### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5950}}` (ʻălîylîyâh) is a rare noun, appearing only once in the Masoretic Text. Its base definition points to a "miraculous execution" or "work." It is explicitly noted as a variant or related form of `{{H5949}}` (ʻălîylâ), which more broadly means "deed, act, doing." While `{{H5949}}` can refer to both human and divine actions, and can carry negative connotations (e.g., "wicked deeds"), `{{H5950}}` appears to carry a more specific and elevated nuance. The inclusion of "miraculous" in its definition suggests a focus on extraordinary, powerful, and often divine acts, distinguishing it from the more general concept of "a deed." It implies an act of significant impact and divine agency, an "execution" of God's will with observable power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole occurrence of `{{H5950}}` is found in [[Psalm 105:1]]:
"Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name; Make known His deeds (עֲלִילִיָּה) among the peoples."
In this context, the psalmist exhorts the people to give thanks to Yahweh and to proclaim His "deeds" (ʻălîylîyâh) to the nations. The surrounding verses of Psalm 105 enumerate many of God's mighty acts in redemptive history, including His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([[Psalm 105:8-11]]), His preservation of Joseph ([[Psalm 105:16-22]]), the liberation from Egypt ([[Psalm 105:23-38]]), and His provision in the wilderness ([[Psalm 105:39-41]]). These are not mere "works" but powerful, often supernatural, interventions that demonstrate God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and unique power. The use of `{{H5950}}` here, rather than the more common `{{H5949}}` or `{{H4639}}` (ma‘aśeh, "work"), emphasizes the extraordinary and praiseworthy nature of these divine acts, which are worthy of being "made known among the peoples." It underscores that God's actions are not mundane but are "executions" of His grand plan, manifesting His glory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is `{{H5949}}` (ʻălîylâ), from which `{{H5950}}` is derived or is a variant. Both words stem from the root עָלַל (ʻalal), which broadly means "to act, deal with, do." While `{{H5949}}` can describe human actions (both righteous and wicked) and divine actions, `{{H5950}}` appears to be reserved for God's powerful and positive interventions.
Other related Hebrew terms that describe God's actions or attributes include:
* `{{H6467}}` (pō‘al): "work, deed," often referring to God's creative or redemptive work (e.g., [[Psalm 90:16]]).
* `{{H4639}}` (ma‘aśeh): A general term for "work" or "deed," applicable to both human and divine activity (e.g., [[Exodus 34:10]] for God's wonders).
* `{{H6381}}` (pele’): "wonder, miracle," emphasizing the astonishing nature of God's acts (e.g., [[Exodus 3:20]]).
* `{{H1369}}` (gĕbûrâ): "strength, might, mighty deed," highlighting the power behind God's actions (e.g., [[Psalm 106:2]]).
`{{H5950}}` distinguishes itself by specifically highlighting the *miraculous* and *executive* nature of God's deeds, suggesting a direct, powerful, and purposeful carrying out of His will in history.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{H5950}}` in [[Psalm 105:1]] carries profound theological weight. It emphasizes that God's "deeds" are not ordinary occurrences but are unique, powerful, and divinely orchestrated "executions" of His purposes. These ʻălîylîyâh are the very foundation for thanksgiving, worship, and evangelistic proclamation. They reveal God's active involvement in human history, His covenant faithfulness, and His unparalleled power.
The exhortation to "make known His deeds among the peoples" underscores the missional imperative rooted in God's character. His ʻălîylîyâh serve as a tangible testimony to His identity as the living God, distinct from impotent idols. They are the demonstrations of His redemptive plan, from the formation of Israel to their miraculous preservation and provision. The theological significance lies in the understanding that God is not a passive deity but an active, performing God whose interventions are worthy of eternal remembrance and universal declaration. These "miraculous executions" are the bedrock of Israel's faith and the narrative of salvation history.
### Summary
`{{H5950}}` (ʻălîylîyâh) is a rare but significant Hebrew word, best understood as "miraculous execution" or "divine work." As a variant of `{{H5949}}` (ʻălîylâ), it specifically highlights the extraordinary and powerful nature of God's actions. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Psalm 105:1]] commands the proclamation of God's mighty deeds among the nations, referring to His historical interventions that demonstrate His sovereignty, faithfulness, and unique power. Theologically, `{{H5950}}` underscores God's active, purposeful, and often supernatural involvement in history, providing the basis for worship, thanksgiving, and the declaration of His glory to all peoples.
TRV