feminine from an unused root meaning to cover; dusk; dark, twilight.
Transliteration:ʻălâṭâh
Pronunciation:al-aw-taw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עֲלָטָה (ʻălâṭâh, `{{H5939}}`) is a feminine noun derived from an unused verbal root meaning "to cover" or "to conceal." Its core semantic range encompasses "dusk," "twilight," and a general sense of "darkness" or "gloom." Unlike `{{H2822}}` (*choshek*), which often denotes deep, absolute darkness, ʻălâṭâh specifically points to the transitional period when light diminishes, or a state of dimness where things are obscured rather than completely invisible. It suggests a "covering" or "shrouding" of light, leading to a state of partial visibility or obscurity. This nuance implies a time or condition where threats might be less discernible or operate under cover.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Remarkably, ʻălâṭâh (`{{H5939}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in [[Psalm 91:6]]. This singular occurrence, however, is highly significant and provides the primary context for understanding its meaning and theological implications:
> "nor for the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday."
> — [[Psalm 91:6]]
In this verse, ʻălâṭâh is used to describe the "darkness" in which "pestilence" (דֶּבֶר, *dever*) operates. The parallelism with "destruction that wastes at noonday" (קֶטֶב יָשׁוּד צָהֳרָיִם, *qetev yashud tsohorayim*) is crucial. It contrasts dangers that are overt and visible, occurring in the full light of day, with those that are insidious, hidden, and stalk under the cover of dimness or night. The "pestilence that stalks in darkness" evokes an image of a hidden, creeping danger, perhaps a disease that spreads unseen, or a threat that operates when vigilance is naturally lower. The choice of ʻălâṭâh here emphasizes this aspect of concealment and the subtle, often unseen, nature of the threat.
### Related Words & Concepts
The unused root for ʻălâṭâh points to the concept of "covering" or "concealment," which is central to its meaning. Other Hebrew words for darkness or twilight offer valuable comparative insights:
* `{{H2822}}` (חֹשֶׁךְ, *choshek*): This is the most common word for darkness, often signifying deep, profound darkness, chaos, or metaphorical evil and ignorance (e.g., [[Genesis 1:2]], [[Isaiah 9:2]]). While ʻălâṭâh is a form of darkness, it specifies the dimness of dusk rather than absolute blackness.
* `{{H652}}` (אֲפֵלָה, *ʾăp̄ēlâ*): This term denotes thick darkness, gloom, or obscurity, often associated with divine judgment or distress (e.g., [[Exodus 10:22]], [[Deuteronomy 28:29]]). It carries a stronger connotation of oppressive gloom than ʻălâṭâh.
* `{{H5399}}` (נֶשֶׁף, *nesheph*): This word is also translated as "twilight," "dusk," or "dawn," referring to the transitional period between day and night (e.g., [[Proverbs 7:9]], [[Job 24:15]]). Nesheph is semantically very close to ʻălâṭâh, both describing the onset of night, but ʻălâṭâh in [[Psalm 91:6]] specifically highlights the *hiddenness* associated with that time.
Conceptually, ʻălâṭâh is tied to ideas of vulnerability, hidden danger, and the need for divine vigilance. It represents a liminal space where the familiar clarity of day gives way to the uncertainties of night.
### Theological Significance
Despite its single occurrence, ʻălâṭâh in [[Psalm 91:6]] carries significant theological weight within the context of divine protection.
1. **Comprehensive Divine Protection:** The verse asserts God's protection not only from overt, "noonday" dangers but also from insidious threats that "stalk in darkness." This highlights the comprehensive nature of God's care, extending to perils that are unseen, subtle, or operate under cover of obscurity. No time or condition, not even the dimness of ʻălâṭâh, is beyond the scope of God's safeguarding presence.
2. **Nature of Evil and Danger:** The association of ʻălâṭâh with "pestilence" suggests that some forms of evil or danger operate surreptitiously, preying on vulnerability when light and clarity are diminished. This reflects a biblical understanding that evil often thrives in hiddenness, seeking to ensnare or destroy when its victims are less aware or prepared.
3. **God's Omniscience and Sovereignty:** The fact that the righteous are protected even from what stalks in ʻălâṭâh implicitly affirms God's omniscience – He sees what is hidden in the dimness – and His sovereignty over all conditions, even those characterized by obscurity and potential threat. His light penetrates all darkness, ensuring the safety of those who trust in Him.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עֲלָטָה (ʻălâṭâh, `{{H5939}}`) denotes "dusk," "twilight," or a state of dim "darkness" derived from a root meaning "to cover." Its unique occurrence in [[Psalm 91:6]] is profoundly illustrative, depicting a "pestilence that stalks in darkness," a subtle and insidious danger that operates under the cover of obscurity. This contrasts with overt, "noonday" threats, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's divine protection. Theologically, ʻălâṭâh underscores that God's care extends to all forms of peril, whether visible or hidden in the dimness, affirming His omnipresence, omniscience, and unwavering sovereignty over every circumstance. It reminds believers that even when dangers lurk unseen, they are safe under the shadow of the Almighty.
TRV