אֶרְאֵל
𐤀𐤓𐤀𐤋
ʼerʼêl
H691 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Refers to a person or persons of exceptional bravery or valor, often in a martial or heroic context. Can denote an individual fighter who displays courage in battle, or, collectively, a group or category of such warriors. The term is rare and carries connotations of lion-like might and strength, possibly used metaphorically for those who fight with the prowess of a lion.
Semantic Range
hero, valiant fighter, champion, one with lion-like strength, mighty warrior; collectively, group of valiant men
Root / Etymology
The term derives from the root ארי ('ari, lion) plus the intensifying or substantive suffix אל (ʾēl), which typically means 'God' but can also function as a marker of strength or power in the Hebrew lexicon. Thus, the compound can mean 'lion of God' or, by extension, one possessing godlike or extraordinary lion-like courage. Direct etymology is debated but generally accepted as relating to lion-like strength.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In 2 Samuel 23:20 and 1 Chronicles 11:22, אֶרְאֵל is used to describe mighty warriors whom Benaiah son of Jehoiada strikes down, suggesting an established class or group known for martial prowess rather than just individual valor. Its occurrence specifically in heroic and battle-related contexts links it closely to Israelite martial values. English translations often render as 'lion-like men' or 'heroes,' but these translations are interpretive; the term retains ambiguity as to whether it is an epithet, title, or poetic characterization. The conferral of the lion image associates these figures with strength, ferocity, and dignity, paralleling the lion's role as a symbol of might in ancient Near Eastern iconography. It is unrelated to the term אֲרִיאֵל ('Ariel') used elsewhere for personal names or as a poetic reference to Jerusalem.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably for אֲרִיאֵל; a hero (collectively); valiant one.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
ארי (ʾ-r-y) — lion, strength, might
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H690 | אֲרָא | Ara |
| H739 | אֲרִיאֵל | Lion of God |
| H740 | אֲרִיאֵל | like Lion-of-God |
| H744 | אַרְיֵה | the lions |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H691-01 |
אֶרְאֶלָּ֔ם | ereelam | HNcmsa |
their brave men | lion-mighty warrior | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H691-01 |
Isaiah 33:7 | אֶרְאֶלָּ֔ם | ereelam | HNcmsa |
their brave men | lion-mighty warrior |