Hebrew Word Study

The meaning of הָלַל

Understanding hâlal reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.

Definition

(make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (...

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Hebrew Text
Strong's Concordance

הָלַל

Phonetichaw-lal'
Transliterationhâlal
Grammar Code
H:V
Hebrew Verb
Strong's Definition
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

(make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine. - to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color) - to shine - hence, to make ashow, to boast - and thus to be (clamorously) foolish - to rave - causatively, to celebrate - also to stultify 1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light 2) to praise, boast, be boastful 2a) (Qal) 2a1) to be boastful 2a2) boastful ones, boasters (participle) 2b) (Piel) 2b1) to praise 2b2) to boast, make a boast 2c) (Pual) 2c1) to be praised, be made praiseworthy, be commended, be worthy of praise 2d) (Hithpael) to boast, glory, make one's boast 2e) (Poel) to make a fool of, make into a fool 2f) (Hithpoel) to act madly, act like a madman

Scripture References

Occurrences in the Bible

140 total references
ReferenceText
Genesis 12:15

The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house.

Word: הָלַל (hâlal)
2 Samuel 22:4

I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Word: הָלַל (hâlal)
2 Chronicles 23:12

Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of the Lord:

Word: הָלַל (hâlal)
Job 31:26

If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;

Word: הָלַל (hâlal)
Ecclesiastes 7:7

Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.

Word: הָלַל (hâlal)

Theological Word Study: Praise

Old Testament Usage

הָלַלHalal

Meaning: To praise, celebrate

The Hebrew halal (הָלַל) means to praise or celebrate boisterously—the root of 'Hallelujah' (praise YHWH). The Psalms overflow with calls to praise God for His character and works.

New Testament Usage

αἰνέωAineo

Meaning: To praise, extol

The Greek aineo (αἰνέω) means to praise or extol—expressing admiration and gratitude. The early church devoted themselves to 'praising God' (Acts 2:47) continually.

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