Biblica Analytica

יְלָלָה

ye.la.lah (H3215)

wailing

5 verses 4 books OT 4 / NT 0
AI Word Study

# Understanding Yelalah (Wailing) The Hebrew word *yelalah* (H3215) refers to wailing—a vocal expression of intense distress or grief. The term appears five times throughout the biblical text, indicating it represents a significant but specific phenomenon in Hebrew emotional vocabulary. As a noun, it captures the sound and act of vocal lamentation rather than silent sorrow, distinguishing it from other expressions of grief that might be quieter or more restrained. The limited frequency of *yelalah*'s occurrence suggests it denotes a particular intensity or quality of mourning vocalization. This restraint in usage indicates the word carried specific connotative weight—it appears to describe wailing in circumstances of exceptional severity or distress rather than ordinary sadness. Its presence in biblical literature reflects the cultural significance of vocal lamentation as a recognized response to profound loss or crisis, one serious enough to warrant its own distinct term in the Hebrew lexicon.

AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.

Isaiah 15:8

For the cry has gone around the borders of Moab, its wailing to Eglaim, and its wailing to Beer Elim.

Jeremiah 25:36

A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and the wailing of the leader of the flock, for Yahweh destroys their pasture.

Zephaniah 1:10

In that day, says Yahweh, there will be the noise of a cry from the fish gate, a wailing from the second quarter, and a great crashing from the hills.

Zechariah 11:3

A voice of the wailing of the shepherds! For their glory is destroyed: a voice of the roaring of young lions! For the pride of the Jordan is ruined.