### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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.
TRV