from the prepositional prefix and אֵל; (belonging) to God; Lael an Israelite; Lael.
Transliteration:Lâʼêl
Pronunciation:law-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun לָאֵל (Lâʼêl), Strong's H3815, is a compound word formed from the prepositional prefix לָ (lā), meaning "to" or "for," and the noun אֵל (ʼēl), Strong's `{{H410}}`, meaning "God" or "god." Thus, the name inherently signifies "to God," "for God," or "belonging to God." As a personal name, its semantic range is focused on this singular, profound declaration of relationship and ownership. It does not carry a broader range of meanings beyond this etymological derivation; rather, its significance lies in the theological implications of its components.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Lâʼêl appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* **[[Numbers 3:24]]**: "And the chief of the father's house of the Gershonites was Eliasaph the son of Lael."
In this sole occurrence, Lael is identified as the father of Eliasaph, who served as the leader of the Gershonite clan within the tribe of Levi. The context is the detailed enumeration and organization of the Levites, who were uniquely set apart for service in the tabernacle. The Gershonites, specifically, were responsible for the care of the tabernacle's curtains, coverings, and associated items. The name "Lael" for an ancestor of a Levitical leader is particularly fitting, underscoring the tribe's foundational dedication and belonging to Yahweh. It highlights a lineage whose very identity, through this name, was tied to divine ownership and purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is אֵל (ʼēl), Strong's `{{H410}}`, which forms the latter part of the name and signifies "God." This divine element is common in many Hebrew names, often denoting a relationship with God, a characteristic of God, or a prayer/blessing from God. Examples include:
* יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el, Israel) - "He strives with God" or "God strives."
* שְׁמוּאֵל (Shmu'el, Samuel) - "Heard of God" or "Name of God."
* דָּנִיֵּאל (Daniyyel, Daniel) - "God is my judge."
* יְחֶזְקֵאל (Yehezqel, Ezekiel) - "God strengthens."
* גַּבְרִיאֵל (Gavri'el, Gabriel) - "God is my strong one."
* מִיכָאֵל (Mikha'el, Michael) - "Who is like God?"
The concept of "belonging to God" is also powerfully expressed through other biblical themes, such as the consecration of the firstborn ([[Exodus 13:2]]), the dedication of the Levites in place of the firstborn ([[Numbers 3:12]]), and the covenant relationship where Israel is declared God's "treasured possession" ([[Exodus 19:5]]). The name Lael encapsulates this profound theological concept within a personal identity.
### Theological Significance
The name Lael, "to God" or "belonging to God," carries significant theological weight, particularly in its context as an ancestral name within the Levitical lineage. It serves as a powerful declaration of divine ownership and dedication.
1. **Divine Ownership**: The name asserts God's sovereign claim over His people. Just as the Levites were set apart as God's own for sacred service, Lael's name reflects this fundamental truth: humanity, and especially those in covenant relationship with God, belong to Him. This resonates with broader biblical themes of God's creation and redemption, where He claims His people as His own.
2. **Dedication and Purpose**: For a Levite's forebear, the name "Lael" underscores the tribe's unique calling. The Levites were not given an inheritance of land but were themselves the Lord's inheritance ([[Numbers 18:20]]). Their very existence and service were "to God." The name Lael thus prefigures and encapsulates the spiritual dedication required of those who serve the Divine.
3. **Covenant Identity**: In ancient Israel, names often conveyed identity and destiny. Lael's name would have served as a constant reminder, for himself and his descendants, of their intrinsic connection and commitment to Yahweh. It speaks to a life oriented towards God, lived under His authority and for His glory.
4. **Prefigurement**: The concept of "belonging to God" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, where believers are "bought with a price" ([[1 Corinthians 6:20]]) and are no longer their own, but belong to Christ. The name Lael, therefore, stands as an ancient testament to a timeless spiritual truth: true life is found in being wholly given over "to God."
### Summary
The Hebrew name לָאֵל (Lâʼêl), Strong's H3815, meaning "to God" or "belonging to God," is a deeply significant proper noun. Though it appears only once in the biblical text as the father of Eliasaph, a Gershonite leader ([[Numbers 3:24]]), its etymological roots provide profound theological insight. It encapsulates the concept of divine ownership and dedication, particularly fitting for an ancestor within the Levitical tribe, who were uniquely set apart for sacred service to Yahweh. The name serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereign claim over His people and the call to live a life consecrated "to God."
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