from עָלַל; an act (good or bad); doing, endeavour, invention, work.
Transliteration:maʻălâl
Pronunciation:mah-al-awl'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מַעֲלָל (maʻălâl - `{{H4611}}`) is derived from the verbal root עָלַל (ʻālal - `{{H5953}}`), which fundamentally conveys the idea of 'to act,' 'to deal with,' or 'to perform.' As a noun, מַעֲלָל signifies the *result* or *product* of such action, encompassing 'an act,' 'a deed,' 'a doing,' or 'work.' Its semantic range also extends to 'endeavor' and, in some contexts, 'invention' or 'device,' implying a conceived and executed plan. A crucial aspect of its core meaning is its inherent moral neutrality; the word itself does not specify whether the action is good or bad. Rather, its moral valence is determined by the accompanying adjectives, the context in which it appears, and the nature of the action described. This neutrality allows it to describe both righteous and wicked deeds, though biblical usage often leans heavily towards the latter, particularly in prophetic and wisdom literature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מַעֲלָל (maʻălâl - `{{H4611}}`) appears frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible, serving as a significant descriptor of human conduct, both individual and corporate. While capable of denoting any action, its occurrences predominantly highlight deeds that are displeasing to God or contrary to His covenant. For instance, in [[Deuteronomy 22:14]], it refers to "evil doings" (מַעַלְלֵי סוּאָה) attributed to a man slandering his wife, indicating a morally reprehensible act. Similarly, [[1 Samuel 25:3]] describes Nabal as "evil in his doings" (רַע מַעֲלָלִים), underscoring his wicked character as manifested in his actions.
In the prophetic books, מַעֲלָל is a key term in divine indictment, frequently paired with 'ways' (דֶּרֶךְ - `{{H1870}}`) to describe the totality of a people's sinful conduct. [[Jeremiah 4:18]] declares, "Your ways and your doings have brought this upon you," linking national disaster directly to the nation's unfaithful actions. [[Hosea 4:9]] further emphasizes divine retribution, stating, "I will punish them for their ways, and repay them for their deeds." This usage underscores the principle of divine justice, where consequences are directly tied to human actions. The word often appears in contexts of idolatry, injustice, and rebellion, as seen in [[Isaiah 3:8]], where Judah's "deeds are against the Lord." While less common, the term can also refer to righteous deeds, often in a hortatory sense, urging a return to good conduct, or in contrast to prevailing wickedness, as in [[Zephaniah 3:11]] where the Lord promises a future removal of "all your deeds" that bring shame.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical relative of מַעֲלָל (maʻălâl - `{{H4611}}`) is its root verb, עָלַל (ʻālal - `{{H5953}}`), meaning 'to act' or 'to deal.' This direct derivation emphasizes the noun as the concrete manifestation or outcome of the verb's action. Other significant Hebrew terms that overlap in semantic range with מַעֲלָל include:
* **מַעֲשֶׂה (maʻaseh - `{{H4639}}`):** This is perhaps the closest synonym, often translated as 'work,' 'deed,' or 'achievement.' While both can refer to 'deeds,' מַעֲשֶׂה tends to be a more general term for any making or doing, including the works of God ([[Psalm 8:3]]) or human craftsmanship. מַעֲלָל, particularly in its negative connotations, often carries a stronger moral or ethical weight, focusing on the character of the action itself.
* **פֹּעַל (poʻal - `{{H6467}}`):** Meaning 'work,' 'deed,' or 'act,' this word often refers to the outcome of labor or the result of an action, sometimes with a focus on divine activity.
* **דֶּרֶךְ (derekh - `{{H1870}}`):** Meaning 'way' or 'path,' this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe one's conduct or manner of life. מַעֲלָל describes the specific actions that constitute one's derekh, providing the concrete examples of one's chosen path.
Conceptually, מַעֲלָל is deeply intertwined with themes of human responsibility, accountability, divine judgment, righteousness, wickedness, obedience, and rebellion. It serves as a linguistic anchor for the biblical emphasis on the ethical dimension of human existence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מַעֲלָל (maʻălâl - `{{H4611}}`) lies primarily in its role in articulating human accountability before a righteous God. The frequent use of this term to describe negative or wicked deeds underscores the pervasive nature of human sinfulness and rebellion. It highlights that sin is not merely an internal state but manifests in tangible "doings" that violate God's covenant and moral order. The prophets consistently use מַעֲלָל to expose the hypocrisy and unfaithfulness of Israel, demonstrating that their external rituals were meaningless without a corresponding transformation in their "deeds."
Furthermore, the concept embedded in מַעֲלָל is fundamental to the biblical understanding of divine justice. God is depicted as one who observes and responds to human actions, repaying individuals and nations "according to their deeds" ([[Jeremiah 25:14]], [[Hosea 4:9]]). This principle of retribution, whether for blessing or judgment, is a recurring motif. While the term can technically refer to good deeds, its predominant use in contexts of condemnation serves as a stark reminder of the human propensity for disobedience and the necessity of repentance. It reinforces the idea that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrated and judged by the quality of one's actions.
### Summary
מַעֲלָל (maʻălâl - `{{H4611}}`) denotes an 'act' or 'deed,' stemming from the root 'to act' (עָלַל - `{{H5953}}`). While inherently neutral in its definition, capable of describing both good and bad actions, its overwhelming usage in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in prophetic and wisdom literature, is to describe wicked, perverse, or rebellious deeds. This term is central to the biblical emphasis on human accountability, illustrating how individuals and nations are judged by God based on the totality of their "doings." It serves as a potent reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the pervasive nature of human sin, highlighting the critical link between internal disposition and external conduct in the eyes of a holy God.
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