יַעֲלָה (ya.a.lah)
ya.a.lah
doe
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun yaalah refers specifically to a female mountain goat, or doe. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within Proverbs 5:19, where it serves as part of a vivid metaphor for marital intimacy.
In this context, the word describes the beloved wife’s charms, likening her grace and beauty to that of a wild, agile animal. The imagery highlights vitality and attractiveness rather than domestication, suggesting a partner who is lively and desirable. Translators typically render it as "doe" or "young deer," preserving the sense of a graceful creature found in rugged terrain.
Its rarity makes this single usage significant. By choosing a wild animal instead of a common livestock term, the text emphasizes passion and freedom within the covenant of marriage. The comparison invites the reader to appreciate the spouse with the same wonder one might feel observing a graceful animal in its natural habitat.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word yaalah appears just once in Scripture, found in Proverbs 5:19. It refers to a wild female deer or mountain goat, chosen deliberately for its grace and vitality. This rare term paints a picture of a spouse who is lively, agile, and deeply attractive. The imagery moves beyond domestic comfort to celebrate the wild, free spirit that exists within the bond of marriage.
When you read this passage, notice how the text invites wonder rather than mere duty. A loving doe captivates because it is beautiful in its natural state. This metaphor encourages husbands to view their wives with fresh eyes, appreciating their unique personality and charm as something precious and alive. It reminds us that intimacy thrives on mutual delight and admiration.
Marriage is not a static arrangement but a living relationship full of energy. By using the image of a graceful animal in rugged terrain, the wisdom literature highlights that passion and beauty are gifts to be cherished. Let this verse remind you to find joy in the specific qualities that make your partner unique, celebrating the vibrant life shared between two people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ a goat of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְֽ/יַעֲלַ֫ת\־1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 5:19
A loving doe and a graceful deer— let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Be captivated always with her love.
This is the only occurrence of yaalah in the Hebrew Bible, where it serves as a vivid metaphor for the wife's captivating grace and vitality within marital intimacy.