The meaning of “הָלַל”
Understanding hâlal reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
(make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (...
הָלַל
(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
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Praise
Old Testament Usage
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
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.