אֵל (el)
el
these
H:DemPQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:DemP
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word el functions as a demonstrative pronoun, pointing directly to something specific in the immediate context. It translates simply as "these," anchoring the reader's attention to particular people, places, or actions just mentioned. In the Hebrew text, it serves as a linguistic finger, indicating that what follows is not abstract but concrete and present.
When you read passages like Genesis 19:8, where Lot refers to "these men," the word highlights the specific guests under his protection. It grounds the narrative in real-time interaction. This specificity reminds us that God’s instructions and stories are not vague myths but involve actual people in defined situations.
For your faith, this simple word underscores the importance of context. Scripture does not speak in generalities alone; it addresses specific communities and individuals. Recognizing these pointers helps you see how ancient readers understood their world, inviting you to pay close attention to the details God included in His Word.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ these8×
- these1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָ/אֵ֔ל3×
- הָ/אֵל֙1×
- הָ/אֵֽל\׃1×
- הָ/אֵ֛ל1×
- הָ/אֵ֖ל1×
- הָ/אֵ֑ל1×
- אֵ֛ל1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 19:8
See now, I have two virgin daughters. Please let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them what seems good to you. Only don’t do anything to these men, because they have come under the shadow of my roof.”
The word points specifically to Lot's guests, emphasizing the immediate moral obligation to protect them under his roof.
-
Genesis 26:3
Live in this land, and I will be with you, and will bless you. For I will give to you, and to your offspring, all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore to Abraham your father.
It identifies the specific lands promised to Isaac, linking the current covenant directly to the inheritance of Abraham.
-
Leviticus 18:27
(for the men of the land that were before you had done all these abominations, and the land became defiled),
This usage highlights the specific abominations previously committed by the inhabitants, explaining why the land was defiled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word אֵל (el) mean?
How is this word different from other Hebrew pronouns?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 4 books)
Genesis 4 verses
See now, I have two virgin daughters. Please let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them what seems good to…
Genesis 19:25He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew on the ground.
Genesis 26:3Live in this land, and I will be with you, and will bless you. For I will give to you, and to your offspring, all these…
Genesis 26:4I will multiply your offspring as the stars of the sky, and will give all these lands to your offspring. In your…