אֵלָה (e.lah)
e.lah
Elah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun elah refers to a large tree, most commonly identified as an oak or terebinth. In the ancient Near East, these trees were significant landmarks because of their size and longevity. They provided shade for gatherings, served as sites for religious activities, and marked boundaries in the landscape.
While the word appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, it is frequently associated with specific locations or events. For instance, Deborah’s palm tree was located near Bethel (Judges 4:5), and Abijah set up his camp by the brook Zered (1 Kings 15:27 mentions Elah as a place). The term also appears in genealogical lists, such as among the chiefs of Edom (Genesis 36:41), indicating its use in identifying regions or tribal territories.
Translators typically render elah as "oak" or "terebinth," depending on the specific context and local flora. The choice reflects the tree’s prominence in biblical narratives, where it often serves as a backdrop for significant interactions between people and God, such as Abraham’s visit to the oaks of Mamre (Genesis 18:1).
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word elah points to a sturdy tree, often identified as an oak or terebinth, which stood as a landmark in the ancient landscape. These trees provided shade and gathering places for significant events, such as when David prepared for battle in the valley of Elah (1 Samuel 17:2). Their deep roots and long life symbolised stability and endurance in a changing world.
In genealogies, names like Elah appear alongside tribal leaders and family lines (Genesis 36:41; 1 Chronicles 4:15), reminding us that every person is part of a larger story. God’s care extends through generations, anchoring families and communities just as these trees anchored the land.
When we reflect on this word, we might consider how God provides stable ground for our own lives. Whether in times of conflict or quiet family moments, His presence offers a firm foundation that outlasts temporary struggles.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Elah12×
- <the>/ Elah2×
- and/ Elah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֵלָ֖ה7×
- וְ/אֵלָ֥ה1×
- הָֽ/אֵלָ֑ה1×
- הָ/אֵלָ֑ה1×
- אֵלָ֨ה1×
- אֵלָ֧ה1×
- אֵלָ֥ה1×
- אֵלָ֣ה1×
- אֵלָ֗ה1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 17:2
Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.
This verse identifies the valley of Elah as the specific location where David and Goliath faced each other, highlighting the tree’s role as a geographical marker for a pivotal moment in Israel’s history.
-
Genesis 36:41
chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,
Here, Elah is listed among the chiefs of Edom, showing how the name was used to identify regional leaders and tribal territories in ancient genealogies.
-
I Chronicles 4:15
The sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam. The son of Elah: Kenaz.
Elah appears as a son of Caleb, illustrating how this name functioned within family lines and inheritance records in the tribe of Judah.