עָלַע
𐤏𐤋𐤏
ʻâlaʻ
H5966 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To absorb or draw in, to drink in gradually, often referring to the slow absorption or sucking in of a liquid. The term carries the idea of slurping, sucking up, or slowly imbibing fluid, and may also extend to metaphorical use for gradual consumption or exhaustion.
Semantic Range
to sip up, to suck up, to absorb slowly, to draw in gradually, to slurp
Root / Etymology
Root: ע-ל-ע. The root conveys the idea of drawing up, taking in, or absorbing, especially through slow sipping or sucking. The verb form עָלַע represents the basic (qal) form of the root. This root is rare and possibly onomatopoeic, reflecting the sound or action of sipping or slurping.
Historical & Contextual Notes
עָלַע appears very rarely in the biblical text, with attestation in poetic or metaphorical contexts. Its use signifies a slow, almost imperceptible process of drawing something in, as distinguished from broader verbs like שׁתה (to drink), which can indicate any manner of drinking. In post-biblical Hebrew, this root is virtually unattested, and its meaning is often gleaned from context and later linguistic tradition. English translations such as 'sip up,' 'absorb,' or 'suck up' generally capture the functional aspect, but may miss the subtlety of prolonged or gradual intake implied by the Hebrew. There is no evidence that this root expanded in usage or meaning significantly after the monarchic period. Related roots in other Semitic languages lend limited additional nuance, but confirm the general idea of absorption or drawing in.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to sip up; suck up.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
עלע (ʿ-l-ʿ) — to sip, to absorb, to suck up
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5966-01 |
יְעַלְעוּ | yealeu | HVpi3mp |
suck up | they will slurp up | they will slurp up | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5966-01 |
Job 39:30 | יְעַלְעוּ | yealeu | HVpi3mp |
suck up | they will slurp up | they will slurp up |