Original Word: אַלָּה
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: allah
Pronunciation: al-law'
Phonetic Spelling: (al-law')
Definition: Oath, curse
Meaning: an oak, other strong tree

oak

A variation of 'elah -- oak.

see HEBREW 'elah

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
an oak
NASB Translation
oak (1).

אַלָּה noun feminine oak (compare אַלּוֺן, but ᵐ5 here τερέμινθος) only Joshua 24:26 the oak which is in the sanctuary of ׳י; read however perhaps אֵלָה, terebinth (see I. אֵלָה).

Word Origin: Derived from an unused root meaning to twist or to be strong.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Greek Number 1011: βαλανιδιά (balanidia) • oak
• Strong's Greek Number 1328: δρῦς (drys) • oak tree

These Greek terms are used in the Septuagint and the New Testament to convey similar meanings of strength and endurance associated with trees, particularly oaks.

Usage: The term אַלָּה is used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to a type of strong tree, often translated as "oak" in English. It is used metaphorically and literally to describe strength and endurance.

Context: The Hebrew word אַלָּה appears in several passages throughout the Old Testament, often symbolizing strength, endurance, and stability. Oaks were significant in ancient Near Eastern culture, frequently associated with sacred sites and places of worship. The oak's robust nature made it a fitting symbol for strength and longevity.

In Genesis 35:4, Jacob buries foreign gods under the oak near Shechem, indicating the tree's role as a witness to covenantal acts. Similarly, in Joshua 24:26, an oak serves as a witness to the covenant between God and Israel. The oak's presence in these narratives underscores its symbolic importance as a steadfast and enduring witness.

The prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of oaks to convey messages of judgment and restoration. In Isaiah 1:30, the unfaithful are compared to an oak whose leaf withers, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God. Conversely, in Isaiah 61:3, the righteous are described as "oaks of righteousness," planted by the Lord to display His splendor, highlighting the tree's positive connotations of strength and divine favor.

The oak's frequent mention in the context of significant biblical events and its metaphorical use in prophetic literature underscore its cultural and theological significance in the biblical narrative.

הָֽאַלָּ֔ה האלה hā’allāh hā·’al·lāh haalLahInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts