עָלֵז (a.lez)
a.lez
exultant
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective `alez` conveys a sense of exultation or jubilation. It describes a state of high spirits and triumphant joy, capturing the emotional intensity of celebration. This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, making it a rare lexical item for study.
Its sole occurrence is found in Isaiah 5:14, where it modifies Sheol (the grave). The text describes Sheol as "exultant" or "jubilant," opening its jaws wide. This personification creates a striking contrast: while the people celebrate their current success, the realm of death rejoices at the abundance of victims coming to it. The image suggests that destruction takes pleasure in consuming those who have become arrogant.
Translators typically render this term as "exultant" or "jubilant" to preserve the vivid personification. By attributing human emotion to the grave, the prophet emphasizes the inevitability and joy of judgment against pride. The word serves as a powerful metaphor for the finality of divine reckoning.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word alez describes a state of exultant or jubilant joy. It is a rare term found only once in the Old Testament, appearing in Isaiah 5:14. Here, it personifies Sheol (the grave) as rejoicing at the arrival of those who have lived in arrogance. This vivid imagery reminds us that pride often leads to destruction, while humility aligns us with God's enduring grace.
For your faith life, this word invites reflection on where true joy resides. Worldly success can feel like triumph, but it may only feed a spiritual emptiness. By contrast, the peace found in trusting God remains steady and secure. Let this rare word encourage you to seek a joy that outlasts temporary victories.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ [one] exulting1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/עָלֵ֥ז1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 5:14
Therefore Sheol has enlarged its desire, and opened its mouth without measure; and their glory, their multitude, their pomp, and he who rejoices among them, descend into it.
This is the only occurrence of the word, where it personifies Sheol as rejoicing at the arrival of the arrogant.