אֶרְאֵל (er.el)
er.el
hero
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun erel is a rare Hebrew word that appears only once in the Old Testament, specifically in Isaiah 33:7. Its primary meaning is "hero" or "valiant one," describing a person of strength and courage. Because it occurs in such a limited context, its exact nuance relies heavily on the surrounding imagery of distress and mourning.
The sources note that the form and meaning are somewhat uncertain, with some scholars linking it to the concept of a hearth or altar, possibly suggesting a "hero" associated with the city's spiritual center. However, the most straightforward reading identifies the subjects as courageous defenders or leaders who have broken down in grief. This usage highlights how even the strongest individuals can be overwhelmed by the weight of their circumstances.
Understanding this word offers a glimpse into the human side of biblical narratives. It reminds readers that strength does not preclude vulnerability, and that those who are typically seen as pillars of society also experience deep emotional pain. The term serves as a poignant reminder of the shared human condition across all generations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word erel describes a hero or a valiant one, yet it appears only once in Scripture. In Isaiah 33:7, these strong leaders are shown weeping bitterly outside the city walls. This rare image reminds us that courage does not mean an absence of emotion. Even those who protect and guide others can feel overwhelmed by grief.
When life feels too heavy to bear, this passage offers comfort. It shows that vulnerability is not a failure of faith but a shared human experience. Strength and sorrow often walk together. You do not need to hide your pain behind a mask of toughness. God sees the tears of the strong just as He sees the cries of the weak.
This word invites you to bring your whole self to prayer. Your struggles matter, whether you are in a position of leadership or simply trying to get through the day. There is grace for those who feel broken by circumstances beyond their control.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- valiant one/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֶרְאֶלָּ֔/ם1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 33:7
Behold, their valiant ones cry outside; the ambassadors of peace weep bitterly.
This verse uniquely depicts valiant leaders abandoning their posts to weep, showing that even the strongest among us can be overcome by grief.