probably denominatively from הָלְאָהxlit hâlᵉâh corrected to hâlᵉʼâh; to remove or be remote; cast far off.
Transliteration:hâlâʼ
Pronunciation:haw-law'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H1972, *hâlâʼ*, is understood to be denominatively derived from the adverb `{{H1973}}` (*hâlᵉʼâh*), which means "onward," "further," or "far off." This etymological connection provides the core semantic range for H1972. Its primary meaning revolves around the concept of "removal" or "being remote." It can denote an active "casting far off" or a more passive "being removed" or "being rendered remote." The underlying sense is that of creating or experiencing significant distance or separation from an original position or state. This removal can imply physical displacement, but also metaphorical separation, such as alienation, rejection, or being put beyond reach or consideration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H1972 is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in only one clear instance, [[Job 18:7]].
* **[[Job 18:7]]:** "His strong steps are shortened, and his own counsel casts him down." (וְהָלְאָהוּ עֲצָתוֹ)
* In this verse, spoken by Bildad the Shuhite in his second discourse against Job, the verb *hâlâʼ* appears in the Hiphil conjugation (causative), meaning "to cause to be far off" or "to cast far off." The subject of the verb is "his own counsel" (עֲצָתוֹ), referring to the wicked person's schemes or intentions. The object is "him" (הוּ), the wicked individual.
* The context is Bildad's argument that the wicked inevitably face ruin. The phrase implies that the wicked person's own decisions and plans lead directly to their downfall and removal from a state of security or prosperity. They are "cast far off" from their former standing, experiencing a profound and self-inflicted displacement. This highlights a principle of inherent consequences for unrighteous living, where one's own actions lead to their undoing and separation from well-being.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H1973}}` (*hâlᵉʼâh*):** The adverb from which H1972 is derived, meaning "onward," "further," "yonder," or "far off." This fundamental connection underscores the core meaning of distance and removal inherent in H1972.
* **`{{H7368}}` (*rāḥaq*):** A common verb meaning "to be far," "to be distant," or "to go far away." While *rāḥaq* describes the state of being distant or the act of moving away, H1972 specifically conveys the act of *causing* something to be distant or the consequence of *being* cast far off.
* **`{{H5080}}` (*nādâ*):** To remove, to put away, often with a connotation of rejection or abandonment. Shares the sense of displacement but may carry different nuances of purpose.
* **`{{H5256}}` (*nāśâ*):** To lift, carry away, remove. A broader term, but can overlap in contexts of taking something from its place.
* **Concepts:**
* **Alienation/Separation:** The act of being "cast far off" strongly conveys a sense of being separated from a place of belonging, security, or favor.
* **Divine Judgment/Consequence:** While Job 18:7 attributes the "casting off" to the wicked person's own counsel, it fits within the broader biblical theme that unrighteousness leads to negative consequences, often interpreted as divine judgment or the natural outworking of a moral order.
* **Downfall/Ruin:** The word vividly depicts a state of irreversible decline and removal from a position of strength or well-being.
### Theological Significance
The limited but potent use of H1972 in [[Job 18:7]] carries significant theological implications, particularly within the wisdom tradition.
* **Inherent Consequences of Wickedness:** The most prominent theological insight is the portrayal of sin as inherently self-destructive. The wicked person's "own counsel" is the agent that "casts him down" or "removes him far off." This emphasizes that the consequences of unrighteousness are not merely external punishments but often arise from the very nature of the choices made. Sin leads to an internal process of undoing, resulting in alienation from prosperity, stability, and ultimately, from God's favor.
* **Divine Order and Justice:** Although the direct agent in [[Job 18:7]] is human counsel, the broader narrative of Job and the biblical witness affirm that such consequences operate within the framework of God's sovereign governance and moral order. The "casting off" of the wicked aligns with the divine justice that ensures righteousness leads to life and wickedness to ruin.
* **Irreversibility and Finality:** The imagery of being "cast far off" suggests a profound and often irreversible separation from a former state of well-being. It speaks to the dire and enduring consequences of a life lived in rebellion against wisdom and righteousness, leading to a state of being irrevocably removed from blessing.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H1972, *hâlâʼ*, derived from the adverb `{{H1973}}` meaning "far off," fundamentally signifies "to remove" or "to be cast far off." Its single clear occurrence in [[Job 18:7]] is profoundly illustrative, depicting how the "counsel" of the wicked "casts him down" or "removes him far off." This usage highlights the self-destructive nature of unrighteousness, where one's own decisions lead to their downfall and alienation from a state of well-being. Theologically, H1972 underscores the principle of inherent consequences for sin, portraying a profound and often irreversible separation from prosperity and stability. It speaks to the dire implications of choices that lead one away from God's intended path, ultimately aligning with the broader biblical theme of divine justice and the moral order of the cosmos.
TRV