refer to him dismissively as 'this master of dreams' who is approaching them.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both in the book of Genesis. It functions as an emphatic demonstrative pronoun, highlighting a specific, present individual in a narrative context. In Genesis 24:65, it is used respectfully by Rebekah to inquire about Isaac. In Genesis 37:19, it is used pejoratively by Joseph's brothers to refer to him with contempt. The pattern shows its use for dramatic, pointed identification within a story.
Etymology
הַלָּזֶה is a compound formed from the definite article הַ (ha-, 'the') and the demonstrative pronoun זֶה (zeh, 'this'). It is essentially a strengthened form of 'this,' meaning 'this very' or 'this same.' The word is related to the more common זֶה (H2088) but carries a more definitive and immediate force due to the attached article.
Semantic Range
While a grammatical particle, הַלָּזֶה contributes to narrative theology by emphasizing divine providence in key moments. In Genesis 24:65, it marks the climactic identification of Isaac, the son of promise, underscoring God's faithfulness in guiding Abraham's servant. In Genesis 37:19, it highlights the brothers' hostility toward Joseph, setting in motion the events that lead to the fulfillment of God's plan for Israel's preservation in Egypt. Understanding this emphatic 'this' helps readers see the narrative focus on individuals through whom God acts. The use of an emphatic demonstrative to point out a specific person reflects a common Semitic linguistic pattern for drawing direct attention. The difference between its respectful use (Genesis 24:65) and its contemptuous use (Genesis 37:19) is entirely dependent on the speaker's tone and context, much like the English 'this one' can be neutral or derogatory. זֶה (zeh, H2088) — The basic demonstrative 'this,' without the emphatic force of the definite article. הוּא (hûʼ, H1931) — The third person masculine pronoun 'he,' used for simple reference, not demonstrative pointing.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]