from the article (see הָלְאָהxlit hâlᵉâh corrected to hâlᵉʼâh) and זֶה; this very; this.
Transliteration:hallâzeh
Pronunciation:hal-law-zeh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term הַלָּזֶה (hallâzeh, `{{H1976}}`) functions as an emphatic demonstrative pronoun, primarily conveying the sense of "this very," "this one," or "the one." Its etymology reveals a composite structure: it is formed from the definite article הַ (ha-, "the"), a particle לָ (lâ-), and the demonstrative pronoun זֶה (zeh, `{{H2088}}`, "this"). The particle לָ is often associated with direction or emphasis, and the Strong's definition connects it to הָלְאָה (hâlᵉʼâh, `{{H1973}}`, "onward, yonder"), suggesting a nuanced pointing "to this one" or "this one yonder." Thus, hallâzeh serves to single out a specific person or thing with particular emphasis, distinguishing it sharply from others. It is a stronger, more precise form than זֶה (zeh) alone, often used to highlight uniqueness, proximity, or a particular quality of the referent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While not a frequently occurring word in the Hebrew Bible, הַלָּזֶה (hallâzeh) appears in significant contexts, each instance underscoring its emphatic nature:
* **[[Genesis 24:65]]**: "And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from her camel and said to the servant, 'Who is **this** man who walks in the field to meet us?'" Here, Rebekah uses hallâzeh to point out a specific, unknown individual, expressing her immediate curiosity and focus on "this very man."
* **[[Joshua 8:19]]**: "And when **he** stretched out his hand, the ambush rose quickly from their place and rushed into the city and captured it." This refers to Joshua, whose action of stretching out his spear is the signal for the ambush. The use of hallâzeh emphasizes "this very one," Joshua, as the pivotal figure whose action initiated the successful assault on Ai.
* **[[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 and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is **this** uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?'" David uses hallâzeh twice regarding Goliath. The first instance emphasizes "this very Philistine" as the object of a reward; the second expresses David's intense disdain and righteous indignation, highlighting Goliath's uncircumcised status and audacious defiance of God's people.
* **[[1 Samuel 17:28]]**: "Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, 'Why did you come down **this** way? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.'" Eliab's use of hallâzeh ("this way") points to the specific, perceived inappropriate reason or manner of David's presence, emphasizing his elder brother's critical assessment.
* **[[Job 1:8]]**: "And the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? **This** one.'"
* **[[Job 2:3]]**: "And the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without cause. **This** one.'" In both instances, God uses hallâzeh to emphatically affirm Job's unique and unwavering righteousness, even in the face of Satan's accusations. It is not merely "Job," but "**this very** Job," whose integrity stands out.
* **[[Psalm 104:26]]**: "There the ships go, and Leviathan, **this** one, which you formed to play in it." The psalm marvels at God's creation, and hallâzeh singles out Leviathan, a creature of immense power and mystery, emphasizing its unique place within the divine order of creation.
* **[[Zechariah 2:4]]**: "And he said to him, 'Run, speak to **this** young man, saying, "Jerusalem shall be inhabited as unwalled villages, because of the multitude of people and livestock in it."'" The angel uses hallâzeh to refer to the prophet Zechariah, or a specific messenger, emphasizing the recipient of the crucial prophetic message concerning Jerusalem's future.
Across these contexts, hallâzeh consistently functions to draw particular attention, distinguish, or emphasize the referent, whether a person, a place, or a concept.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary word related to הַלָּזֶה (hallâzeh, `{{H1976}}`) is זֶה (zeh, `{{H2088}}`), the basic demonstrative pronoun for "this." Hallâzeh is an intensified form of zeh, adding a layer of specificity and emphasis. The particle לָ (lâ-) in hallâzeh may also connect to the root of הָלְאָה (hâlᵉʼâh, `{{H1973}}`), meaning "onward" or "yonder," suggesting a deictic force that points with a sense of distinction or even distance.
Other related concepts include:
* **Demonstrative Pronouns:** The broader category of words that point to specific nouns, such as הוּא (hu, `{{H1931}}`, "he, that") and הִיא (hi, `{{H1932}}`, "she, that"). Hallâzeh is distinct in its emphatic "this-ness."
* **Emphasis and Distinction:** The linguistic function of highlighting a particular entity, often in contrast to others or to underscore its unique qualities.
* **Specificity:** The act of narrowing down the reference to one precise item or individual.
### Theological Significance
While primarily a grammatical intensifier, the specific contexts in which הַלָּזֶה (hallâzeh, `{{H1976}}`) appears imbue it with subtle but profound theological significance.
* **Divine Affirmation:** In the book of Job ([[Job 1:8]], [[Job 2:3]]), God's use of hallâzeh concerning Job is a powerful divine testimony. It is not merely a generic "my servant," but "**this very** Job," whose blamelessness and integrity are divinely acknowledged and upheld even under extreme duress. This highlights God's particular knowledge of and unwavering commitment to His faithful servants.
* **Covenantal Distinction:** David's use of hallâzeh for Goliath in [[1 Samuel 17:26]] ("**this** uncircumcised Philistine") carries strong covenantal weight. It emphasizes Goliath's status as an outsider, one who defies the living God and His covenant people. The emphatic "this one" underscores the theological chasm between the Philistine and the armies of the God of Israel, justifying David's righteous indignation and eventual action.
* **Divine Providence and Plan:** In [[Zechariah 2:4]], the message about Jerusalem's future greatness, delivered via "this young man," points to God's specific and certain plan for His chosen city. The emphasis on "this" suggests a particular divine focus and a definite trajectory for the city's restoration and expansion.
* **Unique Creation:** The reference to Leviathan in [[Psalm 104:26]] as "**this** one" emphasizes the unique and awe-inspiring nature of God's creation, highlighting the diversity and wonder of His handiwork.
In these instances, hallâzeh serves to underscore divine particularity, election, and the specific focus of God's attention, judgment, or creative power.
### Summary
הַלָּזֶה (hallâzeh, `{{H1976}}`) is an emphatic demonstrative pronoun in Biblical Hebrew, best translated as "this very," "this one," or "the one." Formed from the definite article and the demonstrative זֶה (zeh, `{{H2088}}`), it functions to specifically point out, distinguish, or emphasize a particular person or object. Its usage ranges from identifying an unknown individual ([[Genesis 24:65]]) to highlighting a pivotal figure ([[Joshua 8:19]]), expressing strong disdain ([[1 Samuel 17:26]]), or affirming divine testimony ([[Job 1:8]], [[Job 2:3]]). Theologically, hallâzeh underscores God's particular knowledge and affirmation of His servants, the covenantal distinction between Israel and its enemies, and the specific nature of divine plans and creation. It consistently draws attention to the unique identity or quality of the referent, making it a word of subtle but significant emphasis within the biblical narrative.
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