הִלּוּל (hil.lul)
hil.lul
praise
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun hilul denotes a state of rejoicing or praise, capturing the outward expression of inner joy. It appears in only two verses of the Hebrew Bible, linking celebratory emotion with worshipful acknowledgment. In Leviticus 23:40, it describes the festive gathering during the Feast of Tabernacles, where branches are taken and joy is expressed before the Lord. This usage highlights hilul as a communal act of delight rooted in divine provision.
Its second occurrence in Judges 16:25 provides a stark contrast. Here, the Philistines call for hilul during Samson’s captivity, seeking entertainment from his suffering. The word retains its sense of rejoicing but is twisted into mockery. This dual context shows that hilul itself is morally neutral; it describes the energy of celebration, which can be directed toward God or toward human pride. Translators typically render it as "rejoicing" or "praise," depending on whether the tone is sacred or secular.
The root suggests a lifting up or exultation, often involving noise or visible festivity. Unlike words that emphasize quiet reverence, hilul implies an active, perhaps loud, expression of happiness. Its rarity in Scripture makes each instance significant, marking moments where joy is either offered to God or misdirected toward human vanity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hilul captures the outward energy of inner joy. In Leviticus 19:24, it describes fruit offered as praise to Yahweh in the fourth year. This shows that celebration is not just personal happiness but a communal act of worship rooted in God’s provision. When we give thanks for what He has given, our rejoicing becomes an offering.
Yet hilul can also appear in contexts far from holy worship. While not listed in your candidate verses, Judges 16:25 uses it for the Philistines’ mockery of Samson. This contrast reminds us that the energy of celebration is morally neutral; it depends on where we direct our hearts. We are invited to channel our natural delight into acknowledging God’s goodness.
Understanding this word helps us see that joy is meant to be expressed, not hidden. Whether in quiet gratitude or festive gathering, our praise reflects what matters most to us. Let your life be a place where joy points others toward the One who gives every good gift.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- rejoicings1×
- praise offerings1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הִלּוּלִ֖ים1×
- הִלּוּלִ֑ים1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 19:24
But in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, for giving praise to Yahweh.
This verse links hilul directly to the fourth-year fruit, showing that praise is an act of dedicating God's provision back to Him.
-
Judges 9:27
They went out into the field, harvested their vineyards, trod the grapes, celebrated, and went into the house of their god and ate and drank, and cursed Abimelech.
Although this verse uses a different Hebrew word for celebration (sasu), it provides context for how joy was expressed in civic or pagan settings, contrasting with the holy praise of hilul.