The Hebrew word ʼêl, represented by H411, is a demonstrative particle used in a plural sense to mean these or those. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. While simple, its function is to specify a particular group of people, places, or things being referenced, bringing clarity to commands, promises, and historical accounts.
In the biblical narrative, H411 is used to precisely identify the subject of divine action or human speech. In covenant promises, God specifies "all these countries" that He will give to Isaac's seed (Genesis 26:3, Genesis 26:4). In the context of judgment, it points to "all these abominations" of the people of the land Leviticus 18:27 and "those cities" of the plain which God overthrew Genesis 19:25. The word also designates places of refuge, as in "one of these cities" where a slayer could flee Deuteronomy 4:42, and it is used by Lot to refer to "these men" whom he sought to protect Genesis 19:8.
Several words are clarified by their association with ʼêl:
- H5892 ʻîyr (city): This word for a city or town is often qualified by H411 to designate specific locations of either divine judgment Genesis 19:25 or divine mercy, such as one of "these cities" of refuge (Deuteronomy 4:42, Deuteronomy 19:11).
- H776 ʼerets (country, land): The term is paired with H411 to specify "these countries" as the tangible land promised to Abraham's descendants, grounding the covenant in a physical inheritance (Genesis 26:3, Genesis 26:4).
- H1471 gôwy (nation, people): Used with H411 to identify "those nations" that the LORD would put out before Israel, specifying the groups subject to God's action on behalf of His people Deuteronomy 7:22.
- H582 ʼĕnôwsh (a man in general): In Genesis 19:8, Lot uses this term with H411 to refer to "these men," distinguishing the angelic visitors he must protect from the other men of the city.
The theological importance of H411 comes from the specific objects it highlights in God's dealings with humanity.
- Specificity in Divine Judgment: The particle is used to single out objects of wrath, such as "those cities" on the plain Genesis 19:25 and "these abominations" that defiled the land Leviticus 18:27, leaving no ambiguity about what is being judged.
- Concreteness of Covenant Promises: By pointing to "these countries" Genesis 26:3, the word makes God's covenant promises tangible and specific. The inheritance is not a vague concept but a designated reality.
- Provision of Divine Mercy and Law: H411 identifies the specific "cities" of refuge, illustrating God's organized provision for justice and mercy within the Law for the one who kills unawares (Deuteronomy 4:42, Deuteronomy 19:11).
- Designation of Peoples: The word sets apart specific groups, whether it is "those nations" to be driven out before Israel Deuteronomy 7:22 or "these" giants born in Gath who were defeated by David and his servants 1 Chronicles 20:8.
In summary, H411 ʼêl functions as a crucial demonstrative particle, meaning "these" or "those." Though it appears only 9 times, its role is to provide definite focus in significant biblical events. It specifies the subjects of God's covenant promises, such as the lands given to Isaac Genesis 26:4, the recipients of divine judgment like the cities of the plain Genesis 19:25, and the provisions of His law, like the cities of refuge Deuteronomy 19:11. It ensures clarity, pointing to the exact people, places, or things involved in God's sovereign actions and commands.
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