אוּל (ul)
ul
strength; mighty
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ul refers to physical prominence or the front part of the body, often translated as "belly" in a specific, contemptuous context. In Psalm 73:4, it describes the luxurious comfort of the wicked, literally pointing to their "front" or prominent belly as a sign of excess and ease. This usage highlights how physical fullness can symbolize spiritual arrogance or self-sufficiency.
While its primary sense is bodily, some sources extend the meaning to "leading man" or noble, likely deriving from the idea of prominence or standing out in society. However, its most distinct scriptural appearance remains in that single psalm verse, where it serves as a vivid image of the untroubled prosperity that troubles the psalmist’s heart.
Translators typically render this word as "belly" to preserve the concrete, slightly crude imagery of the original. This choice emphasizes the physical reality of wealth and comfort, contrasting sharply with the spiritual emptiness that often accompanies such ease. The word reminds readers that outward signs of success do not always reflect inner truth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ul appears only once in Scripture, in Psalm 73. It describes the physical fullness of the wicked, whose bodies are untroubled and comfortable. This image highlights a stark contrast between outward prosperity and inner spiritual reality.
When we see others thriving without apparent struggle, it is easy to feel discouraged or question God's justice. Yet this verse reminds us that external ease does not guarantee inner peace or divine favor. True strength lies in faithfulness, not in physical comfort or wealth.
May you find rest in knowing that God sees beyond surface appearances. Your trust in Him is what truly matters, even when the world seems to reward the arrogant.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- body/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אוּלָֽ/ם\׃1×
Key Verses
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Psalms 73:4
For there are no struggles in their death, but their strength is firm.
The word ul refers literally to the belly or front of the body, symbolizing the untroubled physical comfort and self-sufficiency of the wicked.