a primitive root; to jump for joy, i.e. exult; be joyful, rejoice, triumph.
Transliteration:ʻâlaz
Pronunciation:aw-laz'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H5937 (ʻâlaz), a primitive root, fundamentally conveys the idea of "to jump for joy," extending to "exult," "be joyful," "rejoice," and "triumph." The core semantic component is an outward, often vigorous, expression of gladness or delight, distinguishing it from more subdued forms of happiness. It implies a demonstrative, sometimes boisterous, celebration. The range of meaning encompasses:
* **Exuberant Joy:** A strong, uninhibited feeling of delight, often leading to physical manifestation.
* **Triumphal Rejoicing:** Joy specifically arising from victory, success, or the overcoming of an adversary, implying a sense of vindication or conquest.
* **Gladness:** A more general sense of being pleased or happy, but still with the potential for outward expression.
The term often carries a nuance of revelry, which can be positive when directed towards God or righteous outcomes, or negative when directed towards the misfortune of others or ungodly success.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ʻâlaz appears approximately 30 times in the Hebrew Bible, predominantly in the Psalms, Proverbs, and prophetic literature. Its usage reveals key contexts:
* **Rejoicing in God and His Salvation:** This is the most prevalent and positive use. The righteous ʻâlaz in the Lord, His salvation, His works, and His justice. For instance, [[Psalm 9:2]] declares, "I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High." Similarly, [[Psalm 28:7]] states, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him." This exultation is a direct response to God's faithfulness and deliverance.
* **Rejoicing in Deliverance and Victory:** Often, ʻâlaz describes the joy of those who have been delivered from oppression or who witness the defeat of their enemies. [[Psalm 35:9]] expresses, "Then my soul will exult in the Lord, rejoicing in his salvation." This triumphal aspect is evident when the righteous "triumph" (e.g., [[Proverbs 28:12]]).
* **Creation's Exultation:** In prophetic contexts, even creation is depicted as ʻâlazing in anticipation of God's righteous reign and judgment. [[Psalm 96:12]] proclaims, "Let the field exult, and everything in it! Then let all the trees of the forest sing for joy." This highlights the cosmic scope of God's redemptive work.
* **Misplaced or Malicious Joy:** Significantly, ʻâlaz is also used to describe the unholy, often malicious, exultation of the wicked or enemies over the suffering of others. [[Lamentations 2:16]] vividly portrays the enemies of Jerusalem: "All your enemies open their mouths wide against you; they hiss and gnash their teeth, they cry out, 'We have swallowed her up! Ah, this is the day we longed for; we have found it; we have seen it!'" Similarly, [[Ezekiel 35:15]] condemns Edom's ʻâlazing over Israel's desolation. This negative usage underscores the moral dimension of joy: its goodness is determined by its object and motivation.
* **Contrast with Sorrow:** The absence of ʻâlaz signifies a state of mourning or distress, as seen in [[Isaiah 24:7]], where the "merry-hearted sigh" because of judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
ʻAlaz is part of a rich semantic field of joy and rejoicing in Hebrew, each with its own nuance:
* **`{{H8055}}` *śāmaḥ***: A very common and general term for "to be glad," "rejoice." While śāmaḥ can be internal, ʻâlaz often implies a more overt, physical expression.
* **`{{H1523}}` *gîl***: "To rejoice," "shout for joy," often associated with a circular movement or dance, implying an ecstatic or exuberant joy. ʻAlaz and gîl are often found in parallel (e.g., [[Psalm 9:2]]).
* **`{{H7442}}` *rānān***: "To shout for joy," "sing joyfully." This emphasizes the vocal aspect of rejoicing.
* **`{{H5596}}` *sûś***: "To rejoice," "be glad," often conveying a strong sense of delight or jubilation.
These terms collectively paint a picture of the multifaceted nature of joy in the biblical worldview, from quiet contentment to boisterous celebration. ʻAlaz specifically emphasizes the demonstrative, often triumphant, aspect of that joy.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻâlaz is profound, highlighting the proper object and nature of joy in the biblical narrative:
* **God as the Ultimate Source and Object of Joy:** The consistent positive use of ʻâlaz points to God as the only worthy and enduring source of true exultation. Righteous joy is not found in fleeting circumstances or material possessions, but in God's character, His saving acts, His justice, and His faithfulness. This joy is a response of faith and trust in His sovereignty.
* **Justice and Vindication:** The frequent association of ʻâlaz with triumph and deliverance underscores the biblical emphasis on God's justice. The righteous ʻâlaz because God rights wrongs, vindicates the oppressed, and judges the wicked. This exultation is an affirmation of God's moral order in the universe.
* **Eschatological Hope:** In prophetic literature, ʻâlaz often points to a future time of complete restoration and God's ultimate triumph. The exultation of creation and the redeemed in the messianic age signifies a hope that transcends present suffering, looking forward to a time when all things will rejoice under God's perfect reign.
* **Warning Against Malicious Joy:** The negative usage of ʻâlaz serves as a strong theological warning against finding joy in the misfortune of others or in unrighteous gain. Such joy is an abomination to God and will ultimately be reversed, leading to divine judgment. This highlights the ethical imperative to align one's affections with God's heart.
### Summary
H5937 (ʻâlaz) describes an active, often demonstrative, expression of joy, ranging from simple gladness to triumphant exultation. Its core meaning of "jumping for joy" underscores its physical, outward nature. Biblically, ʻâlaz is predominantly associated with the righteous rejoicing in God's deliverance, justice, and salvation, often in response to overcoming adversaries or experiencing divine favor. It also describes the inappropriate, malicious joy of the wicked over the suffering of others, which is consistently condemned. The word's theological significance lies in its emphasis on the proper object of joy – God and His righteous acts – and its connection to divine sovereignty, justice, and eschatological hope. It calls believers to an exuberant, unreserved delight in the Lord, recognizing His ultimate victory and faithfulness.
TRV