from עָלָה; a second-story room; chamber. Compare עֲלִיָּה.
Transliteration:ʻallîyth
Pronunciation:al-leeth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עַלִּית (ʻallîyth), Strong's number H5952, is a noun derived from the verb עָלָה (ʻalah, `{{H5927}}`), which signifies "to go up," "ascend," or "rise." This etymological root directly informs the core meaning of ʻallîyth as "a second-story room" or "upper chamber." It specifically refers to a room situated on an upper floor of a dwelling or structure, necessitating an ascent to gain access. The definition notes a close comparison with עֲלִיָּה (ʻălîyāh, `{{H5944}}`), another Hebrew term frequently translated as "upper room" or "roof chamber," indicating a shared semantic field of elevated, private spaces within ancient architecture. The distinction between ʻallîyth and ʻălîyāh is subtle, with both terms pointing to a similar architectural feature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ʻallîyth (H5952) occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Judges:
* **[[Judges 3:23]]**: "Then Ehud went out through the porch, and shut the doors of the ʻallîyth upon him, and locked them."
This solitary occurrence describes the actions of Ehud after he has assassinated Eglon, the king of Moab. The ʻallîyth is the specific "chamber" or "upper room" where Ehud had his private, fateful encounter with Eglon. The context highlights the practical function of such a room: it is a secluded, private space, suitable for a secret meeting. Ehud's act of "shutting the doors of the ʻallîyth upon him, and locked them" from the outside is crucial to the narrative, delaying the discovery of Eglon's death and allowing Ehud to escape. This single instance underscores the utility of an upper chamber as a place of privacy and security, which in this case, facilitated a pivotal act of deliverance for Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related term is the root verb עָלָה (ʻalah, `{{H5927}}`), "to go up," which is the direct source of ʻallîyth. This connection emphasizes the elevated nature of the room.
Closely related in meaning and often translated identically is עֲלִיָּה (ʻălîyāh, `{{H5944}}`). While ʻallîyth appears only once, ʻălîyāh is found more frequently throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [[1 Kings 17:19]], [[2 Kings 4:10]], [[Nehemiah 3:31]], [[Psalm 104:3]], [[Jeremiah 22:13]]). Both terms denote an "upper room" or "chamber," suggesting that ancient Israelite dwellings, particularly those of means, often included multi-story construction or elevated rooms. These spaces were typically used for privacy, retreat, storage, or as cooler sleeping quarters during hot seasons. The semantic overlap between H5952 and H5944 is considerable, with both pointing to the same architectural feature.
### Theological Significance
Given its singular occurrence in a highly specific narrative context ([[Judges 3:23]]), ʻallîyth (H5952) does not bear inherent theological weight as a concept or symbol. Its primary role is descriptive, setting the scene for a critical moment in the story of Ehud.
However, the *setting* it describes—an upper chamber—can be indirectly linked to broader theological themes, particularly when considering its more frequent cognate `{{H5944}}`:
1. **Privacy and Divine Encounter**: Upper rooms, by their nature, offered seclusion. While the ʻallîyth in [[Judges 3:23]] is the scene of a deceptive assassination, the broader concept of an upper room (as seen with `{{H5944}}`) often implies a place of quiet, prayer, or significant encounter. Elijah and Elisha both use upper rooms for private moments, including acts of resurrection (e.g., [[1 Kings 17:19]]; [[2 Kings 4:10]]). This echoes the New Testament tradition of the "upper room" as a significant site for the Last Supper and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
2. **Divine Judgment and Deliverance**: In its specific occurrence, the ʻallîyth becomes the stage for God's deliverance of Israel from Moabite oppression, executed through Ehud. The privacy of the room facilitates the swift and decisive act of judgment against King Eglon, initiating a period of peace for Israel. Thus, while the room itself is not sacred, it is divinely orchestrated as the location for a pivotal act in salvation history.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עַלִּית (ʻallîyth, H5952) precisely denotes a "second-story room" or "upper chamber," deriving its meaning from the verb "to go up." Its sole appearance in the biblical text is in [[Judges 3:23]], where it describes the private chamber in which Ehud assassinated King Eglon. In this context, the ʻallîyth functions as a crucial narrative element, providing a secluded setting that enables Ehud's secret act and subsequent escape. Semantically, it is nearly identical to עֲלִיָּה (ʻălîyāh, `{{H5944}}`), both terms highlighting the existence and practical use of elevated rooms in ancient Israelite architecture. While H5952 itself does not carry profound theological symbolism, its single occurrence underscores the strategic importance of such private spaces in the unfolding of God's plan for His people, serving as the immediate backdrop for a decisive act of divine judgment and deliverance.
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