feminine active participle of הָלַל; folly; madness.
Transliteration:hôwlêlâh
Pronunciation:ho-lay-law'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1947}}`, הוֹלֵלָה (*hôwlêlâh*), is a feminine active participle derived from the root `{{H1984}}` (הָלַל, *halal*). While `{{H1984}}` primarily signifies "to praise," "to boast," or "to shine," it also carries a secondary, antithetical meaning of "to be foolish," "to act madly," or "to rave." This duality is crucial for understanding `{{H1947}}`. As an active participle, *hôwlêlâh* denotes a state or characteristic of being foolish or mad, emphasizing the active manifestation of such behavior or condition.
The core meaning of `{{H1947}}` can be translated as "folly" or "madness." Its semantic range extends beyond simple intellectual error to encompass a profound irrationality, moral derangement, or even a form of spiritual insanity. It suggests a deviation from sound judgment and wisdom, often implying a self-destructive or morally reprehensible course of action. The feminine form may emphasize an abstract quality or a pervasive characteristic.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H1947}}` occurs exclusively in the book of Ecclesiastes, appearing four times. Its usage by the Preacher (Qoheleth) is central to his philosophical inquiry into the meaning of life "under the sun."
1. **[[Ecclesiastes 1:17]]**: "And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly; I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind." Here, `{{H1947}}` (וְהוֹלֵלוֹת, *wəhôwlêlôt*, plural) is paired with `{{H5531}}` (סִכְלוּת, *sikhlut*, "foolishness"). The Preacher seeks to understand the full spectrum of human experience, including the extremes of irrationality, but ultimately finds such pursuits to be futile. The juxtaposition with "wisdom" highlights its antithetical nature.
2. **[[Ecclesiastes 2:12]]**: "So I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly; for what can the man do who comes after the king? Only what has already been done." Again, `{{H1947}}` (וְהוֹלֵלוֹת) is linked with `{{H5531}}`. This verse reinforces the Preacher's comprehensive investigation. He delves into both wisdom and its opposite, folly, to determine if either offers lasting satisfaction or meaning. The conclusion remains that even the exploration of folly is ultimately "vanity."
3. **[[Ecclesiastes 7:25]]**: "I turned my heart to know and to search out and to seek wisdom and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly and the foolishness of madness." In this instance, `{{H1947}}` (הוֹלֵלוּת) appears in a construct chain, "the foolishness of madness" (הַסִּכְלוּת הוֹלֵלוּת), intensifying the concept of irrationality. It is also linked with `{{H3689}}` (כֶּסֶל, *kesel*, "stupidity, folly") and `{{H5531}}` (סִכְלוּת). The Preacher explicitly connects folly with "wickedness" (רֶשַׁע, *resha‘*), suggesting that *hôwlêlâh* is not merely an intellectual error but has moral implications, leading to evil.
4. **[[Ecclesiastes 9:3]]**: "This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead." Here, `{{H1947}}` (וְהוֹלֵלוֹת, plural) is directly attributed to the "hearts of the children of man" (לֵב בְּנֵי הָאָדָם), indicating an innate human inclination towards irrationality and moral corruption. This verse paints *hôwlêlâh* as an inherent aspect of the fallen human condition, a deep-seated derangement that persists throughout life.
Across these occurrences, *hôwlêlâh* consistently represents a state or act contrary to wisdom, often with negative moral and existential consequences. It is part of the "vanity" that Qoheleth observes in life without God.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H1947}}` is deeply connected to its root `{{H1984}}` (הָלַל, *halal*), whose dual meaning of "to praise/boast" and "to be foolish/mad" suggests that an excessive, self-aggrandizing boasting can devolve into irrationality or delusion. This implies a self-inflicted madness born from pride or a misguided search for meaning.
Other Hebrew terms for "folly" or "foolishness" frequently appear alongside or in contrast to `{{H1947}}`:
* `{{H5531}}` (סִכְלוּת, *sikhlut*): General foolishness, lack of understanding, often paired with *hôwlêlâh* in Ecclesiastes.
* `{{H3689}}` (כֶּסֶל, *kesel*): Stupidity, dullness, often leading to moral failure or false confidence.
* `{{H200}}` (אִוֶּלֶת, *ivvelet*): Moral folly, perversity, often characteristic of the "fool" (`{{H191}}`, *evil*) in Proverbs who despises wisdom and instruction.
* `{{H5036}}` (נְבָלָה, *nevalah*): A disgraceful or contemptible act, often associated with moral depravity and the "fool" (`{{H5036}}`, *naval*) who denies God.
These terms collectively articulate a spectrum of irrationality, from simple lack of sense to profound moral corruption. `{{H1947}}` often seems to denote a more extreme or active form of this deviation from wisdom, bordering on actual derangement or a determined pursuit of the irrational.
The primary conceptual contrast to `{{H1947}}` is `{{H2451}}` (חָכְמָה, *chokmah*, "wisdom"), which represents divine order, sound judgment, and righteous living. Other related concepts include `{{H1847}}` (דַּעַת, *da'at*, "knowledge") and `{{H998}}` (בִּינָה, *binah*, "understanding"), which are the antithesis of the state implied by *hôwlêlâh*.
### Theological Significance
In Ecclesiastes, `{{H1947}}` serves as a critical element in Qoheleth's exploration of life's meaning and futility. The Preacher's deliberate engagement with "madness" and "folly" ([[Ecclesiastes 1:17]], [[Ecclesiastes 2:12]]) is not an endorsement but a thorough investigation of the human condition "under the sun." He seeks to understand if even the most irrational or self-indulgent paths offer lasting satisfaction or truth. His conclusion is consistently negative: *hôwlêlâh* is part of the "vanity" (`{{H1892}}`, *hevel*) that characterizes human endeavors apart from God.
Theologically, *hôwlêlâh* represents a state of mind or action that is fundamentally contrary to divine wisdom and order. It is not merely an intellectual error but often carries profound moral and spiritual implications. The connection between "madness" and "wickedness" ([[Ecclesiastes 7:25]]) highlights that this folly is not neutral; it leads to destructive outcomes and is rooted in human depravity ([[Ecclesiastes 9:3]]). The "madness in their hearts" points to an inherent human inclination towards self-deception, irrationality, and rebellion against God's ways.
While the root `{{H1984}}` can mean "praise," its manifestation in `{{H1947}}` suggests a distorted form of self-exaltation or a pursuit of meaning in irrationality that ultimately leads to spiritual disorientation. It underscores the Preacher's ultimate message that true wisdom and meaning are found not in human striving or intellectual exploration of extremes, but in fearing God and keeping His commandments.
### Summary
`{{H1947}}`, *hôwlêlâh*, is a Hebrew term meaning "folly" or "madness," derived from the root `{{H1984}}` which carries the dual sense of "to praise" and "to be foolish." Predominantly found in Ecclesiastes, it describes a state of profound irrationality, often with moral implications, and is frequently contrasted with wisdom. The Preacher's use of `{{H1947}}` in his comprehensive search for meaning highlights the futility of human endeavors, including the pursuit or observation of extreme irrationality, when disconnected from divine wisdom. Theologically, *hôwlêlâh* represents a significant aspect of the fallen human condition, characterized by an inclination towards self-destructive and God-defying behavior, ultimately demonstrating the pervasive "vanity" of life lived apart from the fear of the Lord.
TRV