מִלָּה (mil.lah)
mil.lah
speech
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 37 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun mil.lah denotes a word, speech, or utterance. It functions as a general term for spoken language and the things said within it. The sources note that it is closely related to the more common dabar, often serving as a synonym in poetic contexts. In Proverbs 23:9, it appears in the instruction not to speak mil.lah to a fool, highlighting its use for specific utterances or advice.
This word appears most frequently in the book of Job, where it captures the intense dialogue of suffering and debate. For instance, Job describes his friends as breaking him into pieces with their words (Job 19:2), illustrating how mil.lah can carry weight beyond mere sound. It also refers to the subject or matter of discussion, as seen in Job 32:18, where a person feels compelled to speak because their inner mil.lah is like fire trapped in bones.
The term extends to describe one’s reputation or status as an object of talk. In Job 30:9, the speaker laments becoming a by-word for others, showing how the word can signify the content of public discourse about a person. In Psalms, it emphasizes the completeness of divine communication; Psalm 19:4 suggests that no mil.lah is missing from God’s revelation to the world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word mil.lah points to the substance of what is said, not just the noise of the voice. It represents a specific utterance or piece of speech that carries weight and meaning. In our daily lives, we often speak without thinking about the impact of our words, but this term reminds us that every sentence has power.
When you feel misunderstood or overwhelmed by criticism, remember that your own mil.lah matters to God. The book of Job shows how deep conversations can be, even in pain. You are invited to bring your honest thoughts and struggles into the light, knowing that God hears the intent behind your speech.
This word encourages us to speak with care and truth. It is not about being perfect or never making mistakes, but about offering words that build up rather than tear down. Let your speech reflect a heart that seeks understanding and peace in every conversation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 37 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- words14×
- words/ my5×
- speech/ my4×
- <in>/ words3×
- words/ your2×
- with/ words1×
- of/ words1×
- by/ words1×
- and/ words1×
- and/ speech/ his1×
- [the] words1×
- [is] a word1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִלָּ֑/י4×
- מִלִּֽים\׃3×
- מִלִּ֣ין3×
- מִלִּ֑ין3×
- מִלָּתִ֑/י2×
- מִלִּֽין\׃2×
- מִלִּ֥ין2×
- מִלִּ֣ים2×
- מִלָּתִֽ/י\׃\ \ס1×
- מִלָּתִֽ/י\׃1×
- מִלָּֽ/י\׃1×
- מִלֶּֽי/ךָ\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Job 19:2
“How long will you torment me, and crush me with words?
This verse shows how mil.lah can be used as a tool for emotional crushing, highlighting the heavy weight words carry in times of suffering.
-
Job 32:18
For I am full of words. The spirit within me constrains me.
Here the word describes an internal pressure to speak, illustrating how mil.lah can represent a truth that must be released from within.
-
Job 30:9
“Now I have become their song. Yes, I am a byword to them.
This occurrence shifts the meaning to reputation, showing how one's mil.lah becomes the subject of public discussion and mockery.
-
II Samuel 23:2
“Yahweh’s Spirit spoke by me. His word was on my tongue.
This verse connects mil.lah directly to divine inspiration, showing that words can be carried by the Spirit on the tongue.