Original Word: הַלָּז
Part of Speech: pronoun common
Transliteration: hallaz
Pronunciation: hal-laz'
Phonetic Spelling: (hal-lawz')
KJV: side, that, this
NASB: this, there
Word Origin: [from H1976 (הַלָּזֶה - this)]

1. this or that

side, that, this

From hallazeh; this or that -- side, that, this.

see HEBREW hallazeh

Word Origin
a prim. pronoun
Definition
this
NASB Translation
there (1), this (4).

הַלָּז pronoun common this, a rare synonym of זֶה or הַזֶּה, this (Arabic (also ), plural , who, which (compare זֶה, which is used also sometimes as relative), formed from , the definite article, and the pronoun זֶה, זוּ, with the insertion of the demonstrative element la, and thus in fact = הַזֶּה: W^{AGi. § 347, CG p. 117}) — usually with a substantive defined by the article, Judges 6:20 הַסֶּלַע הַלָּז this rock, 1 Samuel 14:1 מֵעֵבֶר הַלָּז off this side-across, 1 Samuel 17:26 אֶתהַֿמְּלִשְׁתִּי הַלָּז, (+ 1 Samuel 20:19 ᵐ5 Th We Dr τὸ ἐργαβ ἐκεῖνο, i.e. (or הַלָּאז) הָאַרְגָּב הַלָּז this mound (or cairn), for האבן האזל) 2 Kings 23:17; Zechariah 2:8; with a feminine, 2 Kings 4:25 הַשּׁוּנַמִּית הַלּז: without a substantive Daniel 8:16 לְהַלָּז to this one (= normal לָזֶה). The fuller form is

Overview

The term הַלָּז appears only seven times in the Old Testament, each time functioning as an emphatic demonstrative—“this” or “that” in the sense of “this one right here.” Though brief, these occurrences consistently draw attention to a person, place, or object that the Lord is about to use, confront, or explain. The word therefore highlights divine focus and immediacy: what God singles out becomes the stage on which He displays covenant faithfulness, deliverance, warning, or revelation.

Occurrences and Narrative Settings

• Judges 6:20 — Gideon is instructed, “Lay them on this rock.” The demonstrative signals a divinely chosen altar that will be consumed by fire, validating Gideon’s call.
• 1 Samuel 14:1 — Jonathan addresses “this young man” (his armor-bearer), marking their partnership in a daring act of faith that routs the Philistines.
• 1 Samuel 17:26 — David asks, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine…?” The word sets Goliath apart for impending judgment.
• 2 Kings 4:25 — Elisha identifies the approaching Shunammite: “Behold, this Shunammite.” The prophet’s immediate recognition precedes a resurrection miracle.
• 2 Kings 23:17 — Josiah inquires, “What is this monument that I see?” The demonstrative draws attention to a tomb that memorializes prophetic fidelity amid national apostasy.
• Daniel 8:16 — “Gabriel, explain the vision to this man.” Heaven designates Daniel as the recipient of eschatological insight.
• Zechariah 2:4 — “Run, tell that young man…” The angel singles out the prophet for a message of future security and expansion.

Functional Nuances

1. Divine Selection: The term frequently marks something already under God’s scrutiny—an altar, a rock, a tomb, a vision, or a servant.
2. Covenant Contrast: By emphasizing “this” Philistine (1 Samuel 17:26), Scripture contrasts the uncircumcised challenger with Israel’s covenant status.
3. Prophetic Focus: In Daniel and Zechariah, הַלָּז directs heavenly messengers to the precise recipient of revelation, reinforcing the authority of prophetic Scripture.

Historical and Cultural Insights

Ancient Semitic languages employ distinct demonstratives to indicate spatial or conceptual nearness. In Israel’s history, the nearness often conveys sacred encounter: Gideon’s rock becomes a temporary altar; Josiah’s monument recalls faithful witness. Such markers served as teaching points for later generations, anchoring memory in physical space (“this rock,” “this tomb”).

Theological Emphases

A. Immediacy of Divine Action

Judges 6:20—“Then fire came from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread.” The instant response underscores that when God identifies this object, He also empowers it for His purpose.

B. Identity and Destiny

1 Samuel 17:26—David’s question exposes Goliath’s true status as an outsider to God’s covenant, foreshadowing defeat.

C. Revelation and Interpretation

Daniel 8:16—Only after Gabriel is told to address “this man” does the vision’s meaning unfold, illustrating that understanding is granted, not earned.

Christological and Prophetic Resonance

By consistently indicating an object or person upon whom God acts decisively, הַלָּז anticipates the New Testament declaration concerning Jesus Christ: “This is My beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17). Just as the Old Testament demonstrative isolates a focal point of divine activity, the Father singles out the Son as the ultimate locus of revelation, redemption, and authority.

Pastoral and Devotional Applications

1. Assurance of Personal Calling: Gideon’s ordinary “rock” became sacred once God said “this.” Believers may trust that whatever God singles out—time, place, vocation—He also sanctifies and empowers.
2. Courage in Confrontation: David’s use of הַלָּז to describe Goliath emboldens faith against seemingly insurmountable opposition, reminding the church that covenant identity outweighs worldly power.
3. Readiness to Receive Revelation: Daniel’s humble posture positioned him as “this man” to whom mystery would be unveiled. Cultivating similar humility invites deeper scriptural insight.

Conclusion

In each of its seven appearances, הַלָּז functions like a divine finger pointing, declaring, “Pay attention here.” Whether highlighting an altar, a warrior, a tomb, or a prophet, the word underscores God’s precise and purposeful engagement with His people. Recognizing this pattern encourages believers to watch for moments when the Lord turns the commonplace into an arena for His glory and guidance.

הַלָּ֑ז הַלָּ֔ז הַלָּ֖ז הַלָּֽז׃ הלז הלז׃ לְהַלָּ֖ז להלז hal·lāz halLaz hallāz lə·hal·lāz lehalLaz ləhallāzInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts