מַעֲלָל (ma.a.lal)
ma.a.lal
deed
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 38 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun ma‘ălâl refers simply to a deed, act, or practice. It comes from a root meaning “to do” or “to act,” and it covers the full range of human behavior without specifying whether the action is good or bad on its own. The moral quality depends entirely on the context in which the word appears.
Scripture often uses this term to contrast human actions with divine standards. In Jeremiah, for example, God calls the people to examine their ma‘ălâlîm, their deeds, as a basis for repentance (Jeremiah 7:5; 26:3). Conversely, in the Psalms, the same word describes the mighty works of God that believers are called to remember and meditate on (Psalm 77:12; 78:7). This duality shows that the word itself is neutral, serving as a mirror for the character of the actor.
Translators typically render ma‘ălâl as “deeds,” “doings,” or “works.” The consistent thread across these translations is the idea of concrete action rather than abstract intention. Whether referring to the wicked practices described in Hosea or the faithful acts remembered in Psalms, the word points to what people actually do with their lives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ma‘ălâl simply means a deed or an act. It describes what we actually do with our lives, rather than just what we think or feel inside. Scripture uses this term to show that our actions have weight and consequence. In the Psalms, it points to God’s mighty works that we are called to remember. In the prophets, it often highlights human behavior that needs correction.
This word invites honest self-reflection without shame. It reminds us that faith is lived out in concrete steps. When Jeremiah calls people to amend their ways and deeds, he offers a path back to God’s favor. The focus is not on perfect intentions but on tangible changes in how we treat others and honor God.
Your daily choices matter deeply. Whether small acts of kindness or larger commitments, your deeds shape your witness. This neutral term becomes a mirror for your character. It encourages you to align your actions with love and justice, knowing that God sees and values the work of your hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 38 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- deeds/ your10×
- deeds/ their10×
- and/ deeds/ your5×
- deeds/ his3×
- by/ deeds/ their2×
- from/ deeds/ their1×
- deeds1×
- by/ deeds/ his1×
- any of/ deeds/ their1×
- and/ deeds/ their1×
- and/ deeds/ his1×
- and/ according to/ deeds/ our1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַעַלְלֵי/כֶ֖ם3×
- מַעַלְלֵי/כֶֽם\׃2×
- מַעַלְלֵי/כֶ֔ם2×
- מַעַלְלֵי/הֶֽם\׃2×
- מַֽעַלְלֵי/הֶֽם\׃\ \ס2×
- מַֽעַלְלֵי/הֶ֔ם2×
- מַֽעֲלָלֶ֖י/ךָ1×
- מַעַלְלֵי/הֶֽם\׃\ \פ1×
- מַעַלְלֵי/הֶ֖ם1×
- מַעֲלָלָֽי/ו\׃\ \ס1×
- מַעֲלָלָֽי/ו\׃1×
- מַעֲלָלָ֑י/ו1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 78:7
that they might set their hope in God, and not forget God’s deeds, but keep his commandments,
This verse uses ma‘ălâl to describe God’s mighty works, showing the word can refer to divine acts that inspire hope and remembrance.
-
Jeremiah 7:5
For if you thoroughly amend your ways and your doings, if you thoroughly execute justice between a man and his neighbor;
Here the call to amend ways and deeds links moral behavior directly to staying in the land, emphasizing repentance through action.
-
Proverbs 20:11
Even a child makes himself known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.
This proverb illustrates that even a child’s character is revealed by their specific doings, highlighting the word’s use for personal integrity.
-
Isaiah 3:10
Tell the righteous that it will be well with them, for they will eat the fruit of their deeds.
The promise that the righteous will eat the fruit of their deeds connects moral living to tangible blessing and well-being.