הָֽ֫לְאָה (ha.le.ah)
ha.le.ah
further
H:AdvQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:Adv
Word Overview
The Hebrew word hal’ah functions as an adverb indicating direction or extent, meaning "further," "onward," or "yonder." It appears thirteen times in the Old Testament, with notable occurrences in Numbers, 1 Samuel, and Isaiah. The term generally points to something beyond the immediate vicinity, whether in physical space or chronological progression.
Its usage often carries a sense of movement toward a distant point. In 1 Samuel 20:42, Jonathan tells David to go his way "onward" (hal’ah), marking a literal separation as they part ways. This spatial sense extends to temporal contexts in Isaiah 30:9, where the people are described as children who continue "further" in rebellion, suggesting a persistence in behavior over time. The word helps convey the idea of moving past a current boundary into what lies ahead.
Translators typically render hal’ah as "further," "onward," or "yonder" depending on context. It lacks the complex theological weight of some other Hebrew terms but serves a precise descriptive function: pointing the reader’s attention beyond the present moment or location to what follows.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hal’ah simply points us toward what lies ahead. It describes a movement from where we are to a place further on, whether that is across a river or into the next chapter of our lives. In Genesis 35:21, Jacob spreads his tent beyond the tower of Eder, marking a literal step into new territory. This physical movement often mirrors our spiritual journey, reminding us that faith involves moving forward even when the destination is not yet fully visible.
There is comfort in this idea of progression. In Numbers 15:23, God’s commands are given to Moses and onward through generations. This shows that His guidance is not a one-time event but a continuous path for His people. We are invited to trust that the same God who leads us today will sustain us as we move into tomorrow.
When life feels stagnant or uncertain, this word encourages a gentle forward motion. It does not demand we run, only that we do not stay behind. Whether you are facing a new season or a long-term calling, remember that your steps are part of a larger story. May you find peace in knowing that every step forward is held by His faithful hand.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ beyond6×
- from/ beyond3×
- and/ onwards3×
- beyond1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וָ/הָ֑לְאָה4×
- מֵ/הָ֖לְאָה2×
- מֵ/הָ֣לְאָה1×
- וָ/הָֽלְאָה\׃\ \ס1×
- וָ/הָֽלְאָה\׃1×
- וָ/הָ֗לְאָה1×
- וָ/הָ֖לְאָה1×
- וָ/הָ֔לְאָה1×
- הָ֗לְאָה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 35:21
Israel traveled, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Eder.
This verse uses the term to describe Jacob physically moving his tent beyond a known landmark, marking a transition into new territory.
-
Numbers 15:23
even all that Yahweh has commanded you by Moses, from the day that Yahweh gave commandment and onward throughout your generations—
Here it extends the timeline of God's commandments from Moses onward, emphasizing continuity across generations.
-
I Samuel 20:22
But if I say this to the boy, ‘Behold, the arrows are beyond you,’ then go your way, for Yahweh has sent you away.
Jonathan instructs David to go his way when the arrows are found beyond him, using the word for a literal signal of separation and safety.
-
Amos 5:27
Therefore I will cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus,” says Yahweh, whose name is the God of Armies.
It describes the extent of judgment, placing captivity beyond Damascus to show the far-reaching consequences of rebellion.