a primitive root; to leap for joy, i.e. exult, wave joyously; [idiom] peacock, rejoice, solace self.
Transliteration:ʻâlaç
Pronunciation:aw-las'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H5965 (עָלַס, *ʻâlaç*) is a primitive root primarily conveying the sense of exuberant, often physical, joy. Its core meaning encompasses "to leap for joy" and "to exult," suggesting an outward, dynamic expression of inner gladness. This is not merely a quiet contentment but an active, demonstrative rejoicing, akin to "waving joyously." The semantic range extends to include an idiomatic sense of "peacock," which implies a proud or ostentatious display, often of joy or triumph. This can lean towards a negative connotation of arrogance or self-congratulation, especially when the object of exultation is unrighteous. The related idea of "solace self" suggests finding comfort or delight, which can be a result or a means of inducing this joyful state. Thus, *ʻâlaç* describes a joy so profound that it manifests in physical movement, a visible expression of elation that can be either righteous and God-centered or unrighteous and self-centered.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H5965 appears in various contexts, revealing the nuanced application of this dynamic joy:
* **Righteous Exultation in God:** In [[Psalm 28:7]], the psalmist declares, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults (עָלַס), and with my song I give thanks to him." Here, *ʻâlaç* describes a personal, heartfelt joy rooted in God's faithfulness and deliverance, leading to praise and thanksgiving. Similarly, [[Proverbs 28:12]] states, "When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves." The "rejoice" (יַעֲלֹץ, *yaʻalōṣ*) of the righteous here is a celebration of justice and divine order.
* **Unrighteous Exultation:** The word can also describe a perverse or inappropriate joy. In [[Jeremiah 50:11]], God confronts Babylon: "Because you rejoice (עָלַס), because you exult, O destroyers of my heritage, because you skip like a heifer in the grass and neigh like stallions." Here, Babylon's exultation is condemned as a cruel and arrogant rejoicing over the destruction of God's people, devoid of compassion. Likewise, [[Psalm 94:3]] asks, "How long shall the wicked, O LORD, how long shall the wicked exult (יַעֲלֹצוּ, *yaʻalōṣū*)?" This highlights the offensive nature of the wicked's self-congratulatory joy in their iniquity or perceived triumph.
* **Ambiguous or Context-Dependent Exultation:** In [[Isaiah 13:3]], God speaks of His "consecrated ones," His "mighty ones, who exult (עַלִּיזֵי, *ʻallîzê*) in my majesty" whom He has summoned for judgment against Babylon. While these agents are fulfilling God's purpose, their exultation carries a sense of fierce, perhaps even ruthless, triumph. The context in [[Isaiah 24:7]] presents a contrast: "The new wine mourns, the vine languishes; all the merry-hearted (כָּל־שִׂמְחֵי־לֵב, *kol-śimḥê-lēḇ*) sigh." While not using H5965 directly for "merry-hearted," it sets up a scenario where the usual occasion for joyous exultation is absent, implying that the absence of *ʻâlaç* is a sign of desolation.
### Related Words & Concepts
H5965 (עָלַס, *ʻâlaç*) shares semantic space with several other Hebrew terms for joy and rejoicing, yet maintains its distinct emphasis on outward, often physical, expression:
* **`{{H8055}}` *śāmaḥ* (שָׂמַח):** A very common and broad term for being glad or joyful, often referring to a general state of happiness. While it can imply outward expression, it doesn't inherently carry the physical dynamism of *ʻâlaç*.
* **`{{H1523}}` *gîl* (גִּיל):** To rejoice, shout for joy, often associated with vocal expression and spinning or whirling. It shares the active, expressive quality of *ʻâlaç* but emphasizes the vocal aspect.
* **`{{H7442}}` *rānan* (רָנַן):** To shout for joy, sing aloud, or cry out. This word strongly emphasizes vocalization and often accompanies expressions of triumph or praise.
* **`{{H6276}}` *ʻālaẓ* (עָלַץ):** This word is remarkably similar to H5965 in both form and meaning, often translated as "to exult" or "to be jubilant." Some scholars consider them nearly synonymous or dialectal variants, both conveying a sense of vibrant, often demonstrative, joy. The subtle distinction, if any, might be in the specific nuance of "leaping" or "waving" for H5965.
The concept of *ʻâlaç* is intrinsically linked to expressions of triumph, celebration, and sometimes, pride. It describes a joy that cannot be contained, spilling over into visible actions.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5965 lies in its portrayal of joy as a powerful, expressive emotion that can be directed towards either God or self/sin.
* **Righteous Joy as Worship:** When directed towards Yahweh, *ʻâlaç* becomes an appropriate and beautiful act of worship. It signifies a heart so overwhelmed by God's goodness, power, and faithfulness that it cannot help but outwardly demonstrate its delight. This form of exultation is a testament to God's character and His redemptive work, reflecting a vibrant faith that finds its ultimate solace and triumph in Him. It underscores the biblical truth that joy in God is not passive but an active, whole-person response.
* **Unrighteous Joy as Rebellion:** Conversely, the use of *ʻâlaç* to describe the exultation of the wicked reveals a profound spiritual perversion. When individuals or nations rejoice in their sin, in the suffering of others, or in their own perceived power apart from God, their joy is an affront to divine justice and holiness. This "peacocking" or ostentatious display of ungodly triumph is condemned, highlighting the moral responsibility inherent in human emotions and their expression. It underscores the biblical principle that not all joy is good; its moral quality is determined by its object and source.
* **Human Emotional Capacity:** The word also speaks to the intense emotional capacity of humanity. Whether in righteous praise or wicked pride, *ʻâlaç* shows that human beings are capable of profound, outwardly expressed joy. The challenge and command of Scripture is to direct this capacity towards God and His righteous purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H5965 (עָלַס, *ʻâlaç*) denotes an intense, often physical, expression of joy, characterized by "leaping," "exulting," or "waving joyously." Its semantic range extends to an idiomatic sense of "peacocking," suggesting an ostentatious display. Context is paramount in understanding its moral valence. When the object of *ʻâlaç* is God, His deliverance, or His righteousness, it signifies a vibrant, appropriate, and God-honoring form of worship and thanksgiving, as seen in [[Psalm 28:7]]. However, when this exuberant exultation is directed towards sin, the misfortune of others, or self-aggrandizement, it is condemned as a perverse and arrogant joy, exemplified by Babylon's rejoicing in [[Jeremiah 50:11]]. Thus, *ʻâlaç* powerfully illustrates that while joy is a fundamental human experience, its spiritual and ethical value is determined by its source and its object, making it a significant term for understanding both righteous devotion and rebellious pride in the biblical narrative.
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