The meaning of “אֵל”
Understanding ʼêl reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
(but only used in the shortened constructive form אֶל ʼel (el) ); a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion toward...
אֵל
(but only used in the shortened constructive form אֶל ʼel (el) ); a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). - near, with or among - often in general, to 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 14:7 | “And they returned, and came to En–mishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezon–tamar.” Word: אֵל (ʼêl) | |
| Leviticus 20:6 | “And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.” Word: אֵל (ʼêl) | |
| Joshua 13:22 | “Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.” Word: אֵל (ʼêl) | |
| 2 Samuel 3:27 | “And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.” Word: אֵל (ʼêl) | |
| 2 Chronicles 34:26 | “And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to enquire of the Lord, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard;” Word: אֵל (ʼêl) |