Original Word: אֶרְאֵל
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: er'el
Pronunciation: ay-REL
Phonetic Spelling: (er-ale')
KJV: valiant one
NASB: brave men
Word Origin: [probably for H739 (אֲרִיאֵל אֲרִאֵל - Ariel)]

1. a hero (collectively)

valiant one

Probably for 'ariy'el; a hero (collectively) -- valiant one.

see HEBREW 'ariy'el

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
perhaps a hero
NASB Translation
brave men (1).

[אֶרְאֵל] noun [masculine] (form & meaning dubious see below) — only in אֶרְאֶלָּם Isaiah 33:7; Ges אַרְאֵלִם heroes; compare Thes Kn Che; Hi אֲרִאֵלָם; compare De, who derives from אֲרִיאֵל, literally = lion of God, collective with suffix, & translated their heroes; name, of a people from אֲרִיאֵל = Zion Nbr^{Ath. 1886, p. 400} compare Say^{ib. 466}; Ew אַרְאָל = אַרְעָל trembling, compare Di. Brd proposes הילילו 'cry pitifully.' ᵑ6 ᵑ9 and others read some form of ראה, ᵐ5 ירא. Wholly uncertain.

II. ארה (burn, compare Arabic , whence hearth; Ew^{§ 163 g} and others see below)

Linguistic Insight

This rare Hebrew term depicts lion-like champions—courageous defenders whose very name evokes both ferocity and nobility. The plural form in Isaiah suggests an entire cohort of elite warriors.

Biblical Context and Usage

Only Isaiah 33:7 preserves the word: “Behold, their brave men cry aloud in the streets; the envoys of peace weep bitterly”. Isaiah sets the scene during an Assyrian threat: the strongest fighters, once symbols of security, publicly lament. Their collapse intensifies the contrast between human might and God’s coming intervention (Isaiah 33:10-24).

Historical Setting

Isaiah prophesied while Assyria rose to dominance, culminating in Sennacherib’s siege of Jerusalem about 701 B.C. Negotiations failed, morale crumbled, and even Judah’s most valiant soldiers despaired. Yet in that moment of weakness the Lord displayed His power, ultimately routing the invaders (Isaiah 37:36).

Theological Themes

• Dependence on God—bravery apart from the Lord proves futile; “He will save us” (Isaiah 33:22).
• Judgment and Mercy—God permits the heroes’ anguish to expose self-reliance, then grants deliverance (Isaiah 33:24).
• Covenant Hope—human disillusionment becomes the doorway to renewed trust in the ever-faithful King.

Christological Foreshadowing

Earthly warriors fail; the true Lion of Judah triumphs. Jesus Christ accomplished what no human hero could (Revelation 5:5), securing final victory at the cross (John 19:30).

Ministry Implications

1. Serve with courage while resting in God’s strength (Ephesians 6:10).
2. Lament honestly; faith allows tears as well as triumph (Psalm 62:8).
3. Leadership must remain prayer-dependent, not self-confident (John 15:5).

Application for Today

Modern believers facing cultural pressure or personal crisis should learn from these weeping warriors: strategies and skill are gifts, but ultimate deliverance comes from the Sovereign Lord. Lion-hearted courage coupled with humble reliance on Christ remains the path to steadfast witness and enduring hope.

אֶרְאֶלָּ֔ם אראלם ’er’ellām ’er·’el·lām erelLamInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts