מַ֫עַל (ma.al)
ma.al
above
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 124 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The noun maʿal refers to the upper part or higher ground, functioning primarily as an adverb meaning "above" or "upward." Derived from the root for going up, it denotes physical elevation rather than moral superiority. This spatial sense appears frequently in descriptive texts, such as when the tabernacle curtains extend upward (Exodus 26:14) or when census counts include individuals from a certain age and upward (Numbers 1:3).
While the word itself is strictly geographical, its root verb carries a different weight. The related verb form describes treacherous behavior, specifically acting faithlessly against God or stealing by stealth. This semantic shift likely arises from the idea of overstepping boundaries or seizing what is above one’s rightful place, as seen in accounts of Israel’s unfaithfulness (1 Chronicles 5:25). Thus, the noun anchors the text in physical height, while its verbal cousin highlights the breach of divine order.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you read about things being maal, or above, in Scripture, it often points to a physical reality that grounds our faith in history. God did not save us from a vague idea but through concrete events. The tabernacle was built with specific layers, and the ark had a mercy seat placed on top of it. These details show that God cares about the structure of worship and the order He establishes for His people.
This word also marks boundaries, such as counting those who are twenty years old and upward for service or war. It reminds us that our lives have seasons and responsibilities defined by grace. We are not left to guess where we stand; God provides clear markers for how we live and serve Him in this world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 124 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ up/ -wards49×
- <to>/ upwards/ <towards>21×
- from/ to/ above/ <towards>17×
- <from>/ above13×
- from/ above11×
- and/ <to>/ upwards/ <towards>3×
- [was] from/ above3×
- up/ -wards2×
- and/ on/ -wards2×
- and/ [were] from/ to/ above/ <towards>1×
- and/ <from>/ above1×
- [were] <to>/ upwards/ <towards>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וָ/מַ֔עְלָ/ה27×
- וָ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה13×
- מִ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה8×
- לְ/מָֽעְלָ/ה\׃8×
- מִ/מָּ֑עַל6×
- מִ/מַּ֔עַל5×
- וָ/מַ֖עְלָ/ה4×
- מִ/מַּ֙עַל֙3×
- מִ/לְ/מָֽעְלָ/ה\׃3×
- מִ/לְ/מַ֔עְלָ/ה3×
- לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה3×
- לְ/מַ֔עְלָ/ה3×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 25:21
You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the covenant that I will give you.
The mercy seat is placed on top of the ark, establishing the physical location where God meets His people.
-
Genesis 6:16
You shall make a roof in the ship, and you shall finish it to a cubit upward. You shall set the door of the ship in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third levels.
The roof is finished to a cubit upward, showing how Noah followed precise instructions for safety and obedience.
-
Numbers 1:3
from twenty years old and upward, all who are able to go out to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall count them by their divisions.
The census counts males from twenty years old and upward, defining the specific group called to serve in Israel's army.
-
Exodus 20:4
“You shall not make for yourselves an idol, nor any image of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
Idols made of anything in the heavens above are forbidden, distinguishing the Creator from created things.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word maal mean?
Is maal used to describe spiritual superiority?
Why is this word important in the book of Exodus?
Every Occurrence (124 verses across 22 books)
Genesis 3 verses
You shall make a roof in the ship, and you shall finish it to a cubit upward. You shall set the door of the ship in its…
Genesis 7:20The waters rose fifteen cubits higher, and the mountains were covered.
Genesis 22:9They came to the place which God had told him of. Abraham built the altar there, and laid the wood in order, bound…