English · KJV
H167

אָהַל

ʼâhal /aw-hal'/ Ask about this word
Roota denominative from אֹהֶל
Meaningto tent
KJV usagepitch (remove) a tent.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of ʼâhal — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word ʼâhal, represented by H167, is a verb meaning to tent; pitch (remove) a tent. Derived from the word for tent, אֹהֶל, this term specifically describes the action of establishing a temporary dwelling. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses, highlighting key moments of movement and settlement in the biblical narrative.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical occurrences, H167 is directly associated with the actions of key figures and prophetic declarations. Abram is described as pitching his tent near Sodom after separating from Lot Genesis 13:12, and later removing his tent to dwell in Mamre where he built an altar to the LORD Genesis 13:18. The act signifies a physical move and the establishment of a new place of habitation. The prophet Isaiah uses the term in a prophecy of judgment, stating that in the desolation of Babylon, "neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there" Isaiah 13:20, illustrating that the absence of this action signifies a place devoid of human life.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide a broader context for the concept of dwelling:

  • H3427 yâshab: This root word means to dwell, to remain, or to sit down. It often appears in conjunction with H167 to describe a more settled state that follows the initial act of pitching a tent. For example, after Abram pitched his tent, he "dwelled in the land of Canaan" Genesis 13:12.
  • H7931 shâkan: Meaning to reside or permanently stay, this term implies a more lasting form of dwelling. In Isaiah's prophecy, it is used to emphasize utter desolation, stating a place will never be inhabited nor "dwelt in from generation to generation" Isaiah 13:20, a state reinforced by the fact that no one would even temporarily pitch a tent there.

Theological Significance

The use of H167 carries significant narrative weight, illustrating key themes.

  • Settlement and Worship: The act of pitching a tent is often a precursor to establishing a more permanent presence and a place of worship. After Abram "removed his tent," he then "dwelt" and "built there an altar unto the LORD" Genesis 13:18.
  • Sign of Habitation: The presence of pitched tents is a clear sign of life and activity. Its prophesied absence in Isaiah serves as a powerful image of complete and utter desolation, where not even a nomadic traveler will stop Isaiah 13:20.
  • Direction and Association: The direction one pitches a tent can indicate their orientation and allegiances. Lot is noted to have "pitched his tent toward Sodom" Genesis 13:12, a physical action that foreshadowed his close association with the wicked city.

Summary

In summary, while infrequent, H167 provides a precise and meaningful action within the biblical text. It is not merely about setting up shelter but is tied to the larger themes of settlement, divine worship, judgment, and personal direction. The word captures the movement of the patriarchs and serves as a vital indicator of both the presence of life and the stillness of desolation.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 3 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • יֶּאֱהַל
  • יַהֵל

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H3427 יָשַׁב a primitive root; properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remai H7931 שָׁכַן a primitive root (apparently akin (by transmission) to שָׁכַב through the idea of lodging; compare סִכְלוּת, שָׁכַם); to

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 3 verses across 2 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Genesis (2 verses); never once in the other 37.

2
Genesis
1
Isaiah

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.