אָלַח (a.lach)
a.lach
to corrupt
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb a.lach appears in the Old Testament exclusively in the passive form, describing a state of moral corruption or spiritual taint. It is a rare word, found only twice in Scripture: in Psalm 14:3 and Job 4:18. In these contexts, it characterizes human nature as fundamentally flawed or defiled from birth.
Its meaning centers on being spoiled or contaminated, much like food that has gone bad. The sources emphasize that this corruption is not merely a result of external influence but an inherent condition. When Psalm 14 states that there is none who does good, it uses this term to describe the universal moral decay of humanity.
In Job 4:18, Elihu employs the word to highlight the vast gap between God’s perfection and human imperfection. He suggests that even angels are not pure in His sight, let alone humans who are described as "maggots" or "dust." This usage underscores the severity of the condition; it is a deep-seated defect that makes righteousness impossible without divine intervention.
Translators often render a.lach as "corrupt," though this English word can sometimes imply active wickedness. The Hebrew nuance here is closer to being tainted or spoiled by nature. It serves as a stark reminder of the human condition, pointing to the need for grace rather than self-reliance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word alach describes a state of being spoiled or tainted from within. It appears only twice in Scripture, painting a stark picture of human nature as fundamentally flawed. This is not about occasional mistakes but a deep-seated condition that affects everyone.
In Psalm 14:3, the psalmist uses this term to show that no one can claim perfect goodness on their own. It reminds us that our moral efforts are often marred by imperfection. Recognizing this reality is not meant to discourage us but to direct our eyes toward God’s grace.
When we see ourselves as truly dependent, we stop trying to earn what only God can give. This word points away from self-reliance and toward the need for divine intervention. It invites us to rest in the truth that our worth comes from His mercy, not our own perfection.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they are corrupt1×
- and/ [one who] is corrupt1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נֶ֫אֱלָ֥חוּ1×
- וְֽ/נֶאֱלָ֑ח1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 14:3
They have all gone aside. They have together become corrupt. There is no one who does good, no, not one.
This verse uses the word to declare the universal extent of human moral failure, leaving no room for self-justification.
-
Job 15:16
how much less one who is abominable and corrupt, a man who drinks iniquity like water!
Here the term emphasizes how deeply sin can permeate human existence, contrasting it with God’s absolute purity.