(Aramaic) feminine from a root corresponding to עָלָה; a pretext (as arising artificially); occasion.
Transliteration:ʻillâh
Pronunciation:il-law'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H5931}}` (ʻillâh), a feminine noun, derives from a root corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H5927}}` (ʻālāh), meaning "to go up," "ascend," or "arise." This etymological connection is crucial for understanding its semantic range. ʻillâh fundamentally denotes something that "rises up" or "is brought forth" as a reason, cause, or occasion. Its primary definitions include "pretext" and "occasion."
The nuance of "pretext" suggests a reason that is artificial, fabricated, or disingenuous, something presented as a justification but potentially lacking true substance. It implies a manipulative or deceptive basis for action or accusation. Conversely, "occasion" can simply refer to the circumstances or grounds that give rise to an event or action, without necessarily implying malice or falsehood. Thus, ʻillâh encompasses both legitimate "causes" or "reasons" and illegitimate "pretexts" or "excuses," depending on the context in which it is employed. It speaks to the underlying *grounds* upon which something is done or asserted.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H5931}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Ezra, primarily in the narratives surrounding the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple and city walls. Its usage consistently revolves around the concept of a "reason," "cause," or "grounds" for action, often in a legal or administrative context.
In [[Ezra 4:15]], the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin write to King Artaxerxes, accusing Jerusalem of being a rebellious city that has "moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause (ʻillâh) was this city destroyed." Here, ʻillâh refers to the historical "reason" or "grounds" for Jerusalem's previous destruction, presented as a warning of future rebellion. The accusers seek to establish a legitimate "cause" for the king to cease the rebuilding. Similarly, in [[Ezra 4:21]], the king's decree to halt the work is based on this presented "cause."
Later, in [[Ezra 5:3]], Tattenai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, confronts the Jewish builders, asking, "Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?" The implied ʻillâh here is the "authority" or "occasion" for their work. The builders' response, as recorded in [[Ezra 5:4]] and [[Ezra 5:9]], provides their legitimate "cause"—the decree of King Cyrus. In these instances, ʻillâh functions as the "basis" or "justification" for the ongoing construction.
Perhaps the most theologically significant occurrence is in [[Ezra 7:23]], where King Artaxerxes issues a decree concerning the provisions for the temple. He states, "Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why (ʻillâh) should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?" Here, ʻillâh is used interrogatively to ask for the "reason" or "cause" for divine wrath. It highlights the king's understanding that neglecting God's commands would provide a legitimate "cause" for divine judgment against his kingdom. This usage underscores the gravity of having a proper "cause" or "reason" for one's actions in the eyes of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic `{{H5931}}` is intrinsically linked to the Hebrew verbal root `{{H5927}}` (ʻālāh), which means "to go up," "ascend," "offer," or "bring up." This connection emphasizes ʻillâh as something that is "brought up" or "raised" as a reason or pretext.
Other related concepts in Hebrew often convey notions of "cause" or "reason":
* `{{H1697}}` (davar): While primarily meaning "word" or "thing," it often signifies a "matter," "affair," or "cause," particularly in legal or judicial contexts (e.g., "the matter of the king").
* `{{H7381}}` (riyb): Denotes a "dispute," "contention," or "lawsuit," implicitly involving the presentation of "causes" or "grounds" for accusation or defense.
* `{{H6310}}` (peh): "Mouth," but sometimes used idiomatically for "reason" or "command."
* The broader concept of *accusation* or *grounds for complaint* is central to the usage of ʻillâh in Ezra 4. Adversaries sought to find a legitimate ʻillâh to halt the work, while the builders presented their own ʻillâh based on divine and royal decrees. This dynamic reflects the broader biblical theme of spiritual warfare and opposition to God's work, where human agents seek "pretexts" to hinder divine purposes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5931}}` lies in its illumination of the nature of justification—both human and divine. In the book of Ezra, the word highlights the constant tension between legitimate divine mandates and human opposition.
The adversaries of God's people sought a "pretext" or "cause" (ʻillâh) to accuse them and obstruct the rebuilding of the temple and city. Their ʻillâh was rooted in malice and fear, aiming to fabricate a legitimate-sounding reason for their interference. This demonstrates how human sinfulness often invents false "causes" to resist God's will and persecute His servants. It underscores the spiritual reality that those who oppose God's work will seek any "occasion" or "pretext" to do so.
Conversely, the Jewish builders and ultimately King Artaxerxes acted upon a legitimate ʻillâh. The builders' "cause" was the divine command and the decree of Cyrus, demonstrating obedience to God's revealed will. Artaxerxes' concern in [[Ezra 7:23]] about the "cause" for divine wrath reveals a profound understanding that God's judgment is not arbitrary but is always based on a just and righteous ʻillâh—namely, human disobedience. This emphasizes God's justice and the principle that His actions, whether blessings or judgments, are always predicated on a just "reason" or "cause."
Thus, ʻillâh serves as a linguistic marker for the grounds of action, contrasting the baseless pretexts of human malice against the righteous and unassailable reasons of divine sovereignty and command. It teaches the importance of discerning the true "cause" behind events and actions, recognizing that God's work proceeds from His perfect will, while opposition often stems from fabricated "occasions."
### Summary
`{{H5931}}` (ʻillâh) is an Aramaic term primarily found in the book of Ezra, denoting a "cause," "reason," or "occasion," often with the connotation of a "pretext." Etymologically linked to the concept of something "arising" or "being brought forth," it refers to the grounds upon which an action is taken or an accusation is made. In its biblical occurrences, ʻillâh highlights the contrast between the fabricated "pretexts" used by the adversaries of God's people to hinder divine work and the legitimate "causes" or "authorities" (such as divine command or royal decree) that justify the actions of God's servants. Theologically, ʻillâh underscores the principle of justification, revealing that human opposition often seeks illegitimate "occasions," while God's judgments and blessings are always based on righteous and true "causes." It calls believers to discern the true "grounds" of all actions, both human and divine, and to ensure their own deeds are rooted in legitimate and God-honoring "reasons."
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