### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hillûwl**, represented by `{{H1974}}`, signifies a **celebration of thanksgiving for harvest**. It comes from a root word meaning "rejoicing" and is translated as "merry" or "praise". It is a rare term, appearing only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, yet its usage highlights a contrast between secular festivity and sacred worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two appearances of `{{H1974}}` illustrate its different applications. In [[Judges 9:27]], the men of Shechem engage in a harvest celebration after gathering their vineyards, where they "made **merry**" `{{H1974}}`. This celebration involves eating and drinking in the house of their god, culminating in cursing their leader. In contrast, [[Leviticus 19:24]] presents a regulated, holy use of the term. It commands that the fruit of a tree in its fourth year "shall be holy to **praise** the LORD withal," dedicating the harvest celebration directly to God as an act of worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of `{{H1974}}` as a celebration:
* `{{H6213}}` **ʻâsâh** (to do or make): In [[Judges 9:27]], the people "made" **merry** `{{H1974}}`, indicating that `hillûwl` is an activity that is performed or carried out.
* `{{H398}}` **ʼâkal** (to eat) and `{{H8354}}` **shâthâh** (to drink): The celebration in [[Judges 9:27]] is explicitly connected with eating and drinking, grounding the concept of **merry** making `{{H1974}}` in the act of feasting.
* `{{H6944}}` **qôdesh** (holiness): In [[Leviticus 19:24]], the **praise** `{{H1974}}` is designated as **holy**, separating this type of celebration from a common one and consecrating it to the LORD.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1974}}` is found in its contrasting applications.
* **Celebration of Provision:** Both uses are tied to the fruit of a harvest, underscoring the theme of giving thanks for provision. One is a harvest of grapes [[Judges 9:27]] and the other is the fruit of a tree [[Leviticus 19:24]].
* **Direction of Praise:** The term highlights that a celebration's nature is defined by its object. In Judges, the **merry** making `{{H1974}}` is directed toward a false god and results in a curse. In Leviticus, the **praise** `{{H1974}}` is commanded as an act of devotion to the LORD.
* **Consecrated Joy:** The pairing of **praise** `{{H1974}}` with **holy** `{{H6944}}` in [[Leviticus 19:24]] elevates the idea of a harvest festival from mere festivity to a sacred duty and an act of worship.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1974}}` is a specific term for a celebration of thanksgiving, particularly for a harvest. Though it appears only twice, it powerfully illustrates the difference between a worldly, self-serving festivity and a holy celebration dedicated to praising God for His provision. The word `hillûwl` captures the idea that joyful celebration is a biblical concept, but its ultimate value is determined by whether it is consecrated to the LORD.
TRV