The Hebrew word ʻâlaç, represented by H5965, is a primitive root with a dynamic range of meaning, including to leap for joy, exult, or rejoice. Appearing 3 times in 3 unique verses, its definition also extends to the act of finding solace and is used idiomatically for the peacock. This variety highlights how the concept of joyous exultation can be expressed in different contexts, from emotional states to the natural world.
The usage of H5965 in scripture reveals its diverse applications. In Job 20:18, it describes a consequence of wickedness, where an unrighteous man must restore what he has gained and "shall not rejoice therein," linking true joy to just behavior. A different context appears in Proverbs 7:18, where an adulterous woman tempts someone, saying, "let us solace ourselves with loves," using the word to describe a pursuit of illicit pleasure. Finally, in Job 39:13, the word is used as an idiom in a question from God to Job about creation: "Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks?" This usage connects the word to the exultant, waving display of the bird.
Several related words help to frame the meaning of H5965 within its specific verses:
- H1104 bâlaʻ (to make away with... by swallowing): In Job 20:18, the inability of the wicked to rejoice is paired with the fact that he "shall not swallow it down," creating a parallel between consuming ill-gotten gains and finding joy in them.
- H1730 dôwd (love-token, lover, friend): This word for love is the object of the action in Proverbs 7:18, where the characters seek to "solace" themselves, indicating that H5965 can describe a deep, if misplaced, emotional satisfaction.
- H3671 kânâph (a wing): This word is directly tied to the idiomatic use of H5965 in Job 39:13, which speaks of the "goodly wings unto the peacocks," associating the creature's joyous display with its physical form.
The varied contexts of H5965 present several significant themes.
- The Denial of Joy as Judgment: The word's use in Job 20:18 establishes a powerful theme where joy is not a universal experience but can be withheld as a consequence of injustice. The inability to rejoice becomes a form of divine retribution.
- Counterfeit Solace: In Proverbs 7:18, the call to find solace is rooted in sin. This highlights the biblical distinction between fleeting, worldly pleasure and true, lasting joy, framing this use of H5965 as a search for fulfillment in the wrong place.
- Joy in Creation: The idiomatic reference to peacocks in Job 39:13 positions the word within God's magnificent creation. The peacock's waving, exultant display becomes a testament to the Creator's power and artistry, evoking a sense of wonder.
In summary, H5965 is a multifaceted term whose meaning is heavily shaped by its context. Though used infrequently, it powerfully illustrates the concepts of joyous exultation, its denial as a form of judgment, its pursuit as illicit solace, and its embodiment in the natural world through the peacock. The word ʻâlaç demonstrates that the source and nature of one's joy are as significant as the feeling itself.
TRV