What does אָלָה mean in the Bible?
e. (usually in a bad sense) imprecate".
Hebrew · H422
אָלָה
אָלָה is a Hebrew word meaning "properly, to adjure , i.e. (usually in a bad sense) imprecate".
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through theConnect page. Screenshots are helpful.
אָלָהH422
What does אָלָה mean in the Bible?
Full entry for אָלָה (H422) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How does the BSB render H422?
The BSB source-word alignment has 7 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include . . . (2), a curse (1), Cursing (1), oaths (1), to take an oath (1).
Where does אָלָה appear in Scripture?
The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Judges 17:2. Its strongest book concentrations include 1 Kings (2), Hosea (2), 1 Samuel (1), 2 Chronicles (1).
Source Word Evidence
BSB source-word alignment connects this entry to exact verse rows, English rendering, source form, transliteration, and parsing.
How English Renders It. . .2×1 Kings 8:31, 2 Chronicles 6:22
a curse1×Judges 17:2
Cursing1×Hosea 4:2
oaths1×Hosea 10:4
to take an oath1×1 Kings 8:31
under an oath1×1 Samuel 14:24
Show sample aligned rows
Judges 17:2אָלִית֙toa curseVerb - Qal - Perfect - second person feminine singular1 Samuel 14:24וַיֹּאֶל֩tounder an oathConjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular1 Kings 8:31לְהַֽאֲלֹת֑וֹto. . .Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular1 Kings 8:31אָלָ֛הtoto take an oathVerb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular2 Chronicles 6:22אָלָ֛הto. . .Noun - feminine singularHosea 4:2אָלֹ֣הtoCursingVerb - Qal - Infinitive absoluteHosea 10:4אָל֥וֹתtooathsVerb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Usage map
A compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.
First aligned rowJudges 17:2
Aligned rows7
Books represented5
Judges11 Samuel11 Kings22 Chronicles1Hosea2
Source forms
אָלָ֛ה2x’ā·lāh1 Kings 8:31, 2 Chronicles 6:22
אָלֹ֣ה1x’ā·lōhHosea 4:2
אָל֥וֹת1x’ā·lō·wṯHosea 10:4
אָלִית֙1x’ā·lîṯJudges 17:2
וַיֹּאֶל֩1xway·yō·’el1 Samuel 14:24
לְהַֽאֲלֹת֑וֹ1xlə·ha·’ă·lō·ṯōw1 Kings 8:31
Parsing patterns
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute2xHosea 4:2, Hosea 10:4
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular1x1 Samuel 14:24
Noun - feminine singular1x2 Chronicles 6:22
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular1x1 Kings 8:31
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person feminine singular1xJudges 17:2
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular1x1 Kings 8:31
Evidence Summary
Hebrew word. properly, to adjure , i.e. (usually in a bad sense) imprecate
Source Gloss
properly, to adjure , i.e. (usually in a bad sense) imprecate
Extended definition
adjure, curse, swear.