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אֵלָה

𐤀𐤋𐤄

ʼêlâh

H424 noun

SILEX Entry

Root אלה to be strong, to be prominent, to stand firm

Definition

A large, sturdy tree species, particularly the oak (Quercus spp.), often signifying strength and endurance; occasionally a term for other major deciduous trees such as the terebinth or, less commonly, the elm. In narrative and poetic contexts, may refer to a prominent or distinctive tree, sometimes as a landmark or sacred site.

Semantic Range

oak tree, large strong tree, possibly terebinth, landmark tree, elm (rare); by extension, prominent or noted trees, trees associated with sacred sites or significant events

Root / Etymology

From the root אלה (ʼ-l-h), related to strength or might; it is the feminine form corresponding to אַיִל (ʾayil, 'ram', but also used for 'oak/terebinth tree' as a strong tree), indicating a large, robust tree. The underlying semantic idea is strength or prominence, reflected both in animals and notable trees. Related words: אֵיל (ʾel, strong; sometimes 'oak, terebinth'), אַיִל (ʾayil, ram; also used for tree names).

Historical & Contextual Notes

Primarily denotes the oak tree, particularly common species in ancient Canaan such as Quercus ithaburensis. Some occurrences may refer to other prominent, broad-leafed deciduous trees—possibly including the terebinth (Pistacia palaestina) or, in rare cases, the elm (Ulmus spp.), with the ambiguity arising from botanical terminology in ancient Hebrew. In biblical narratives, these trees often serve as notable markers, significant landmarks, or even cultic/sacred sites (e.g., 'the oak of Moreh'). The term is distinct from אֶשֶׁל (ʾeshel, 'tamarisk'), though both can be associated with sacred or notable places. The translation 'teil tree' in older English versions reflects attempts to match local European timber; it does not capture the actual Levantine species. Over time, the symbolic use of the term related to strength, steadfastness, and sometimes mourning or solemn gathering under these trees. Later Jewish tradition occasionally interprets it more generically for 'large tree', but the native biblical sense is more specific.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

lemma אִלָה first vowel, corrected to אֵלָה; feminine of אַיִל; an oak or other strong tree; elm, oak, teil-tree.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אלה (ʾ-l-h) — strength, prominence, firmness, enduring might

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H412 אֵל these
H414 אֵלָא Elah
H422 אָלָה you swore an oath
H423 אָלָה solemn curse-oath
H425 אֵלָה Elah

Word Forms

7 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H424-03 הָ/אֵלָ֖ה haelah HTd/Ncfsa the oak the strong oak 7
H424-05 כְּ/אֵלָ֖ה keelah HR/Ncfsa like an oak like a mighty oak 1
H424-06 בָ/אֵלָ֗ה vaelah HRd/Ncfsa in the oak in the strong oak 1
H424-04 כָּ/אֵלָ֣ה kaelah HRd/Ncfsa like a terebinth like a sturdy oak 1
H424-02 אֵלָ֣ה elah HNcfsa oak Mighty One 1
H424-01 בָּ/אֵלָֽה baelah HRd/Ncfsa in an oak her strong oak 1
H424-07 וְ/אֵלָ֖ה veelah HC/Ncfsa and terebinth strong oak tree 1

Occurrences in Scripture

13 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H424-03 Genesis 35:4 הָ/אֵלָ֖ה haelah HTd/Ncfsa the oak the strong oak
H424-03 Judges 6:11 הָֽ/אֵלָה֙ haelah HTd/Ncfsa the oak the strong oak
H424-03 Judges 6:19 הָ/אֵלָ֖ה haelah HTd/Ncfsa the oak the strong oak
H424-03 2 Samuel 18:9 הָ/אֵלָ֨ה haelah HTd/Ncfsa the oak the strong oak
H424-06 2 Samuel 18:9 בָ/אֵלָ֗ה vaelah HRd/Ncfsa in the oak in the strong oak
H424-01 2 Samuel 18:10 בָּ/אֵלָֽה baelah HRd/Ncfsa in an oak her strong oak
H424-03 2 Samuel 18:14 הָ/אֵלָֽה haelah HTd/Ncfsa of the oak the strong oak
H424-03 1 Kings 13:14 הָ/אֵלָ֑ה haelah HTd/Ncfsa the terebinth the strong oak
H424-05 Isaiah 1:30 כְּ/אֵלָ֖ה keelah HR/Ncfsa like an oak like a mighty oak
H424-04 Isaiah 6:13 כָּ/אֵלָ֣ה kaelah HRd/Ncfsa like a terebinth like a sturdy oak
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