אָהָל (a.ha.lim)
a.ha.lim
aloe
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun ahal refers to the aloe tree or its fragrant wood and resin. In the Hebrew Bible, it is not a common plant but one valued for its rich scent. The sources identify it as an odoriferous tree, likely referring to Aquilaria, which produces heavy, aromatic heartwood used in perfumes and incense.
This word appears only three times in Scripture, always in contexts highlighting luxury or divine blessing. In Numbers 24:6, Balaam uses the image of ahal trees planted by rivers to describe Israel’s prosperity. Song of Solomon 4:14 lists it among the spices in the beloved’s garden, emphasizing sensuality and beauty. Proverbs 7:17 mentions it scented with myrrh and aloes on a bed, reinforcing its association with intimate pleasure and wealth.
Translators often render ahal simply as "aloes," though this can be misleading since modern aloes refers to a different plant used for healing. The Hebrew word points to a precious, exotic fragrance rather than a medicinal herb. Its rare usage underscores how such scents were markers of status and divine favor in the ancient Near East.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ahal refers to a rare and costly aromatic wood from a tree that grows near water sources. In ancient times, its heavy, sweet scent marked wealth, luxury, and special occasions. It was not a common household item but something reserved for kings, priests, or intimate moments of joy.
When Scripture mentions this fragrance, it often points to God’s generous provision. Balaam compares Israel to aloes planted by Yahweh, showing that true prosperity comes from His hand. The scent reminds us that God delights in giving good things to those who trust Him.
We can take comfort in knowing that the Creator who supplies such beauty also cares for our daily needs. His blessings are not just for show but are meant to bring joy and peace to our lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like/ aloes1×
- and/ aloes1×
- aloes1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כַּ/אֲהָלִים֙1×
- וַ/אֲהָל֔וֹת1×
- אֲ֝הָלִ֗ים1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 24:6
As valleys they are spread out, as gardens by the riverside, as aloes which Yahweh has planted, as cedar trees beside the waters.
This verse uses the ahal tree as a metaphor for Israel’s divinely ordained prosperity, showing that their strength comes from being planted by God.
-
Song of Solomon 4:14
spikenard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of incense tree; myrrh and aloes, with all the best spices,
Here the word appears in a list of precious spices, highlighting the beauty and richness of love within marriage.
-
Proverbs 7:17
I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
The scent is mentioned on a bed to illustrate the allure of forbidden intimacy, warning against the deceptive pleasure of sin.