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אֵ֫לֶּה (el.leh)

el.leh

these

H0428 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 621 verses

H:DemP

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
621 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:DemP

Word Overview

The Hebrew word ’elleh serves as the plural demonstrative pronoun for "these" or "those." It functions much like its singular counterpart, zeh, but applies to multiple people, things, or groups. In the text, it acts as a pointer that can refer back to what has just been mentioned or forward to what is about to be described.

Its placement determines this direction. When it follows a noun, such as in "these words" (Deuteronomy 15:1), it specifies the antecedent already introduced. When it stands alone at the start of a passage, like in Genesis 2:4 or 6:9, it introduces a new section or list. This flexibility allows it to organize narrative flow, marking distinct genealogies or events.

Translators render it variously as "these," "those," "they," or "thus," depending on the sentence structure. It often appears in paired constructions like "these... and those..." to distinguish between different groups. Its frequent use in Genesis and Chronicles highlights its role in structuring the biblical record, helping readers track the succession of generations and historical details.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word ’elleh simply means “these.” It is a basic demonstrative pronoun that points to specific people or things already mentioned or about to be introduced. In Genesis, it often appears at the start of genealogies, marking transitions between generations and helping readers track the lineage from Adam through Noah to Abraham.

For your faith, this word reminds us that God’s story is grounded in real history. It shows that He works through specific families and individuals, not just abstract ideas. When you read “these are the sons of...”, you are seeing how God preserves His promises across time, connecting past generations to future hope.

Understanding ’elleh helps you appreciate the careful structure of Scripture. It signals important shifts in the narrative, inviting you to pay attention to who is coming next and what God is doing in their lives. This attention to detail reflects a God who knows every name and every step.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 621 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • <the>/ these246×
  • these218×
  • and/ these86×
  • these [things]45×
  • [are] these10×
  • of/ these [things]4×
  • like/ these [things]4×
  • and/ these [men]4×
  • <of> these [things]4×
  • these [men]3×
  • from/ these3×
  • and/ from/ these3×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה63×
  • אֵ֖לֶּה54×
  • הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה48×
  • הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה44×
  • אֵ֣לֶּה43×
  • הָ/אֵֽלֶּה\׃30×
  • אֵ֛לֶּה24×
  • אֵ֚לֶּה23×
  • אֵ֑לֶּה23×
  • אֵ֥לֶּה21×
  • וְ/אֵ֙לֶּה֙20×
  • הָ/אֵ֗לֶּה19×

Key Verses

  • Genesis 2:4
    This is the history of the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that Yahweh God made the earth and the heavens.

    This occurrence introduces the first major section of Genesis, marking the beginning of the creation account with Yahweh God.

  • Genesis 6:9
    This is the history of the generations of Noah: Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time. Noah walked with God.

    Here it highlights Noah’s righteousness as a pivotal point before the flood narrative begins.

  • Genesis 10:32
    These are the families of the sons of Noah, by their generations, according to their nations. The nations divided from these in the earth after the flood.

    This verse concludes the Table of Nations, summarizing how families and nations were divided after the flood.

  • Genesis 15:1
    After these things Yahweh’s word came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Don’t be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”

    It marks a transition in Abraham’s story, leading directly into God’s covenant promise to protect him.

  • Genesis 25:7
    These are the days of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived: one hundred seventy-five years.

    This usage records the specific age of Abraham at his death, closing the chapter on his life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word ’elleh mean?

’Elleh is a plural demonstrative pronoun that means “these” or “those.” It points to multiple people, things, or groups that have been mentioned or are about to be described in the text.

Why does ’elleh appear so often in Genesis?

It appears frequently because Genesis uses it to structure genealogies and historical records. Phrases like “these are the generations of...” help organize the narrative by marking transitions between different family lines and time periods.

How is ’elleh different from zeh?

’Elleh is plural, referring to multiple items or people, while zeh is singular, meaning “this” or “he.” They serve the same pointing function but agree in number with the nouns they modify.

Can ’elleh refer to things that are far away?

Yes. While it often points to something nearby or just mentioned, context determines whether it refers to immediate antecedents or items further back in the narrative. It functions as a flexible pointer for the reader.

Every Occurrence (621 verses across 30 books)

Genesis 77 verses
Genesis 2:4

This is the history of the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that Yahweh…

Genesis 6:9

This is the history of the generations of Noah: Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time. Noah…

Genesis 9:19

These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated.

Genesis 10:1

Now this is the history of the generations of the sons of Noah and of Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them…

Genesis 10:5

Of these were the islands of the nations divided in their lands, everyone after his language, after their families, in…

Genesis 10:20

These are the sons of Ham, after their families, according to their languages, in their lands and their nations.

Genesis 10:29

Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan.

Genesis 10:31

These are the sons of Shem, by their families, according to their languages, lands, and nations.

Genesis 10:32

These are the families of the sons of Noah, by their generations, according to their nations. The nations divided from…

Genesis 11:10

This is the history of the generations of Shem: Shem was one hundred years old when he became the father of Arpachshad…

Genesis 11:27

Now this is the history of the generations of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Haran became…

Genesis 14:3

All these joined together in the valley of Siddim (also called the Salt Sea).

Genesis 15:1

After these things Yahweh’s word came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Don’t be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your…

Genesis 15:10

He brought him all these, and divided them in the middle, and laid each half opposite the other; but he didn’t divide…

Genesis 15:17

It came to pass that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold, a smoking furnace and a flaming torch passed…

Genesis 20:8

Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ear. The men were…

Genesis 21:29

Abimelech said to Abraham, “What do these seven ewe lambs, which you have set by themselves, mean?”

Genesis 22:1

After these things, God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” He said, “Here I am.”

Genesis 22:20

After these things, Abraham was told, “Behold, Milcah, she also has borne children to your brother Nahor:

Genesis 22:23

Bethuel became the father of Rebekah. These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother.

Genesis 24:28

The young lady ran, and told her mother’s house about these words.

Genesis 25:4

The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.

Genesis 25:7

These are the days of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived: one hundred seventy-five years.

Genesis 25:12

Now this is the history of the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s servant, bore to…

Genesis 25:13

These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to the order of their birth: the firstborn of…

Genesis 25:16

These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes,…

Genesis 25:17

These are the years of the life of Ishmael: one hundred thirty-seven years. He gave up his spirit and died, and was…

Genesis 25:19

This is the history of the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son. Abraham became the father of Isaac.

Genesis 27:46

Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth. If Jacob takes a wife of the daughters…

Genesis 29:13

When Laban heard the news of Jacob, his sister’s son, he ran to meet Jacob, and embraced him, and kissed him, and…

Genesis 31:43

Laban answered Jacob, “The daughters are my daughters, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and all…

Genesis 33:5

He lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, “Who are these with you?” He said, “The children…

Genesis 34:21

“These men are peaceful with us. Therefore let them live in the land and trade in it. For behold, the land is large…

Genesis 35:26

The sons of Zilpah (Leah’s servant): Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram.

Genesis 36:1

Now this is the history of the generations of Esau (that is, Edom).

Genesis 36:5

Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the sons of Esau, who were born to him in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 36:9

This is the history of the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir:

Genesis 36:10

these are the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz, the son of Adah, the wife of Esau; and Reuel, the son of Basemath, the…

Genesis 36:12

Timna was concubine to Eliphaz, Esau’s son; and she bore to Eliphaz Amalek. These are the descendants of Adah, Esau’s…

Genesis 36:13

These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the descendants of Basemath, Esau’s wife.

Genesis 36:14

These were the sons of Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, Esau’s wife: she bore to Esau Jeush,…

Genesis 36:15

These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief…

Genesis 36:16

chief Korah, chief Gatam, chief Amalek. These are the chiefs who came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom. These are the…

Genesis 36:17

These are the sons of Reuel, Esau’s son: chief Nahath, chief Zerah, chief Shammah, chief Mizzah. These are the chiefs…

Genesis 36:18

These are the sons of Oholibamah, Esau’s wife: chief Jeush, chief Jalam, chief Korah. These are the chiefs who came of…

Genesis 36:19

These are the sons of Esau (that is, Edom), and these are their chiefs.

Genesis 36:20

These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,

Genesis 36:21

Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs who came of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom.

Genesis 36:23

These are the children of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.

Genesis 36:24

These are the children of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. This is Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness, as he fed…

Genesis 36:25

These are the children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah.

Genesis 36:26

These are the children of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.

Genesis 36:27

These are the children of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan.

Genesis 36:28

These are the children of Dishan: Uz and Aran.

Genesis 36:29

These are the chiefs who came of the Horites: chief Lotan, chief Shobal, chief Zibeon, chief Anah,

Genesis 36:30

chief Dishon, chief Ezer, and chief Dishan. These are the chiefs who came of the Horites, according to their chiefs in…

Genesis 36:31

These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the children of Israel.

Genesis 36:40

These are the names of the chiefs who came from Esau, according to their families, after their places, and by their…

Genesis 36:43

chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their…

Genesis 37:2

This is the history of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his…

Genesis 38:25

When she was brought out, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, “I am with child by the man who owns these.” She also…

Genesis 39:7

After these things, his master’s wife set her eyes on Joseph; and she said, “Lie with me.”

Genesis 39:17

She spoke to him according to these words, saying, “The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought to us, came in to me to…

Genesis 39:19

When his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, “This is what your servant did to me,” his…

Genesis 40:1

After these things, the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker offended their lord, the king of Egypt.

Genesis 41:35

Let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and store grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the…

Genesis 43:7

They said, “The man asked directly concerning ourselves, and concerning our relatives, saying, ‘Is your father still…

Genesis 44:6

He overtook them, and he spoke these words to them.

Genesis 44:7

They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants that they should do such a…

Genesis 46:8

These are the names of the children of Israel, who came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn.

Genesis 46:15

These are the sons of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob in Paddan Aram, with his daughter Dinah. All the souls of his sons…

Genesis 46:18

These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah, his daughter, and these she bore to Jacob, even sixteen souls.

Genesis 46:22

These are the sons of Rachel, who were born to Jacob: all the souls were fourteen.

Genesis 46:25

These are the sons of Bilhah, whom Laban gave to Rachel, his daughter, and these she bore to Jacob: all the souls were…

Genesis 48:1

After these things, someone said to Joseph, “Behold, your father is sick.” He took with him his two sons, Manasseh and…

Genesis 48:8

Israel saw Joseph’s sons, and said, “Who are these?”

Genesis 49:28

All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them, and blessed them. He blessed…

Exodus 24 verses
Leviticus 25 verses
Numbers 69 verses
Deuteronomy 47 verses
Joshua 44 verses
Judges 11 verses
Ruth 2 verses
I Samuel 23 verses
II Samuel 14 verses
I Kings 18 verses
II Kings 17 verses
I Chronicles 66 verses
II Chronicles 17 verses
Ezra 11 verses
Nehemiah 16 verses
Esther 9 verses
Job 10 verses
Psalms 5 verses
Proverbs 2 verses
Ecclesiastes 3 verses
Isaiah 21 verses
Jeremiah 58 verses
Lamentations 2 verses
Daniel 8 verses
Amos 1 verse
Micah 2 verses
Habakkuk 1 verse
Haggai 1 verse
Zechariah 17 verses