### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼâhal**, represented by `{{H166}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to be clear; shine**. It is a very rare term, appearing only **1 times** in **1 unique verses** in the entirety of the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H166}}` occurs in [[Job 25:5]], where it makes a profound statement about the nature of God. The verse argues that in comparison to God's majesty, even the most brilliant celestial bodies are found lacking. It states that before God, even the **moon** `{{H3394}}` "shineth not," and the **stars** `{{H3556}}` are not considered pure in His **sight** `{{H5869}}`. The word is used here in a negative sense to emphasize a total absence of brightness from a divine perspective.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words from its single scriptural context help clarify its meaning:
* `{{H3394}}` **yârêach** (the moon): This is the celestial body that fails to **shine** `{{H166}}` in God's presence [[Job 25:5]]. The moon is frequently mentioned as a source of light by night and a marker of seasons ([[Psalms 104:19]], [[Jeremiah 31:35]]).
* `{{H3556}}` **kôwkâb** (a star): Mentioned in parallel with the moon, the stars are described as not being pure [[Job 25:5]]. Stars are often used to symbolize a great multitude, as in God's promise to Abraham [[Genesis 15:5]].
* `{{H2141}}` **zâkak** (to be transparent or clean... be pure(-r)): This term is used to describe the stars, which "are not pure" in God's sight [[Job 25:5]]. This same idea is present in [[Job 15:15]], which states that "the heavens are not clean" in His sight.
* `{{H5869}}` **ʻayin** (an eye... sight): This word establishes the viewpoint from which the moon does not shine. It is from God's "sight" [[Job 25:5]] that all creation's brilliance is diminished, a concept echoed in [[1 Samuel 16:7]], which contrasts man's sight with the LORD's.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H166}}`, despite its rarity, is significant in its single context.
* **Divine Incomparability:** The use of `{{H166}}` in [[Job 25:5]] powerfully illustrates that nothing in creation can compare to the Creator. The fact that the moon "shineth not" establishes a standard of glory so high that it renders the brightest objects dark.
* **The Imperfection of Creation:** The verse uses the failure of the moon to **shine** `{{H166}}` to demonstrate that even the heavens are imperfect before God. The parallel idea that the **stars** `{{H3556}}` are not pure reinforces this point.
* **A Higher Standard:** The context links the concept of shining with purity. The moon's inability to **shine** `{{H166}}` and the stars' lack of purity `{{H2141}}` in God's **sight** `{{H5869}}` reveals a divine standard that transcends all physical or moral perfection found in the created world.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H166}}` **ʼâhal** is a term whose significance comes from its singular, powerful application. Its use in [[Job 25:5]] is not to describe something that shines, but rather something that fails to shine in the presence of an absolute and incomparable God. It serves as a stark reminder of the immense gulf between the Creator and creation, where even the glory of the moon and stars is rendered null.
TRV