אוּל
𐤀𐤅𐤋
ʼûwl
H193 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A term denoting physical strength or might, especially as embodied in the human body. Used specifically for the body or strength as an attribute, not as a general term for power. In its rare appearances, refers to bodily strength or powerful form, not to political or military might.
Semantic Range
bodily strength, physical might, robust body or form, powerful physical frame
Root / Etymology
Root is likely אוּל, meaning 'to twist, be strong,' though the verb is not attested in Biblical Hebrew. The nominal form oul draws on the imagery of being 'twisted together' or 'robustly formed,' reflecting bodily strength. Etymology uncertain, as no direct verbal root is extant in the Hebrew Bible.
Historical & Contextual Notes
אוּל (ʼûwl) is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only in poetic or archaic contexts (e.g., Numbers 23:22; 24:8), where it describes the strength of the Israelite people by likening their vigor to that of a wild ox. The implied reference is to a powerful, robust body—often understood as the physical frame or strength, rather than general might or power. Its semantic field overlaps partly with עֹז (ʻôz, 'strength') and כֹּחַ (kōaḥ, 'power, capacity'), but אוּל uniquely suggests the image of strength as an innate, bodily quality. In translation, the nuance of a specifically physical or bodily strength is sometimes lost, with English versions often rendering it simply as 'strength' or 'might.' Later Jewish exegetical tradition sometimes understands it as referring to the body as a form or vessel of might. Its meaning does not extend to abstract or non-physical forms of power as can be seen with other Hebrew terms for strength. No connection with later terms for 'Jew' or 'Judean.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root meaning to twist, i.e. (by implication) be strong; the body (as being rolled together); also powerful; mighty, strength.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been recorded for this word yet.
Root Family
אוּל (ʼûwl) — to be strong, to be robust, to twist (suggesting strength by intertwined fibers)
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H193-01 |
אוּלָֽ/ם | ulam | HNcmsc/Sp3mp |
firm | bound entry-hall of | their body | 1 |
H193-02 |
אולי | vly | HNcmpc |
mighty men | robust-bodied ones of | mighty ones of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H193-02 |
2 Kings 24:15 | אולי | vly | HNcmpc |
mighty men | robust-bodied ones of | mighty ones of |
H193-01 |
Psalms 73:4 | אוּלָֽ/ם | ulam | HNcmsc/Sp3mp |
firm | bound entry-hall of | their body |