### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼâlaph**, represented by `{{H502}}`, is a primitive root used to convey the concept of learning or teaching through association. It appears only **4 times** in **4 unique verses**, primarily in wisdom literature, where it can mean to **learn**, **teach**, or **utter**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H502}}` carries both positive and negative connotations. It is used to describe how God **teacheth** humanity, making them wiser than the beasts of the earth [[Job 35:11]], and as a means for one person to **teach** another wisdom [[Job 33:33]]. Conversely, it warns against the danger to **learn** the ways of an angry person, which can become a snare to the soul [[Proverbs 22:25]]. It is also used to describe a mouth that **uttereth** iniquity, revealing a person who has chosen the tongue of the crafty [[Job 15:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and consequences of the teaching and learning described by `{{H502}}`:
* `{{H2451}}` **chokmâh** (wisdom): This noun represents the content of righteous teaching. The purpose of teaching `{{H502}}` can be to impart **wisdom** to one who will hearken [[Job 33:33]].
* `{{H2449}}` **châkam** (to be wise): This verb describes the result of divine instruction. God **teacheth** `{{H502}}` humanity in order to make them **wiser** than the fowls of heaven [[Job 35:11]].
* `{{H4170}}` **môwqêsh** (snare): This term highlights the negative consequence of learning from the wrong source. To **learn** `{{H502}}` the ways of the unrighteous is to get a **snare** for one's soul [[Proverbs 22:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H502}}` is centered on the source and outcome of knowledge.
* **Divine Instruction:** A core theme is that God is the ultimate teacher. He is the one who **teacheth** `{{H502}}` humanity, setting them apart from the animal kingdom [[Job 35:11]].
* **The Influence of Association:** The word underscores the moral gravity of learning from others. One can **learn** `{{H502}}` ways that lead to a snare `{{H4170}}` for the soul `{{H5315}}`, demonstrating that knowledge acquisition is tied to one's relationships [[Proverbs 22:25]].
* **Speech as a Reflection of Character:** What a person **uttereth** `{{H502}}` is a direct result of their inner state. A mouth that speaks iniquity `{{H5771}}` does so because it has chosen the path of the crafty `{{H6175}}`, as seen in [[Job 15:5]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼâlaph** `{{H502}}` is a potent, though infrequently used, term that encompasses the process of teaching and learning. It highlights a critical biblical principle: that knowledge is not neutral. It can be a divine gift that imparts wisdom and separates humanity from the beasts, or it can be a corrupting influence from evil associations that entraps the soul. The word connects what is taught, what is learned, and what is spoken to the ultimate state of one's character.
TRV