a primitive root; to blurt or utter inconsiderately; devour.
Transliteration:yâlaʻ
Pronunciation:yaw-lah'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H3216}}` (yâlaʻ) is a primitive root carrying a fascinating dual semantic range. At its core, it conveys the idea of an uncontrolled, often destructive, release or consumption. One primary sense is "to blurt out" or "utter inconsiderately," implying speech that is rash, thoughtless, or impulsive. This suggests a lack of restraint or careful consideration before speaking. The other significant sense is "to devour" or "swallow," which denotes consumption, destruction, or overwhelming. While seemingly disparate, these two meanings can be understood as expressions of an unbridled, perhaps even violent, act—whether it be the rapid expulsion of words or the forceful consumption of matter. The underlying nuance points to an action performed without due thought or reverence, leading to potentially harmful consequences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H3216}}` appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, yet its few occurrences powerfully illustrate its semantic breadth and theological weight.
* **[[Proverbs 20:25]]**: "It is a snare to a man rashly to say, 'It is holy!' And after vows to make inquiry." Here, the verb is often translated as "rashly to say" or "devoureth holy things" (KJV). The context speaks of the danger of making hasty declarations or vows concerning sacred matters without proper thought. To "devour" holy things implies a thoughtless, perhaps even sacrilegious, appropriation or declaration without due reverence, thereby ensnaring oneself. The act is impulsive and lacks the necessary deliberation for matters pertaining to God.
* **[[Job 6:3]]**: "For then my grief would be heavier than the sand of the seas; therefore my words have been rash." In Job's lament, he attributes the rashness of his words to the overwhelming weight of his suffering. The verb here is translated as "have been rash" or "swallowed up." It describes words that burst forth without control, driven by intense emotion rather than reasoned thought. This highlights the human tendency to speak impulsively under duress.
* **[[Psalm 14:4]] / [[Psalm 53:4]]**: "Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the LORD?" In these parallel psalms, `{{H3216}}` is used metaphorically to describe the wicked who "devour" or "eat up" God's people. This signifies their oppressive, exploitative, and destructive actions against the righteous, treating human lives as casually as consuming food. It portrays a profound lack of empathy, justice, and reverence for God.
Across these contexts, `{{H3216}}` consistently points to actions—whether verbal or physical—that are characterized by a lack of restraint, consideration, or reverence, leading to negative outcomes for the speaker, the community, or the sacred.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H3216}}` intersects with several related Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **Words related to speech:**
* `{{H1696}}` (dabar): "to speak," often with intentionality. `{{H3216}}` contrasts with this by implying unintentional or uncontrolled speech.
* `{{H6310}}` (peh): "mouth," the instrument of speech, but `{{H3216}}` highlights the *manner* of speaking.
* `{{H2950}}` (taphah): "to drivel," "speak foolishly," which shares the negative connotation of thoughtless speech.
* `{{H1811}}` (damah): "to be silent," the antithesis of "blurting out."
* **Words related to consumption/destruction:**
* `{{H398}}` (akal): "to eat," a more general term. `{{H3216}}` emphasizes the rapid, often destructive, nature of the consumption.
* `{{H1104}}` (bala'): "to swallow," "consume," "engulf," which shares the sense of overwhelming ingestion.
* `{{H7580}}` (sha'ah): "to rush," "devastate," which can describe destructive actions.
* **Concepts:** Rashness, impulsivity, thoughtlessness, sacrilege, oppression, exploitation, lack of wisdom, unbridled appetite (for power, gain, or even speech).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3216}}` lies in its stark portrayal of the dangers of impulsivity and irreverence, both in word and deed.
1. **Reverence for the Sacred**: In [[Proverbs 20:25]], the word underscores the critical importance of careful deliberation and reverence when dealing with sacred things or making vows before God. To "blurt out" or "devour" holy things is to treat them with contemptuous haste, turning a potentially sacred act into a spiritual snare. This highlights the biblical call for intentionality and seriousness in all matters pertaining to divine covenant and worship.
2. **The Peril of Uncontrolled Speech**: [[Job 6:3]] illustrates that even righteous individuals can fall prey to rash speech, particularly under intense emotional duress. This serves as a cautionary reminder of the power of words and the need for self-control, even when suffering. Uncontrolled speech can exacerbate pain, mislead, or even betray one's true intentions.
3. **The Depravity of the Wicked**: The metaphorical use in [[Psalm 14:4]] and [[Psalm 53:4]] vividly depicts the wicked as those who "devour" God's people. This is a powerful image of oppression, exploitation, and utter disregard for human life and divine justice. It portrays a profound spiritual blindness where the wicked act without knowledge or fear of the LORD, consuming others for their own selfish ends. This usage underscores the destructive nature of sin and injustice.
Collectively, `{{H3216}}` warns against actions born of thoughtlessness or unbridled appetite, whether it manifests as rash words, sacrilegious acts, or oppressive behavior. It calls for wisdom, self-control, and a deep sense of reverence in all aspects of life.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H3216}}` (yâlaʻ) is a potent term that encapsulates the destructive potential of unbridled action, whether in speech or deed. Its dual meaning, "to blurt out/utter inconsiderately" and "to devour," points to a core concept of uncontrolled release or consumption. Biblical occurrences in [[Proverbs 20:25]], [[Job 6:3]], and [[Psalm 14:4]] / [[Psalm 53:4]] consistently highlight the perils of impulsivity. It warns against treating sacred matters lightly, speaking rashly under duress, and the wicked's oppressive "devouring" of the righteous. The word serves as a profound theological caution against thoughtlessness, irreverence, and destructive behavior, emphasizing the vital importance of wisdom, self-control, and a reverent posture before God and humanity.
TRV