from הָלַל and אֵל; praising God; Jehallelel, the name of two Israelites; Jehalellel, Jehalelel.
Transliteration:Yᵉhallelʼêl
Pronunciation:yeh-hal-lel-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun יְהַלֶּלְאֵל (Yᵉhallelʼêl), Strong's number `{{H3094}}`, is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. Its etymology is derived from two core components: the verb הָלַל (halal - `{{H1984}}`) and the noun אֵל (El - `{{H0410}}`). The verb הָלַל primarily signifies "to praise," "to boast," or "to shine forth." In its Piel stem, as likely implied here, it carries the intensive meaning of "to praise loudly" or "to glorify." The noun אֵל (El) is a common Semitic term for "God" or "deity," frequently used in the Old Testament as a name for the one true God, particularly emphasizing His power and might.
Therefore, the most direct and widely accepted interpretation of יְהַלֶּלְאֵל is "Praising God" or "He praises God." This suggests an individual whose very name embodies an act of worship and adoration directed towards the Divine. While theoretically, it could be interpreted as "God praises," the common grammatical construction of such names in Hebrew, combined with the active participle implied by the verbal form, strongly favors the former. The name thus speaks to a human response of reverence and laudation towards the Creator.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
According to the Strong's definition, יְהַלֶּלְאֵל (Yᵉhallelʼêl) is "the name of two Israelites." However, a direct occurrence of the specific Strong's number `{{H3094}}` is clearly identified in the Masoretic Text primarily in one passage:
1. **[[1 Chronicles 4:16]]**: "And the sons of Jehalelel: Ziph, and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asareel."
Here, Jehalelel (transliterated as Jehallelel or Jehalelel depending on the version) is listed as an individual within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Judah. Specifically, he is identified as a descendant of Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, through the line of Judah. The context is purely genealogical, cataloging the families and their lineages. In such a context, the name serves not only to identify an individual but also to carry a potential spiritual or aspirational message within the family line. The inclusion of "Praising God" within a lineage underscores a family's devotion or a hope for their descendants to live lives of praise. While the Strong's definition mentions "two Israelites," the explicit textual evidence under this specific Strong's number points to this single occurrence. It is possible the definition broadly refers to the *name form* appearing twice, or accounts for a less direct textual association not covered by this specific Strong's number.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of יְהַלֶּלְאֵל (Yᵉhallelʼêl) naturally leads to an exploration of its constituent parts and broader theological themes:
* **הָלַל (halal - `{{H1984}}`)**: This root is foundational to the concept of praise in the Old Testament. It is the root of the familiar "Hallelujah" (הַלְלוּ יָהּ), meaning "Praise Yah/the Lord." It encompasses various forms of praise, from joyous acclamation to boastful self-praise (which is often condemned unless boasting *in the Lord*). Its presence in יְהַלֶּלְאֵל highlights the active and often public nature of praise.
* **אֵל (El - `{{H0410}}`)**: As one of the primary names for God in the Hebrew Bible, אֵל signifies God's power, sovereignty, and faithfulness. It appears in numerous other theophoric names (e.g., Israel - "struggles with God," Ishmael - "God hears," Daniel - "God is my judge," Samuel - "heard by God"). Its inclusion in יְהַלֶּלְאֵל firmly directs the praise towards the Divine.
* **Theophoric Names**: The biblical tradition of naming individuals with elements of God's name (e.g., -el, -yah, -iah) is rich. These names often encapsulated a parent's prayer, a child's destiny, or a theological statement about God's character and His relationship with humanity. יְהַלֶּלְאֵל fits squarely within this tradition, declaring a life or lineage dedicated to the praise of God.
* **Praise (תְּהִלָּה - tehillah - `{{H8416}}`)**: The broader concept of praise is central to Israelite worship and identity. The Psalms, in particular, are replete with calls to praise God for His attributes, His works, and His covenant faithfulness (e.g., [[Psalm 145:3]], [[Psalm 150:6]]). The name יְהַלֶּלְאֵל embodies this fundamental human duty and privilege.
### Theological Significance
The name יְהַלֶּלְאֵל (Yᵉhallelʼêl), "Praising God," carries profound theological significance, reflecting core tenets of biblical faith:
1. **Humanity's Purpose**: The name inherently declares that a fundamental aspect of human existence, and particularly the life of a believer, is to offer praise to God. This aligns with the biblical understanding that humanity was created for God's glory ([[Isaiah 43:7]]) and that praise is a fitting and necessary response to His majesty and goodness ([[Psalm 148:1-14]]).
2. **God's Worthiness**: By naming a child "Praising God," the parents implicitly acknowledge God's supreme worthiness of all adoration. It is a declaration that God, as אֵל, the mighty and sovereign One, is the proper object of all praise and worship.
3. **Aspiration and Identity**: Theophoric names often served as aspirations for the child's life or a declaration of the family's spiritual identity. For Jehallelel, his name would have served as a constant reminder of his calling to live a life of praise. In the context of genealogies, it could signify a family's heritage of devotion or a hope for future generations to uphold this spiritual legacy.
4. **Continuity of Worship**: The presence of such a name within the historical record, even in a genealogical list, testifies to the enduring practice and theological importance of praise within Israel. It shows that praise was not merely a ritualistic act but an integral part of personal and communal identity, expressed even through the names given to children.
### Summary
יְהַלֶּלְאֵל (Yᵉhallelʼêl - `{{H3094}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a theophoric name meaning "Praising God," derived from the roots הָלַל (to praise) and אֵל (God). While the Strong's definition mentions two individuals, the most direct and verifiable occurrence of this specific Strong's number is found in [[1 Chronicles 4:16]], where Jehallelel is listed as a descendant within the tribe of Judah's genealogies. The name encapsulates a profound theological truth: that humanity's proper response to the mighty God (אֵל) is one of active and continuous praise (הָלַל). It reflects a core purpose of human existence, God's inherent worthiness of worship, and the enduring aspiration for lives dedicated to His glory within biblical tradition. The name Jehallelel stands as a silent testimony to the central role of praise in the life of faith.
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