הוֹלֵלָה (ho.le.lah)

ho.le.lah

madness

H1947 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 4 verses

H:N-F

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 4 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-F

Word Overview

The noun holalah denotes a state of foolishness or madness that goes beyond simple error to suggest a profound lack of sense. In the Hebrew Bible, it describes behavior or thinking that is so irrational it borders on insanity. The word appears only four times in Scripture, giving it a concentrated impact wherever it occurs.

Its primary home is Ecclesiastes, where the Teacher uses it to describe the futility of worldly pursuits. For instance, he notes that wisdom has its own darkness and folly, yet the fool walks in the dark (Ecclesiastes 2:14). The term captures a spiritual or intellectual blindness that prevents one from seeing reality clearly. It is not merely ignorance but an active condition of being out of touch with truth.

The root relates to the concept of laughing or mocking, suggesting that such foolishness often involves a disdain for seriousness or divine order. Translators typically render holalah as "madness" or "folly," highlighting its extreme nature. This usage reminds readers that true wisdom requires more than intellect; it demands a right relationship with God.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word holalah describes a state of mind so disconnected from reality that it resembles madness. It is not simply making a mistake or lacking knowledge, but an active condition where wisdom is replaced by foolishness. In Ecclesiastes, the Teacher uses this term to show how worldly pursuits can lead us into a spiritual fog, blinding us to what truly matters.

This word reminds us that true understanding comes from aligning our hearts with God's order rather than chasing after empty gains. When we allow pride or selfish desires to guide us, we risk falling into this kind of deep folly. It is a sobering reminder that intellect alone cannot save us from confusion.

Instead of relying on our own limited perspective, we are invited to seek wisdom that begins with reverence for God. This path offers clarity and peace, freeing us from the chaos that comes when we try to find meaning in things that fade away.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

madness2×
and/ madness2×

Forms in the text

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

וְ/הוֹלֵל֤וֹת1×
וְ/הוֹלֵל֖וֹת1×
הוֹלֵלֽוֹת\׃1×
הוֹלֵל֖וֹת1×

Key Verses

Ecclesiastes 1:17
I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind.

This verse establishes holalah as a subject of study, showing that even seeking understanding requires recognizing the futility of worldly madness.
Ecclesiastes 2:12
I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly; for what can the king’s successor do? Just that which has been done long ago.

Here the Teacher compares wisdom and madness side by side, highlighting that both ultimately face the same human limitation under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 7:25
I turned around, and my heart sought to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity, and that foolishness is madness.

The text explicitly links wickedness to stupidity and foolishness to madness, defining holalah as the extreme end of moral and intellectual failure.
Ecclesiastes 9:3
This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event to all. Yes also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

This occurrence describes madness as an internal condition present in the human heart during life, emphasizing its pervasive and destructive nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word holalah mean?

Holalah refers to a state of madness or profound foolishness that goes beyond simple error. It describes a condition where a person is so disconnected from truth and divine order that their thinking becomes irrational and destructive.

How is holalah different from regular folly?

While regular folly might imply simple lack of sense, holalah suggests a deeper, more intense state resembling insanity. It carries the weight of active rejection of wisdom, often linked with wickedness and a disdain for seriousness.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears only four times, all within the book of Ecclesiastes. The Teacher uses it to describe the futility of worldly pursuits and the internal condition of those who live without reverence for God.

Why is this concept important for Christians today?

It warns against trusting solely in human intellect or worldly success, which can lead to spiritual blindness. It encourages believers to seek wisdom that comes from God, offering true clarity and purpose in life.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)

Ecclesiastes 4 verses

Ecclesiastes 1:17

I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind.

Ecclesiastes 2:12

I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly; for what can the king’s successor do? Just that which has been…

Ecclesiastes 7:25

I turned around, and my heart sought to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to…

Ecclesiastes 9:3

This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event to all. Yes also, the heart of the sons of…