### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H1975}}` (hallâz) functions primarily as a demonstrative pronoun, conveying the sense of "this one" or "that one." It is derived from `{{H1976}}` (hallâzeh), with which it shares a very close semantic range. Its core meaning involves pointing out or identifying a specific person, object, or event, often implying a degree of emphasis or distinction. While the base definition includes "side," its usage in biblical texts overwhelmingly points to a pronominal function, singling out a particular referent from others. The nuance often implies a referent that is either present and being indicated, or one that has just been mentioned and is now being specifically distinguished.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H1975}}` appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the historical books, consistently serving its demonstrative function:
* **[[Judges 6:20]]**: "And the angel of God said to him, 'Take the meat and the unleavened cakes and place them on *this* rock, and pour out the broth.' And he did so." Here, hallâz (הַלָּז) directly points to a specific, present rock, emphasizing the precise location for Gideon's offering.
* **[[Judges 7:4]]**: "Then the LORD said to Gideon, 'The people are still too many; bring them down to the water, and I will test them for you there. And it shall be that of whom I say to you, '*This one* shall go with you,' he shall go; and of whom I say to you, '*This one* shall not go with you,' he shall not go.'" In this crucial passage, hallâz (הַלָּז) is used twice to clearly distinguish between the two groups of soldiers, those chosen by God to go to battle and those who are to return. It highlights divine selection and differentiation.
* **[[1 Samuel 17:26]]**: "And David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, 'What shall be done for the man who kills *this* Philistine (הַפְּלִשְׁתִּי הַלָּז) and takes away the reproach from Israel?'" David uses hallâz to single out Goliath, the specific, taunting Philistine champion, underscoring the urgency and audacity of his challenge.
* **[[1 Samuel 17:28]]**: "Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle *that* (הַלָּז) is taking place." Eliab, David's brother, uses hallâz to refer to the specific ongoing battle, accusing David of merely seeking excitement.
* **[[2 Kings 4:25]]**: "And when the man of God saw her from afar, he said to Gehazi his servant, 'Look, *that* Shunammite woman (הַשּׁוּנַמִּית הַלָּז) is coming!'" Elisha uses hallâz to identify the specific woman approaching, indicating recognition and perhaps anticipation of her purpose.
In each instance, `{{H1975}}` serves to direct attention to a particular entity, person, or event, often with a sense of immediate relevance or distinctiveness within the narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H1975}}` belongs to a class of Hebrew demonstrative pronouns and particles that serve to point out or specify. Its closest cognate is `{{H1976}}` (hallâzeh), from which it is derived, and which largely shares its meaning of "this one" or "that one." Other significant related terms include:
* `{{H2088}}` (zeh): The most common masculine singular demonstrative pronoun, meaning "this."
* `{{H2063}}` (zot): The feminine singular form of `{{H2088}}`, meaning "this."
* `{{H1992}}` (hu) and `{{H1931}}` (hi): While primarily personal pronouns ("he/it" and "she/it"), they can also function demonstratively, conveying "that one."
The conceptual field revolves around specificity, identification, and distinction. These words are crucial for grounding biblical narratives in concrete reality, allowing the reader to understand precisely which person, object, or event is being discussed.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H1975}}` is a grammatical particle, its theological significance emerges from its function within the inspired text. As a demonstrative pronoun, it underscores the particularity and concreteness of God's dealings with humanity and His creation.
When God, through His angel or prophet, uses `{{H1975}}` (e.g., [[Judges 6:20]], [[Judges 7:4]]), it highlights divine intentionality and precision. God does not act vaguely or abstractly; He points to *this* specific rock for the sacrifice, or selects *this* specific group of men for His purpose. This demonstrates divine sovereignty and meticulousness in the execution of His plans, emphasizing that every detail matters in His redemptive history. The divine choice is not arbitrary but specifically directed.
When humans use `{{H1975}}` (e.g., David in [[1 Samuel 17:26]], Elisha in [[2 Kings 4:25]]), it often marks a moment of recognition, challenge, or focus on a particular individual or situation that holds significant implications within the unfolding narrative of God's people. It underscores the tangible reality of the challenges faced by God's people (like Goliath) and the specific individuals through whom God works (like the Shunammite woman). The word grounds the grand theological themes in the specific, historical events and figures of biblical history, reminding us that God interacts with real people in real places.
### Summary
`{{H1975}}` (hallâz) is a Hebrew demonstrative pronoun, meaning "this" or "that," used to point out or distinguish a specific person, object, or event. Though infrequent in its occurrences, primarily found in Judges, 1 Samuel, and 2 Kings, its consistent usage emphasizes specificity and distinction within its context. It is closely related to `{{H1976}}` (hallâzeh) and functions similarly to other demonstratives like `{{H2088}}` (zeh). Theologically, `{{H1975}}` highlights the concrete, intentional, and particular nature of God's actions and choices in biblical history, grounding divine interaction in specific realities and underscoring the significance of individual persons, objects, and events within God's overarching plan of salvation.
TRV