from the article (see הָלְאָהxlit hâlᵉâh corrected to hâlᵉʼâh); hither; here, hither(-(to)), thither.
Transliteration:hălôm
Pronunciation:hal-ome'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adverb `{{H1988}}` (hălôm) primarily denotes "hither" or "here," indicating movement towards a specific point or the state of being at that point. Its core meaning encompasses a directional aspect, signifying "to this place," "unto this place," or simply "at this place." The term often implies an invitation, a command to approach, or the culmination of a journey. It is derived from a root related to movement and progression, specifically linked to `{{H1973}}` (hālᵉʼâ), which means "onward" or "further." This connection highlights a semantic range that positions `{{H1988}}` as the immediate, proximal destination, in contrast to a more distant or future "there." Thus, while seemingly simple, it carries the nuance of arrival and presence within a defined spatial context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H1988}}` appears in various narrative and legal contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, consistently conveying a sense of proximity or directed movement.
* In [[Genesis 15:16]], God assures Abraham concerning his descendants: "But in the fourth generation they shall come *hither* again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full." Here, "hither" refers to the Promised Land, emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness and the certain return of Israel to their divinely appointed inheritance. It signifies a specific geographical destination for the fulfillment of a divine promise.
* Perhaps one of its most potent uses is in [[Exodus 3:5]], when God addresses Moses from the burning bush: "And he said, Draw not nigh *hither*: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." This command uses `{{H1988}}` to establish a boundary of sacred space, indicating both the immediate presence of the divine and the necessity of reverence in approaching it. The word marks a threshold of encounter.
* In [[Judges 18:3]], the Danites ask the young Levite, "Who brought thee *hither*?" This interrogative use highlights `{{H1988}}` as a marker of origin or arrival at a particular location, underscoring the journey and the reason for one's presence. Similarly, in [[1 Samuel 10:22]], when Saul is sought, the question is asked, "Is there not yet any come *hither*?" referring to his arrival among the people.
* The term also appears in contexts of bringing objects or people to a specific location, such as in [[2 Samuel 11:20]], where Joab instructs his messenger, "Then if so be that the king's wrath arise, and he say unto thee, Wherefore approached ye so nigh unto the city when ye did fight? knew ye not that they would shoot from the wall?" (though the KJV renders this as "nigh," the underlying Hebrew is `{{H1988}}` indicating "to this point").
Across these occurrences, `{{H1988}}` consistently functions as a precise spatial indicator, often in contexts of divine command, covenant fulfillment, or significant human interaction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{H1988}}` (hălôm) is `{{H1973}}` (hālᵉʼâ), meaning "onward," "further," or "yonder." This pair forms a conceptual contrast between "here" (hălôm) and "there/further" (hālᵉʼâ), denoting immediate proximity versus greater distance. Other adverbs of place that share semantic space include:
* `{{H6311}}` (pôh): "here," often emphasizing a static location rather than movement towards it.
* `{{H8033}}` (shâm): "there," a general indicator of a non-proximal location.
* `{{H5704}}` (ʻad): "unto," "as far as," often used with prepositions to indicate a boundary or limit of movement.
The concept of "drawing near" or "approaching" is also closely tied to the usage of `{{H1988}}`, as seen in divine summons or human obedience.
### Theological Significance
While a seemingly simple adverb of place, `{{H1988}}` takes on profound theological significance in its biblical contexts.
1. **Divine Presence and Holiness:** The command "Draw not nigh *hither*" in [[Exodus 3:5]] is a foundational declaration of God's absolute holiness and transcendence. The "hither" marks a sacred boundary, emphasizing that human approach to the divine is not casual but requires reverence, purification, and divine invitation. It underscores the awesome reality of God's immanence in a specific place.
2. **Covenant Fulfillment and Promise:** In passages like [[Genesis 15:16]], `{{H1988}}` grounds God's promises in specific geographical and historical realities. The assurance that Abraham's descendants "shall come *hither* again" speaks to the faithfulness of God in bringing His people to the land of promise, demonstrating His sovereignty over history and geography in the outworking of His redemptive plan.
3. **Divine Direction and Human Accountability:** The instances where individuals are called or brought "hither" (e.g., [[Judges 18:3]]) often signify a moment of divine or human agency directing a path. It can be a call to account, a summons to service, or the divinely ordained trajectory of a life or a people. The "hither" becomes a point of decision or revelation.
4. **Immediacy of Encounter:** The consistent use of `{{H1988}}` for "here" or "to here" emphasizes the immediacy and tangibility of God's interaction with humanity. It is not a distant, abstract God, but one who calls, directs, and reveals Himself in specific times and places.
### Summary
`{{H1988}}` (hălôm) is a Hebrew adverb signifying "hither" or "here," primarily denoting movement towards or presence at a specific location. Though a simple word, its usage in the Hebrew Bible carries significant theological weight. It serves to delineate sacred space, as seen in God's command to Moses at the burning bush ([[Exodus 3:5]]), emphasizing divine holiness and the reverence required for human approach. Furthermore, `{{H1988}}` underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, particularly concerning the return to the Promised Land ([[Genesis 15:16]]). It also marks points of divine direction and human accountability, highlighting the immediate and tangible nature of God's engagement with His creation. Thus, `{{H1988}}` is more than a mere spatial indicator; it is a word that points to the locus of divine action, presence, and covenantal truth.
TRV