The meaning of “מַעֲלָה”
Understanding maʻălâh reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
feminine of מַעֲלֶה things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up, stair, step, story. - elevation, i.e. the act (lite...
מַעֲלָה
feminine of מַעֲלֶה things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up, stair, step, story. - elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step or grademark, figuratively, a superiority of station) - specifically a climactic progression (in certain Psalms) 1) what comes up, thoughts 2) step, stair 2a) step, stair 2b) steps (of sundial) 2c) stories (of heaven) 2d) ascent 2e) song of ascent 2e1) to the three great pilgrim feasts (Psalm titles)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Exodus 20:26 | “Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon. ” Word: מַעֲלָה (maʻălâh) | |
| 2 Kings 20:10 | “And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.” Word: מַעֲלָה (maʻălâh) | |
| 2 Chronicles 9:19 | “And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps. There was not the like made in any kingdom.” Word: מַעֲלָה (maʻălâh) | |
| Nehemiah 12:37 | “And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.” Word: מַעֲלָה (maʻălâh) | |
| Isaiah 38:8 | “Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.” Word: מַעֲלָה (maʻălâh) |
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Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.