אֵל (el)
el
these
A:DemPQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:DemP
Word Overview
The word el is an Aramaic demonstrative pronoun meaning "these." It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the Book of Ezra (5:15). In this context, it functions to point directly at physical objects or documents being discussed, serving as a simple linguistic marker for plurality and proximity.
Its presence highlights the bilingual nature of the Persian Empire’s administrative records. While most of Scripture is in Hebrew, official correspondence between Jewish leaders and Persian authorities often utilized Aramaic, the lingua franca of diplomacy. This single occurrence reflects that practical reality, where precise language was needed to identify specific items without ambiguity.
Translators typically render it simply as "these," maintaining the straightforward demonstrative force found in the original text. The word does not carry theological weight or complex nuance; rather, it serves a purely grammatical role, anchoring the reader’s attention to the tangible evidence presented in the narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read Scripture, we often look for deep theological mysteries in every word. Sometimes, however, the text offers us simple clarity instead. In Ezra 5:15, the word el points directly to physical vessels being returned to Jerusalem. It is a plain demonstrative, meaning "these." It does not carry hidden symbolism or complex spiritual weight. Its purpose is purely functional: to identify specific objects in a historical record.
This linguistic simplicity reminds us that God works through real history and tangible details. The return of these actual vessels was part of rebuilding the temple. For your faith, this shows that God cares about concrete actions and historical events, not just abstract ideas. You can trust that the Bible records real things with precision.
Even in administrative documents from ancient empires, the text remains clear and reliable. This word anchors us in the reality of what happened. It invites you to see the faithfulness of God in the ordinary details of history, trusting that He guides His people through both grand miracles and simple records.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- these1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֵ֚ל1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 5:15
He said to him, ‘Take these vessels, go, put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let God’s house be built in its place.’
The word functions as a demonstrative pronoun pointing directly to the specific vessels being returned, anchoring the narrative in tangible historical reality.