מִנְלֶה (min.leh)
min.leh
gain
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun minleh appears only once in the entire Old Testament, found in Job 15:29. It denotes gain, wealth, or acquisition, though its precise semantic range remains somewhat uncertain among scholars. In this specific context, Eliphaz uses the term to describe the fate of the wicked, suggesting that their ill-gotten riches will ultimately fail them.
Its rarity makes it a unique lexical item in biblical Hebrew. The word likely derives from a root related to acquiring or obtaining, but its singular occurrence prevents a broader understanding of its usage patterns. Translators typically render it as "gain" or "wealth," reflecting the immediate context of material possession and its eventual loss.
This single verse highlights the transient nature of worldly prosperity in Job’s wisdom literature. By using a rare term for acquisition, the text emphasizes the fragility of such gains. The word serves as a stark reminder that what is gained through unjust means does not endure, anchoring Eliphaz’s argument about divine justice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word minleh appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Job 15:29. Eliphaz uses it to describe the fleeting nature of wealth gained through unjust means. This rare term reminds us that material possessions are not permanent anchors for our lives.
When we face uncertainty about our future or financial security, this verse offers a sobering perspective. It suggests that true stability does not come from accumulating riches that can vanish overnight. Instead, it points toward a deeper trust in God's provision rather than the fragility of earthly gain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- property/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִנְלָֽ/ם\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Job 15:29
He will not be rich, neither will his substance continue, neither will their possessions be extended on the earth.
This is the only occurrence of minleh in Scripture, where it signifies possessions that fail to endure for the wicked.