עָלַץ (a.lats)
a.lats
to rejoice
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb `ala`ts means to rejoice or exult with a visible, energetic intensity. It is not a quiet satisfaction but a lively expression of delight that often manifests in outward behavior. In the Old Testament, it appears in only five verses, primarily within the poetic books of Psalms and Proverbs, as well as in 1 Samuel.
Its usage frequently describes a physical response to joy. For instance, in Psalm 96:12, the sources note that fields and trees are personified as `ala`ting before the Lord, suggesting a creation-wide celebration that is active and animated. This distinguishes it from more passive terms for happiness; here, joy is something that bursts forth.
The word carries a sense of triumphant or celebratory exultation. In 1 Samuel 20:41, Jonathan and David embrace and weep together, yet the context of their reunion involves a shared `ala`ts, blending deep emotion with the relief of safety and covenant loyalty. Translators typically render it as "rejoice" or "exult," capturing this dynamic movement of the spirit.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we think of joy, it often feels like a quiet inner peace or a private smile. The Hebrew word alats points to something much more energetic. It describes a joy that bursts outward, visible and active. This is not a reserved feeling but a lively expression that affects the whole person.
Scripture shows us that this kind of delight can move even nature. In Psalm 96:12, the fields are called to exult before the Lord. It reminds us that our joy is part of a larger celebration in creation. When we trust God, our happiness is not meant to be hidden away but shared openly.
This word also appears in moments of deep human connection. In 1 Samuel 2:1, Hannah’s heart exults because of salvation. Her joy is tied to God’s faithfulness. We can find comfort in knowing that our own celebrations, whether big or small, are seen and valued by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it rejoices2×
- when/ rejoice1×
- they exult1×
- let it exult1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּעֲלֹ֣ץ1×
- עָלַ֤ץ1×
- יַעֲלֹ֥ץ1×
- יַֽעַלְצ֖וּ1×
- בַּ/עֲלֹ֣ץ1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 2:1
Hannah prayed, and said, “My heart exults in Yahweh! My horn is exalted in Yahweh. My mouth is enlarged over my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation.
Hannah uses this word to describe her heart exulting in Yahweh, linking intense personal joy directly to God's salvation.
-
I Chronicles 16:32
Let the sea roar, and its fullness! Let the field exult, and all that is in it!
The field is commanded to exult, showing that this verb applies to creation’s active response to the Lord's coming judgment.
-
Proverbs 11:10
When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices. When the wicked perish, there is shouting.
The city rejoices when the righteous prosper, illustrating how communal joy reflects the well-being of the community.