from עָלַז; exultant; joyous, (that) rejoice(-ing)
Transliteration:ʻallîyz
Pronunciation:al-leez'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adjective H5947 (ʻallîyz) is derived from the verbal root `{{H5937}}` (ʻalaz), which means "to exult, rejoice, triumph." Consequently, ʻallîyz denotes a state of being "exultant," "joyous," or "rejoicing." It describes an active, often demonstrative, expression of elation, triumph, or jubilant happiness. Unlike a quiet contentment, ʻallîyz implies an outward, sometimes boisterous, display of joy. Its semantic range is tightly focused on this intense, often public, expression of delight, typically in response to a specific event or perceived victory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of ʻallîyz in the Hebrew Bible are notable for their consistent application to the joy or exultation of the wicked, the arrogant, or those who triumph over God's people. This word is rarely, if ever, used to describe a righteous or godly joy.
* In [[Isaiah 5:14]], the prophet declares that Sheol has enlarged itself to swallow Jerusalem's nobility, multitude, splendor, and "he who is ʻallîyz within her." Here, ʻallîyz describes those who are reveling in their prosperity and perhaps their perceived security, unaware or dismissive of the impending divine judgment. Their joy is presented as heedless and ultimately leading to destruction.
* [[Zephaniah 2:15]] uses ʻallîyz to characterize Nineveh, the capital of Assyria: "This is the ʻallîyz city that dwelt securely, that said in her heart, 'I am, and there is no one else besides me.'" Nineveh's exultation is rooted in arrogant self-assurance and defiance, a pride that precedes its devastating fall.
* [[Jeremiah 50:11]] employs ʻallîyz to describe Babylon's triumphant joy in plundering Judah, God's heritage: "Because you are ʻallîyz, because you rejoice, O you who plunder My heritage, because you skip about like a calf in the pasture and neigh like stallions." This verse vividly portrays Babylon's unholy glee in its conquests, emphasizing its wickedness and foreshadowing its own judgment.
* In [[Judges 16:23]], the Philistine lords assemble to offer sacrifice to Dagon and to "rejoice" (ʻallîyz) over Samson's capture. This context highlights the exultation of an enemy over God's servant, a joy derived from what they perceive as a victory over the God of Israel.
Across these instances, ʻallîyz consistently points to a joy that is misplaced, arrogant, or derived from ungodly triumph, often serving as a prelude to divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H5937}}` (ʻalaz):** This is the direct verbal root from which ʻallîyz is derived. It means "to exult, rejoice, triumph" and shares the core meaning of enthusiastic, often demonstrative, joy.
* **`{{H7442}}` (rânan):** Meaning "to shout for joy, sing aloud," this word often describes joyful acclamation, sometimes in worship. While also expressing exuberance, rânan can have a more positive or neutral connotation depending on context, whereas ʻallîyz tends to carry a negative implication.
* **`{{H8055}}` (śāmaḥ):** A broad term meaning "to rejoice, be glad," which encompasses various forms of happiness, both internal and external. It is frequently used for righteous joy, such as joy in the Lord. ʻallîyz represents a more specific, intense, and often negatively connoted form of śāmaḥ.
* **`{{H1523}}` (gîl):** Meaning "to rejoice, be glad, shout with joy," this word also denotes exuberant joy and can appear in both positive and negative contexts. However, ʻallîyz carries a stronger and more consistent implication of arrogant or unrighteous exultation.
The key distinction among these terms lies in the *nature* and *source* of the joy. While other words can describe righteous celebration or joy in God's blessings, ʻallîyz is consistently reserved for a joy that is characterized by pride, defiance, or unholy triumph.
### Theological Significance
The consistent negative application of ʻallîyz in the biblical text carries significant theological weight. It serves as a stark reminder that not all joy or exultation is righteous or pleasing to God. The "ʻallîyz" joy is typically characterized by:
1. **Arrogance and Self-Sufficiency:** It is the joy of those who believe themselves invincible or who disregard divine authority, as seen in Nineveh's boast in [[Zephaniah 2:15]].
2. **Hostility to God's Purposes:** It is the exultation derived from triumph over God's people or the violation of His covenant, exemplified by Babylon's glee in plundering Judah ([[Jeremiah 50:11]]).
3. **Spiritual Blindness:** It often reflects a lack of awareness or concern for impending judgment, as with the heedless revelers of Jerusalem in [[Isaiah 5:14]].
This word stands in stark contrast to the "joy of the Lord" (śimḥat YHWH), which is a fruit of the Spirit, rooted in God's character, salvation, and faithfulness. The prophets utilize ʻallîyz to expose the spiritual depravity of nations and individuals whose delight is found in unrighteousness, injustice, or the oppression of others. Their fleeting exultation is presented as a sign of their moral bankruptcy and a prelude to their inevitable downfall, underscoring the biblical principle that true, enduring joy flows from God and His righteous ways, while the triumph of the ungodly is ultimately vain and leads to destruction.
### Summary
The Hebrew adjective H5947 (ʻallîyz), derived from `{{H5937}}` (ʻalaz), denotes a state of being "exultant," "joyous," or "rejoicing." Distinct from other terms for joy, ʻallîyz is almost exclusively employed in the Hebrew Bible to describe the triumphant, often arrogant, exultation of the wicked, the proud, or those who oppose God's people. Its occurrences, such as those describing the heedless inhabitants of Jerusalem ([[Isaiah 5:14]]), the self-assured Nineveh ([[Zephaniah 2:15]]), or the plundering Babylon ([[Jeremiah 50:11]]), consistently portray this joy as a characteristic of those destined for judgment. Theologically, ʻallîyz carries a strong negative connotation, highlighting a joy rooted in unrighteousness, self-importance, or defiance. It serves as a powerful counterpoint to godly joy, illustrating that not all forms of elation are righteous, and that the exultation of the ungodly is fleeting and a harbinger of their ultimate downfall.
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