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עִלִּי

𐤏𐤋𐤉

ʻillîy

H5942 adjective

SILEX Entry

Root עלה to ascend, go up, rise

Definition

An adjective denoting 'upper,' 'higher,' or 'uppermost' in physical or spatial relation, typically used in contrast with a lower level or another similar item. Most often designates the upper part of an object, building, room, or geographical feature, such as the roof chamber, upper room, or the higher course of a wall. Less commonly, can indicate the superior or elevated in status or rank, though this is context-dependent.

Semantic Range

upper, higher, uppermost, above, upper in position, upper part or level of a structure, superior (rarely, by extension)

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root עלה (ʿ-l-h), which fundamentally means 'to ascend' or 'go up.' The form עִלִּי represents an adjectival derivative from this root, likely built on the pattern expressing quality or position related to height or elevation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

עִלִּי occurs rarely in Biblical Hebrew (e.g., 1 Kings 6:8) and is most often used to describe spatial relationships, particularly architectural features such as upper rooms or chambers (compare with עֲלִיָּה, 'upper room/chamber,' a related noun form often used in later texts). Its meaning does not extend into a metaphoric or abstract 'superior' or 'higher' rank except possibly by extension, but the primary usage remains spatial. English translations often render it as 'upper,' but may not fully capture nuances where architectural or social context are implied. The term appears within texts from the monarchic period, particularly in descriptions of Solomon’s Temple and palatial buildings. In contrast to related terms like רָאשׁ ('head/top') or גָּג ('roof'), עִלִּי specifically marks the upper tier or storey of a structure, not its summit or external covering. In later Hebrew and post-biblical contexts, related forms become more common for 'upper chamber.' The translation 'high' is imprecise for most contexts; 'upper' or 'uppermost' is more accurate.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from עָלָה; high; i.e. comparative; upper.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

עלה (ʿ-l-h) — ascend, go up, rise

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H421 אָלָה Lofty One
H422 אָלָה he ascended
H4605 מַעַל upward
H4607 מֹעַל in hand-raising
H4608 מַעֲלֶה at the ascent

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H5942-02 עִלִּ֔ית ilit HAafsa upper upper 1
H5942-01 עִלִּיּ֔וֹת iliot HAafpa upper upper ones 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H5942-01 Joshua 15:19 עִלִּיּ֔וֹת iliot HAafpa upper upper ones
H5942-02 Judges 1:15 עִלִּ֔ית ilit HAafsa upper upper
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