← H166 H168 →

אָהַל

𐤀𐤄𐤋

ʼâhal

H167 verb

SILEX Entry

Root אהל to tent, to pitch a tent, to dwell in a tent

Definition

To pitch a tent, to set up a tent, or to dwell in a tent; more broadly, to establish temporary or semi-permanent dwelling by erecting a tent. In some contexts, may refer to the act of moving to or residing in a tent, or the process of dismantling (striking) and relocating a tent-based dwelling.

Semantic Range

to set up a tent, to pitch a tent, to dwell in a tent, to remove a tent, to migrate or relocate with a tent, to establish temporary shelter

Root / Etymology

From the root אהל, which denotes a tent or a portable dwelling structure, especially characteristic of pastoral or nomadic life. אָהַל is a denominative verb formed from the noun אֹהֶל (ohel, 'tent'), indicating an action associated with tents.

Historical & Contextual Notes

אָהַל appears primarily in narrative texts describing nomadic or semi-nomadic living, particularly in patriarchal and early Israelite contexts. The verb is principally associated with setting up (or striking) a tent — a key part of the lifestyle of pastoralists in the ancient Levant. While English translations often render it as 'to pitch a tent,' the verb carries broader connotations of establishing habitat, and by extension, sometimes describes moving or settling. In later periods, as Israelite society became more sedentary, usage became less frequent. The noun אֹהֶל, from which אָהַל derives, denotes structurally both family and the social unit inhabiting the tent. The verb is distinct from verbs meaning 'to dwell' (שָׁכַן) or 'to inhabit' (יָשַׁב), as אָהַל emphasizes the specific act and logistics of tent dwelling, not merely residence. Septuagint and later translations at times generalize the term, but the primary Hebrew connotation is specifically of tents and movement.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a denominative from אֹהֶל; to tent; pitch (remove) a tent.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.

+ Add Bantu Hebrew Word

Root Family

אהל (ʾ-h-l) — to tent, to pitch a tent, to dwell in a tent

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H166 אָהַל he will cause to shine
H168 אֹהֶל your tent
H169 אֹהֶל Ohel
H170 אׇהֳלָה Her Tent
H172 אׇהֳלִיבָה My Tent in Her

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H167-01 וַ/יֶּאֱהַ֖ל vayeehal HC/Vqw3ms moved his tent and he pitched a tent 2
H167-02 יַהֵ֥ל yahel HVpi3ms will-pitch-tent he will pitch a tent 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H167-01 Genesis 13:12 וַ/יֶּאֱהַ֖ל vayeehal HC/Vqw3ms pitched his tent and he pitched a tent
H167-01 Genesis 13:18 וַ/יֶּאֱהַ֣ל vayeehal HC/Vqw3ms moved his tent and he pitched a tent
H167-02 Isaiah 13:20 יַהֵ֥ל yahel HVpi3ms will-pitch-tent he will pitch a tent
← H166 Hebrew Lexicon H168 →