The Hebrew word ʻălîylîyâh, represented by H5950, refers to a work or (miraculous) execution. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, highlighting its specific and significant application. The term is a variant of עֲלִילָה and points to a mighty and notable act performed by God.
The sole appearance of H5950 is in the book of Jeremiah, where it is used to describe God's power. The prophet declares that God is "mighty in work" Jeremiah 32:19. This declaration is part of a larger description of God's character, emphasizing His greatness in counsel and His watchful presence over all of humanity's ways. The term directly links God's powerful executions to His omniscience and divine justice.
Several related words in the surrounding text illuminate the meaning of H5950:
- H1419 gâdôwl (great): Used to describe God's counsel in the same verse, it establishes the scale and majesty of His plans, which are then carried out through His "work" Jeremiah 32:19. This term is also used to describe God's power in creating the heavens and the earth Jeremiah 32:17.
- H6098 ʻêtsâh (advice; by implication, plan; also prudence): Paired directly with H5950 in the phrase "Great in counsel, and mighty in work" Jeremiah 32:19, this word shows that God's powerful works are not random but are the execution of His divine plans and purposes.
- H4611 maʻălâl (an act (good or bad); doing, endeavour, invention, work): This word appears at the end of the same verse, referring to the doings of men for which they receive their reward. This creates a contrast between God's mighty "work" H5950 and the "doings" of humanity that He observes and judges Jeremiah 32:19.
The theological weight of H5950 is concentrated in its single usage, highlighting key aspects of God's character:
- Sovereign Execution: The term emphasizes that God is not only a planner ("Great in counsel") but also a doer who is "mighty in work" Jeremiah 32:19. This speaks to His sovereignty and His ability to execute His will powerfully in the world.
- Omniscient Judgment: God's "work" is directly connected to His omniscience, as His "eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men" Jeremiah 32:19. His actions are the just implementation of judgment based on perfect knowledge of human deeds.
- Purposeful Power: The pairing of divine "counsel" H6098 with "work" H5950 reveals that God's power is not arbitrary. His miraculous executions are the intentional fulfillment of His perfect and established plans Isaiah 46:10.
In summary, while appearing only once, H5950 ʻălîylîyâh offers a profound insight into the nature of God. It is not merely a word for an action, but for a (miraculous) execution that stems from divine counsel and results in perfect justice. It portrays God as the supreme architect whose great plans are matched by His mighty ability to bring them to pass, observing and acting upon the ways of humanity.
TRV