עִלֵּג (il.leg)
il.leg
stammerer
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective illeg describes a person who speaks inarticulately or with a stammer. It is a rare word, appearing only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in Isaiah 32:4. In this context, it characterizes those whose speech is hesitant or unclear, often implying a lack of confidence or clarity in their communication.
This single occurrence places the term within a broader prophetic vision of transformation. The verse contrasts the current state of weakness with a future where even the stammerer’s tongue will speak clearly and fluently. This shift highlights a theme of restoration, suggesting that divine intervention can overcome physical or social limitations, turning inarticulacy into clear expression.
Translators typically render illeg as "stammerer" to capture the physical difficulty in speech. The word carries no inherent moral judgment but rather describes a condition that is subject to change. Its presence in Isaiah underscores the prophetic hope that barriers to communication and understanding will be removed in the renewed order.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word illeg, meaning 'stammerer,' appears only once in Scripture at Isaiah 32:4. It describes someone whose speech is hesitant or unclear, not as a moral failing but as a human condition. In this prophetic vision, the text promises that even those who struggle with communication will find their tongues ready to speak plainly in the future age of restoration.
This rare term offers comfort to anyone who feels misunderstood or silenced by their own limitations. It reminds us that clarity and understanding are gifts from God, not just natural talents. When we feel inadequate in our words, we can trust that He values our hearts above perfect delivery. His peace brings wholeness where we feel broken or unsure.
May you find rest in knowing that your worth does not depend on how well you speak. God sees the intent of your heart and grants peace beyond human ability. Let this promise encourage you to trust Him with your voice and your life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- stammerers1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עִלְּגִ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 32:4
The heart of the rash will understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers will be ready to speak plainly.
This verse highlights the contrast between current hesitation and future clarity, showing that divine restoration overcomes speech difficulties.