אַיָּלָה (ay.ya.lah)
ay.ya.lah
doe
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word for 'doe' appears in Scripture to describe an animal known for its agility and grace. In moments of weakness or confinement, this imagery offers a picture of sudden freedom. Just as a doe is set loose to run across open land, believers find that God provides the strength to move beyond limitations. This physical liberty serves as a metaphor for spiritual resilience, reminding us that our footing can be steadied even on difficult terrain.
These verses highlight how divine support transforms our capacity to endure. When life feels restrictive or when resources are scarce, the promise remains that God equips us with new stability. We are invited to trust in this provision, knowing that our strength comes from a source that lifts us to higher ground. It is a gentle assurance that we do not walk alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like <the>/ does2×
- does2×
- by/ [the] does of2×
- a doe of1×
- a doe1×
- [is] a doe1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/אַיְל֣וֹת2×
- כָּֽ/אַיָּל֔וֹת1×
- כָּ/אַיָּל֑וֹת1×
- אַיָּלוֹת֮1×
- אַיָּלָ֣ה1×
- אַיָּל֣וֹת1×
- אַיֶּ֥לֶת1×
- אַיֶּ֙לֶת֙1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 22:34
He makes his feet like hinds’ feet, and sets me on my high places.
This verse uses the word to describe God giving David sure footing, showing how divine strength enables stability on high places.
-
Genesis 49:21
“Naphtali is a doe set free, who bears beautiful fawns.
Jacob blesses Naphtali by comparing him to a released doe, symbolizing freedom and the bearing of beautiful offspring in open territory.
-
Habakkuk 3:19
Yahweh, the Lord, is my strength. He makes my feet like deer’s feet, and enables me to go in high places. For the music director, on my stringed instruments.
The prophet declares that God makes his feet like a deer's, allowing him to navigate high places with confidence during troubled times.