What does אָלַף mean in the Bible?
אָלַף is a Hebrew word meaning "hence, to learn (and causatively to teach )".
Hebrew · H502
אָלַף
Hence, to learn (and causatively to teach )
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.
אָלַףH502
What does אָלַף mean in the Bible?
אָלַף is a Hebrew word meaning "hence, to learn (and causatively to teach )".
Full entry for אָלַף (H502) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How does the BSB render H502?
The BSB source-word alignment has 4 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include and I will teach (1), instructs (1), who teaches us (1), you may learn (1).
Where does אָלַף appear in Scripture?
The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Job 15:5. Its strongest book concentrations include Job (3), Proverbs (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 Itand I will teach1×Job 33:33
instructs1×Job 15:5
who teaches us1×Job 35:11
you may learn1×Proverbs 22:25
Show sample aligned rows
Job 15:5יְאַלֵּ֣ףtoinstructsVerb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singularJob 33:33וַאֲאַלֶּפְךָ֥toand I will teachConjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular | second person masculine singularJob 35:11מַ֭לְּפֵנוּtowho teaches usVerb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common pluralProverbs 22:25תֶּאֱלַ֥ףtoyou may learnVerb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Usage map
A compact distribution from source-word alignment before the full evidence tables.
First aligned rowJob 15:5
Aligned rows4
Books represented2
Job3Proverbs1
Source forms
וַאֲאַלֶּפְךָ֥1xwa·’ă·’al·lep̄·ḵāJob 33:33
יְאַלֵּ֣ף1xyə·’al·lêp̄Job 15:5
מַ֭לְּפֵנוּ1xmal·lə·p̄ê·nūJob 35:11
תֶּאֱלַ֥ף1xte·’ĕ·lap̄Proverbs 22:25
Parsing patterns
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular | second person masculine singular1xJob 33:33
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular1xJob 15:5
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common plural1xJob 35:11
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular1xProverbs 22:25
Evidence Summary
Hebrew word. hence, to learn (and causatively to teach )
Source Gloss
hence, to learn (and causatively to teach )
Extended definitionSource: Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon + Brown-Driver-Briggs
hence, to learn (and causatively to teach) BDB: learn Usage: learn, teach, utter.
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
This verb appears through different tense, voice, mood, or stem patterns. Those forms help readers see how the action is presented in context.
Form groups2Aligned forms2
Pielintensive active — emphasizes thoroughness or repeated action1×
ImperfectJob 15:51×
Qalbasic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense1×
ImperfectProv 22:251×
Word Origins
אָלַף is a primitive root - no further derivation.