or עֲלִלָה; from עָלַל in the sense of effecting; an exploit (of God), or a performance (of man, often in a bad sense); by implication, an opportunity; act(-ion), deed, doing, invention, occasion, work.
Transliteration:ʻălîylâh
Pronunciation:al-ee-law'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עֲלִילָה (ʻălîylâh, `{{H5949}}`) is derived from the verbal root עָלַל (ʻālal, `{{H5953}}`), which conveys the sense of "to act," "to deal," or "to effect." Fundamentally, עֲלִילָה denotes an "act," "deed," or "performance." Its semantic range is notably broad, encompassing both positive and negative connotations, determined primarily by the agent performing the action and the surrounding context. When attributed to God, עֲלִילָה refers to His "exploits," "mighty deeds," or "works," often highlighting His power, righteousness, and redemptive activity. In contrast, when applied to human beings, it frequently describes "performances" or "doings" that are often, though not exclusively, morally negative, signifying wicked deeds, evil practices, or corrupt actions. The definition also suggests "by implication, an opportunity" or "occasion," though this usage is less prevalent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
עֲלִילָה appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, illustrating its nuanced application. In the Psalms, it often describes the righteous and mighty deeds of God. For example, [[Psalm 105:1]] and [[Psalm 106:2]] exhort the people to "make known His deeds (עֲלִילָה) among the peoples," referring to God's powerful acts of salvation and judgment on behalf of Israel. Similarly, [[1 Chronicles 16:8]] uses the term in a context of praise for God's works. However, in [[Psalm 14:4]] and [[Psalm 53:4]], the term is used negatively to describe the "deeds" (עֲלִילָה) of those who devour God's people and do not call upon Him.
In prophetic literature, עֲלִילָה is predominantly used to characterize the wicked actions, perverse practices, and evil deeds of Israel and Judah, which necessitate divine judgment. [[Jeremiah 17:10]] declares that the Lord "gives to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds (עֲלִילָה)," emphasizing divine justice in response to human conduct. [[Hosea 7:2]] speaks of the people's "evil deeds" (עֲלִילָה) that surround them, and [[Zephaniah 3:7]] mentions the Lord's judgment on their "evil deeds" (עֲלִילָה). [[Isaiah 3:8]] attributes Jerusalem's downfall to the fact that their "deeds" (עֲלִילָה) are against the Lord. This stark contrast highlights the moral chasm between God's praiseworthy acts and humanity's often corrupt actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root עָלַל (ʻālal, `{{H5953}}`):** As the verbal root from which עֲלִילָה derives, עָלַל means "to deal severely with," "to effect," or "to act." This etymological connection underscores the active and often impactful nature of the noun.
* **מַעֲשֶׂה (maʻaśeh, `{{H4639}}`):** A very common Hebrew word for "work," "deed," or "act." While מַעֲשֶׂה is a broader term for any kind of work or making, עֲלִילָה often carries a more specific moral or ethical weight, particularly when referring to human actions. עֲלִילָה frequently implies the *character* or *quality* of the deed, especially its moral dimension.
* **פֹּעַל (poʻal, `{{H6467}}`):** Another term for "work" or "deed," often referring to the product of labor or an accomplishment. Similar to מַעֲשֶׂה, פֹּעַל is more general, whereas עֲלִילָה tends to focus on actions with inherent moral implications, whether divine or human.
* **Righteousness and Wickedness:** The semantic range of עֲלִילָה is intrinsically linked to these concepts. When God's עֲלִילָה are mentioned, righteousness, justice, and faithfulness are implied. When human עֲלִילָה are the subject, wickedness, perversion, and rebellion are frequently the focus.
### Theological Significance
The dual application of עֲלִילָה offers profound theological insight into the nature of God and humanity.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Righteousness:** When applied to God, עֲלִילָה emphasizes His active involvement in history, His powerful interventions, and His righteous judgments. It calls humanity to remember, proclaim, and praise His mighty deeds, which demonstrate His covenant faithfulness and ultimate control over creation and human affairs ([[Psalm 105:1-5]]). These divine "exploits" are not arbitrary but are consistent expressions of His holy and just character.
* **Human Accountability and Sin:** The frequent use of עֲLîlâh for human actions, especially in a negative sense, highlights the pervasive nature of sin and humanity's moral responsibility. It underscores that human "doings" are not morally neutral but are subject to divine scrutiny and judgment. The prophets repeatedly employ this term to convict Israel of their rebellion and idolatry, demonstrating that their actions are a direct affront to God's law and character ([[Jeremiah 17:10]], [[Hosea 7:2]]).
* **Justice and Retribution:** The recurring theme of God rendering to individuals "according to their deeds" (עֲלִילָה) emphasizes divine justice. God's response to human עֲלִילָה is just and proportionate, whether it be blessing for obedience or judgment for transgression.
### Summary
עֲלִילָה (ʻălîylâh, `{{H5949}}`) is a significant Hebrew term denoting an "act," "deed," or "performance." Derived from the root עָלַל (`{{H5953}}`), it carries a strong moral weight. When referring to God, it speaks of His mighty and righteous "exploits" or "works," worthy of praise and remembrance ([[Psalm 105:1]]). Conversely, when describing human actions, it frequently refers to "evil deeds," "wicked practices," or "corrupt doings," which incur divine judgment ([[Jeremiah 17:10]], [[Hosea 7:2]]). The term thus serves as a powerful descriptor for both God's righteous activity in the world and humanity's often sinful conduct, underscoring themes of divine sovereignty, human accountability, and ultimate justice.
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