The Hebrew word hallâz, represented by H1975, is a demonstrative term meaning this or that. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. Its primary function is to draw specific attention to a particular person, object, or location, effectively pointing to "this one" or "that one" within a given narrative.
In biblical usage, H1975 serves to bring sharp focus to a specific element in the narrative. It is used to identify individuals, such as when David refers to Goliath as "this Philistine," making him the clear subject of his challenge 1 Samuel 17:26. The term also singles out individuals to receive a divine message, as when an angel refers to "this young man" in Zechariah 2:4, or when a heavenly voice commands Gabriel to give understanding to "this man" concerning a vision Daniel 8:16. Furthermore, it designates specific places, like when the angel of God commands Gideon to lay an offering upon "this rock" Judges 6:20 or when Jonathan refers to the Philistine garrison on "the other side" 1 Samuel 14:1.
Several related words often appear alongside H1975, helping to define the person or action being specified:
- H376 ʼîysh (a man as an individual or a male person): This general term for a man is often made specific by hallâz. In the context of David's challenge, he identifies "this Philistine" 1 Samuel 17:26, distinguishing him from all other men.
- H5288 naʻar (a boy... a servant): This term for a young man or servant is directly specified by hallâz in Zechariah 2:4 ("this young man"). It also describes Jonathan's armor-bearer when they discuss going to the "other side" 1 Samuel 14:1 and Elisha's servant in the account of "that Shunammite" 2 Kings 4:25.
- H559 ʼâmar (to say): As a verb for speaking, ʼâmar frequently precedes the use of H1975, initiating the statement that points out a specific subject. For instance, Elisha said to his servant, "Behold, yonder is that Shunammite" 2 Kings 4:25, and Josiah said, "What title is that that I see?" 2 Kings 23:17.
While a simple demonstrative, H1975 often carries contextual weight by highlighting elements central to a divine action or purpose.
- Singling Out for Divine Revelation: The word is used to identify specific individuals who are the intended recipients of a divine message or understanding. This is seen when an angel instructs a messenger to speak to "this young man" Zechariah 2:4 and when Gabriel is commanded to make "this man to understand the vision" Daniel 8:16.
- Pinpointing the Focus of Inquiry: hallâz can direct attention to an object or person of spiritual significance. King Josiah uses it to ask about "that title" which marks the grave of the man of God 2 Kings 23:17. David uses it to identify "this Philistine," focusing the conflict on a single defiant adversary of God's people 1 Samuel 17:26.
- Consecrating a Specific Location: The term is used to designate a physical place for a sacred event. The angel of God tells Gideon to lay his offering upon "this rock," transforming an ordinary spot into a site for a divine encounter and confirmation Judges 6:20.
In summary, hallâz H1975 functions as a crucial narrative pointer. Though appearing only seven times, its role is consistent: to move from the general to the specific. It isolates a person for a divine message, a location for a sacred act, or an adversary for a decisive confrontation. By specifying "this" or "that," the word sharpens the focus of a scene, ensuring that the reader understands the precise subject of a command, question, or significant action.
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