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אֱיָל

𐤀𐤉𐤋

ʼĕyâl

H353 noun

SILEX Entry

Root איל to be strong, to lead, to be robust

Definition

A term denoting physical strength or power, often used metaphorically to describe vigor or might in various contexts. In some cases, it refers to strength of character or resilience.

Semantic Range

strength, power, might, vigor, resilience

Root / Etymology

From the root איל (ʾ-y-l), meaning 'to be strong, to be robust, to lead.' אֱיָל (ʼĕyâl) is a variant form, sharing the same root as אַיִל (ʾayil), which most commonly refers to a 'ram' but also denotes strength or chief status in various contexts.

Historical & Contextual Notes

אֱיָל appears rarely in the Hebrew Bible (Job 12:21 is a notable occurrence) and is closely related both morphologically and semantically to אַיִל (ʼayil), which has a broad range of meanings from 'ram' (as a strong animal, and a sacrificial animal) to figurative uses for leaders or objects displaying strength (e.g., doorposts). The word אֱיָל is used specifically to denote the abstract concept of strength rather than the physical animal or its analogous social roles. The term does not distinguish between physical and moral strength, but context may clarify the sense intended. English translations usually render it as 'strength' or 'might,' but this may not always capture its full connotation, especially its connection to the archetype of robust or leading figures in ancient Israelite society. It is a post-exilic or poetic/archaic variant, and its occurrence is limited, without significant semantic development across biblical periods. There is no direct link with later English terms such as 'Jew' or 'Judaism' in the usage of this word.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a variation of אַיִל; strength; strength.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

איל (ʾ-y-l) — strength, robustness, leadership, might

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H354 אַיָּל stag
H355 אַיָּלָה doe
H356 אֵילוֹן oak of
H357 אַיָּלוֹן Deer-Place (Ayalon)
H359 אֵילוֹת Eloth

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H353-01 אֱיָֽל eyal HNcmsa strength strength 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H353-01 Psalms 88:5 אֱיָֽל eyal HNcmsa strength strength
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