לָאֵל (la.el)
la.el
Lael
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Lael, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible at Numbers 3:24, identifies a specific Levite from the clan of Gershon. In the census of the tabernacle workers, he is listed as the father of Eliasaph, marking his place within the lineage responsible for transporting the tent’s coverings and hangings.
Etymologically, the name means "belonging to God" or "to God." This construction links the individual directly to divine ownership, a common theme in Israelite naming conventions that emphasizes identity rooted in covenant relationship rather than personal achievement. As a Gershonite, Lael’s family served in the practical logistics of worship, highlighting how ordinary service was integrated into sacred duty.
Though obscure in its single occurrence, the name reflects the broader biblical pattern where names serve as theological statements. It reminds readers that even those with minimal scriptural mention were part of a structured community dedicated to God’s presence. The brevity of the record underscores the value placed on faithful participation in communal worship, regardless of public fame.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Lael appears only once in Scripture, recorded in Numbers 3:24 as the father of Eliasaph, a leader among the Gershonite Levites. The meaning of the name, "belonging to God," serves as a quiet reminder that our identity is defined by who owns us rather than what we achieve. In the ancient camp, this family was responsible for transporting the heavy coverings and hangings of the tabernacle. Their work was physical, unseen by most, yet essential for the community’s worship.
This brief mention invites us to consider the value of faithful service in our own lives. Not every task is celebrated with applause or recorded for fame, but God sees the hands that carry the burdens necessary for His presence to dwell among His people. When we feel overlooked or insignificant, this verse offers comfort: belonging to God is a status far greater than public recognition.
We are all part of a larger story where every role matters. Whether our duties involve leading, teaching, or simply supporting others behind the scenes, our work becomes sacred when offered to Him. This perspective shifts our focus from seeking human approval to finding peace in divine ownership. It is a gentle assurance that no faithful act goes unnoticed by the One who calls us His own.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Lael1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לָאֵֽל\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 3:24
Eliasaph the son of Lael shall be the prince of the fathers’ house of the Gershonites.
This verse identifies Lael as the patriarch of a specific Gershonite clan, linking his name directly to the logistical responsibility of moving the tabernacle's structural coverings.