### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
`{{H1977}}` (הַלֵּזוּ, hallêzûw) is a demonstrative pronoun in Hebrew, serving as an alternative form of `{{H1976}}` (הַלָּזֶה). Its fundamental meaning is "that" or "this," functioning to point out or specify a particular person, object, or concept. As a demonstrative, it serves to distinguish the referent from others, bringing it into focus within the discourse. Its semantic range is directly tied to its function as a deictic marker, indicating proximity ("this") or distance ("that") relative to the speaker or the context. The word is composed of the definite article *ha-*, a particle *l-*, and the demonstrative pronoun *zeh* (`{{H2088}}`), collectively emphasizing the specificity of the item being referenced.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While relatively infrequent, `{{H1977}}` appears in key narrative and prophetic contexts, consistently serving its demonstrative function.
* In [[1 Samuel 17:28]], Eliab angrily asks David, "Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left *those* few sheep in the wilderness?" Here, "those" (הַלֵּזוּ) points to the specific, presumably meager, flock David was supposed to be tending, conveying a tone of dismissal and contempt.
* [[1 Kings 13:12]] recounts, "And his sons spake unto him, saying, What way went the man of God, which came from Judah? For he had seen what way the man of God went, which came *that* day." The word "that" (הַלֵּזוּ) specifies a particular day, emphasizing the precise timing of the prophet's arrival.
* Micaiah's bold declaration in [[1 Kings 22:28]] states, "If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you." The phrase "that" (הַלֵּזוּ) refers to Micaiah's specific prophecy, underscoring its conditional and divinely-sourced nature in contrast to the false prophets.
* In [[2 Kings 4:25]], when Elisha sees the Shunammite woman approaching, he says to Gehazi, "Behold, yonder is *that* Shunammite." Here, "that" (הַלֵּזוּ) serves to identify a specific, known individual from a distance, highlighting her distinct identity.
* Finally, in [[Zechariah 2:4]] (Hebrew 2:8), the angel instructs, "Run, speak to *this* young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein." In this instance, "this" (הַלֵּזוּ) points to a specific individual in close proximity, likely the prophet Zechariah himself or a designated messenger, emphasizing the direct and personal nature of the divine message.
Across these occurrences, `{{H1977}}` consistently functions to provide specificity, whether indicating a person, object, time, or statement, with the precise nuance of proximity or distance being determined by the immediate context.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{H1976}}` (הַלָּזֶה, hallâzeh), of which `{{H1977}}` is explicitly stated to be an alternative form. These two words share identical meaning and function as demonstrative pronouns. The core component of `{{H1977}}` is `{{H2088}}` (זֶה, zeh), the most basic Hebrew demonstrative pronoun meaning "this." The prefix *ha-* is the definite article, and the *l-* particle serves an emphatic or deictic role, intensifying the demonstrative force. This word family belongs to the broader grammatical category of demonstrative pronouns and adjectives, which are essential for establishing definiteness and specificity in language. Other related concepts include identity, distinction, and reference, all of which are conveyed through the use of such specifying terms.
### Theological Significance
As a grammatical particle, `{{H1977}}` does not carry intrinsic theological doctrine. However, its theological significance lies in its contribution to the clarity, precision, and specificity of divine revelation within the biblical text. In a sacred text where every word is considered divinely inspired, the use of demonstrative pronouns like `{{H1977}}` ensures that the recipients of God's word can accurately identify the subjects of His commands, the recipients of His promises, the objects of His judgment, and the specific individuals involved in His redemptive history. For instance, when Micaiah refers to "that" prophecy in [[1 Kings 22:28]], it underscores the singular, divinely-given truth he proclaims, distinguishing it from the multitude of false prophecies. In [[Zechariah 2:4]], "this young man" highlights the specific human agent through whom God chooses to reveal His future plans for Jerusalem. Thus, while seemingly small, `{{H1977}}` plays a crucial role in maintaining the unambiguous nature of biblical communication, ensuring that God's message is conveyed with the exactness necessary for understanding and obedience.
### Summary
`{{H1977}}` (הַלֵּזוּ, hallêzûw) is a Hebrew demonstrative pronoun, functioning as an alternative form of `{{H1976}}` (הַLָּזֶה). Its core meaning is "that" or "this," serving to point out and specify a particular entity. Biblically, it is used to denote specificity, whether referring to "those" sheep in [[1 Samuel 17:28]], "that" day in [[1 Kings 13:12]], "that" prophecy in [[1 Kings 22:28]], "that" Shunammite woman in [[2 Kings 4:25]], or "this" young man in [[Zechariah 2:4]]. The word is closely related to the basic demonstrative `{{H2088}}` (זֶה) and contributes to the concept of definiteness in Hebrew. Theologically, `{{H1977}}` is vital for the precision of biblical discourse, ensuring that divine commands, prophecies, and narratives are conveyed with unambiguous clarity, thereby facilitating an accurate understanding of God's revealed truth.
TRV