אָלָה
a.lah (H0422)
to swear
AI Word Study
# אָלָה (alah): The Hebrew Word for Swearing The Hebrew word אָלָה (alah) carries the primary meaning "to swear," functioning as a verb that describes the act of making an oath or solemn declaration. With only seven occurrences across the biblical text, this word occupies a narrow but specific semantic space related to formal verbal commitment. The rarity of the term suggests it was reserved for particular contexts rather than serving as a common, everyday expression for oath-taking. Given its limited textual presence, אָלָה represents a specialized vocabulary item in biblical Hebrew, likely deployed when the narrative or legal context specifically required emphasis on the formal, binding nature of a sworn statement. The word's restricted usage—appearing just seven times—indicates that biblical authors had other options available for expressing related concepts, yet selected this particular term deliberately. Without access to the specific biblical passages where אָלָה appears, the precise contexts of its usage remain defined only by its core semantic value: the solemn act of swearing or taking an oath. This technical focus on oath-making distinguishes it from more general vocabulary for speaking or promising.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
He said to his mother, “The eleven hundred pieces of silver that were taken from you, about which you uttered a curse, and also spoke it in my ears—behold, the silver is with me. I took it.” His mother said, “May Yahweh bless my son!”
The men of Israel were distressed that day; for Saul had adjured the people, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food until it is evening, and I am avenged of my enemies.” So none of the people tasted food.
“If a man sins against his neighbor, and an oath is laid on him to cause him to swear, and he comes and swears before your altar in this house;
“If a man sins against his neighbor, and an oath is laid on him to cause him to swear, and he comes and swears before your altar in this house;
There is cursing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break boundaries, and bloodshed causes bloodshed.
They make promises, swearing falsely in making covenants. Therefore judgment springs up like poisonous weeds in the furrows of the field.