from הָלַל (in the sense of rejoicing); a celebration of thanksgiving for harvest; merry, praise.
Transliteration:hillûwl
Pronunciation:hil-lool'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term הִלּוּל (hillûwl, `{{H1974}}`) is a noun derived from the root הָלַל (halal, `{{H1984}}`), which fundamentally conveys the idea of "to praise, to boast, to shine." While the root `{{H1984}}` encompasses a broad spectrum of praise, from exultant worship to self-glorification, הִלּוּל (hillûwl) narrows this semantic range to a specific manifestation of praise: a celebration. The base definition provided, "a celebration of thanksgiving for harvest; merry, praise," underscores its connection to communal joy and gratitude, particularly in the context of agricultural bounty. It is not merely abstract praise, but praise made tangible through a festive, consecrated act. This term encapsulates the joyous, public expression of gratitude, often involving feasting and merriment, in recognition of divine provision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term הִלּוּל (hillûwl, `{{H1974}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Leviticus 19:24]]. This verse is part of the Holiness Code, outlining various laws for the Israelites, including agricultural regulations. The specific context concerns the fruit of newly planted trees:
"And in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, a praise offering (הִלּוּל - hillûwl) to the LORD."
The preceding verses [[Leviticus 19:23-25]] detail that for the first three years after planting a fruit tree, its fruit is considered "uncircumcised" and forbidden for consumption. In the fourth year, however, all its fruit is to be consecrated as "holy, a הִלּוּל (hillûwl) to the LORD." Only from the fifth year onward may the fruit be eaten by the owner. This single occurrence reveals several key aspects of the word's meaning:
1. **Consecration:** The fruit is explicitly declared "holy" (קֹדֶשׁ - qodesh, `{{H6944}}`), indicating its separation for a sacred purpose.
2. **Thanksgiving Offering:** The הִלּוּל (hillûwl) is presented as an offering of praise and thanksgiving, specifically for the fruit of the land. It represents a communal acknowledgment of God's provision and a dedication of the first usable bounty back to Him.
3. **Joyful Celebration:** Though the verse does not explicitly describe the manner of celebration, the root meaning of `{{H1984}}` ("to praise, to rejoice") and the base definition of "merry" strongly suggest a festive and joyful occasion accompanying this offering. It was likely a communal feast of gratitude.
4. **Divine Ownership:** The law reinforces the theological principle that the land and its produce ultimately belong to the LORD, and a portion of its yield is to be returned to Him in worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for הִלּוּל (hillûwl, `{{H1974}}`) is its root, הָלַל (halal, `{{H1984}}`), which is pervasive in the Hebrew Bible for expressing praise. Other significant derivatives of `{{H1984}}` include:
* תְּהִלָּה (tᵉhillâ, `{{H8416}}`): Often translated as "praise" or "song of praise," frequently appearing in the Psalms.
* מַהֲלָל (mahalal, `{{H4110}}`): Another noun for "praise."
The distinction of הִלּוּל (hillûwl) lies in its specific focus on a celebratory event of thanksgiving, particularly for harvest.
The concept of "thanksgiving for harvest" links הִלּוּל (hillûwl) to broader biblical themes and practices:
* **Firstfruits (בִּכּוּרִים - bikkurim, `{{H1061}}`):** The law of הִלּוּל (hillûwl) for fourth-year fruit aligns with the principle of offering the first and best of one's produce to God, as seen in various firstfruit offerings ([[Exodus 23:19]], [[Deuteronomy 26:1-11]]).
* **Agricultural Festivals:** The spirit of הִלּוּל (hillûwl) resonates with the major harvest festivals of Israel, such as Shavuot (Feast of Weeks/Harvest) and Sukkot (Feast of Booths/Ingathering), which were characterized by communal rejoicing and thanksgiving for God's provision.
* **Holiness (קֹדֶשׁ - qodesh, `{{H6944}}`):** The designation of the fruit as "holy" underscores the sacred nature of the offering and the act of worship.
* **Joy and Rejoicing (שִׂמְחָה - simchah, `{{H8057}}`):** The celebratory aspect of הִלּוּל (hillûwl) is intrinsically linked to the biblical emphasis on joy as a component of worship and obedience ([[Deuteronomy 16:11]], [[Psalm 100:2]]).
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of הִלּוּל (hillûwl, `{{H1974}}`) in [[Leviticus 19:24]] carries profound theological weight, encapsulating several core biblical truths:
1. **Divine Provision and Sovereignty:** The requirement to dedicate the fourth-year fruit as a הִלּוּל (hillûwl) to the LORD serves as a powerful reminder that all blessings, especially the sustenance derived from the land, originate from God. It acknowledges His ultimate ownership and sovereign provision over creation.
2. **Sanctification of Creation:** By declaring a portion of the harvest "holy" and dedicating it as a praise offering, the law sanctifies the material world. It teaches that even the produce of the earth can be consecrated and used for God's glory, integrating the sacred into the seemingly mundane aspects of daily life and agriculture.
3. **Worship Through Gratitude and Giving:** The הִלּוּל (hillûwl) is a tangible expression of worship that extends beyond mere verbal praise. It is an act of profound gratitude manifested through consecrated giving and communal celebration. It demonstrates that true worship involves not only our words and hearts but also our resources and actions.
4. **Patience and Trust:** The three-year waiting period before the fruit could be offered as הִלּוּל (hillûwl) and then eaten teaches patience and trust in God's timing. It instills a discipline of delayed gratification, fostering a deeper appreciation for God's eventual bounty.
5. **Community and Joy:** While not explicitly detailed, the nature of a "celebration of thanksgiving" implies a communal aspect, fostering unity and shared joy among the people as they collectively acknowledge and praise God for His goodness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word הִלּוּל (hillûwl, `{{H1974}}`), derived from the root הָלַל (halal, `{{H1984}}`), signifies a specific "celebration of thanksgiving for harvest" characterized by merriment and praise. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Leviticus 19:24]] mandates that the fruit of the fourth year from a newly planted tree be consecrated as "holy, a praise offering to the LORD." This unique usage highlights its meaning as a dedicated, joyous offering of gratitude for divine provision. Theologically, הִלּוּל (hillûwl) underscores God's sovereignty as the provider of all sustenance, the principle of sanctifying creation through dedicated offerings, and the profound act of worship expressed through communal, joyful thanksgiving for material blessings. It transforms the agricultural yield into a sacred act of acknowledging and praising the Giver of all good things.
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