Bible Word Study
עִלִּי
ʻillîy · high; i.e. comparative
עִלִּי
high; i.e. comparative
Definition
The Hebrew word עִלִּי (ʻillîy) is an adjective meaning 'upper' or 'higher.' It is the comparative form of the root meaning 'high,' indicating a relative position or status. In its two biblical occurrences, it describes a specific geographical area: the 'upper springs' (Joshua 15:19) and the 'upper springs and the lower springs' (Judges 1:15). This usage consistently denotes a topographical distinction, contrasting with a 'lower' counterpart.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both times in a nearly identical narrative context. It appears in the story of Achsah, daughter of Caleb, who requests a blessing of water sources from her father. She asks for and receives both the 'upper springs' (גֻּלֹּת עִלִּית) and the 'lower springs' (Joshua 15:19, Judges 1:15). Its usage is strictly geographical and comparative, highlighting the possession of a vital resource in a dry land.
Etymology
Derived from the root עָלָה (ʻālâ, H5927), which means 'to go up, ascend, climb.' The form עִלִּי is a comparative adjective, literally meaning 'that which is higher' or 'upper.' It is related to other words for height and elevation, such as עֶלְיוֹן (ʻelyôn, H5945), meaning 'Most High.'
Semantic Range
In the ancient Near East, reliable water sources were critical for survival, agriculture, and establishing settlements. Controlling both the 'upper' and 'lower' springs, as in the story of Achsah, represented securing a complete and superior water supply. This was a blessing of immense practical and economic value, signifying prosperity and inheritance in the promised land. עֶלְיוֹן (ʻelyôn, H5945) — 'Most High,' a supreme title for God, denoting absolute height rather than comparative. רָם (rām, H7311) — 'high, exalted,' often used for physical height or lofty status, but not specifically comparative.
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]