Original Word: עַל
Part of Speech: substantive; preposition; feminine; conjunction
Transliteration: `al
Pronunciation: ahl
Phonetic Spelling: (al)
KJV: above, high, most High
NASB: high, upward
Word Origin: [from H5927 (עָלָה - went)]

1. (properly) the top
2. (specifically) the highest (i.e. God)
3. (adverbially) aloft, to Jehovah

above, high, most High

From alah; properly, the top; specifically, the highest (i.e. God); also (adverb) aloft, to Jehovah -- above, high, most High.

see HEBREW alah

Word Origin
from alah
Definition
height
NASB Translation
high (2), upward (1). , (compare Kö^{ii. 261 f.})

(poetry) Hosea 7:16 they return (but) not upwards (i.e. not God-wards), Hosea 11:7 they (the prophets) call it (the people) upwards, (but) none striveth to rise; as adverb accusative, 2 Samuel 23:1 the man (that) is raised up on high. With , , (the) heavens above Genesis 27:39; Genesis 49:25; Psalm 50:4 (opposed to Exodus 20:4. In prose ).

II. As , and hence (SI^4.6; Moabite, Aramaic id.; Phoenician , and ; Palmyrene, Nabataean ; Sabean , Arabic 👁 Image
); — abbreviated from (compare , ), which is preserved in poetry, Genesis 49:17 (twice in verse); Genesis 49:22 (twice in verse); Numbers 24:6 (twice in verse); Deuteronomy 32:2 (twice in verse); Isaiah 18:4; Jeremiah 8:18; Micah 5:6; Lamentations 4:5; 1 Kings 20:41 Qr, Job 7:1 Qr + 10 t. Psalms, 3t. Proverbs, 15 t. Job; with suffix ; , ( Psalm 116:7 the Aramaizing form ); , Psalm 1 Samuel 2:10 , ; 1 plural ; 2 masculine plural , Exodus 12:13 , 2 feminine plural Ezekiel 23:49; 3masculine plural , 13 t. in Pentateuch Genesis 45:15, etc. (Kö^{ii. 305}), in poetry Deuteronomy 22:23 11t. Psalms, Job (perhaps sometimes, Ges^{§ 103i}, N.); 3 feminine plural , Leviticus 3:4,10,15 (on the apparently plur. form of , etc., see Kö^{ii. 309 ff.}, and compare below ).

Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed; as upon the earth Genesis 1:11,26; Genesis 7:6, etc., Psalm 110:6 over a wide country; upon the ground Ezekiel 20:12 + often, Amos 7:12 , Isaiah 14:2 , Psalm 137:4 ( being properly ground, soil, is construed regularly with , being very rare), more definitely Genesis 6:1; Numbers 12:3 + often; Leviticus 14:28; Jeremiah 45:5 (uncommon: usually ); Deuteronomy 17:20; Isaiah 9:6 upon his realm, 2 Chronicles 1:1; very strangely Hosea 11:11 (read with : see 7 c ); constantly after such verbs as , , , etc., Genesis 8:4; Exodus 11:5; to write (idiomatic) on a book or other surface, Joshua 10:13, etc.; go forth over Genesis 41:45; Zechariah 5:3; Psalm 81:6; with , , (figurative), to lean or trust upon: Genesis 3:14 to go upon thy belly, Genesis 32:32 to limp upon his thigh, 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezekiel 37:10; Judges 15:8 to smite leg upon thigh, i.e. so that the scattered limbs fall one upon another, Amos 3:15. And with reference not a horizontal surface but to a side, Leviticus 1:5 + to pour against the altar, 1 Kings 6:5,18 to build against the temple, Joshua 10:27, etc. Figurative Exodus 23:13 let it not be heard upon thy mouth (in our idiom, upon thy lips, as Proverbs 22:18), Psalm 15:3 he slandereth not (i.e. prepares not slander) upon his tongue, 2 Samuel 23:2 , Proverbs 16:23,27; Proverbs 31:26; Ecclesiastes 5:1; compare or Psalm 16:4; Psalm 50:16; Ezekiel 36:3b.

Specially — (a) of clothing, etc., which any one wears, Genesis 37:23 the tunic which was upon him, Joshua 9:5; 1 Kings 11:30; Ruth 3:15 +; Genesis 24:30; Genesis 38:30; 2 Samuel 13:18, of a sword 2 Samuel 20:8; Songs 3:8; so Leviticus 16:4; Deuteronomy 22:5; Ezekiel 44:18; 1 Chronicles 15:27; 1 Chronicles 18:7 ("" 2 Samuel 8:7 ); compare Leviticus 19:19; Ezekiel 44:17, and with , below,

(b) With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it ('upon' referred to a side) : see , , , Nehemiah 2:8 , compare Nehemiah 2:18; Ezra 7:6,9; Ezra 8:18,22,31; Exodus 27:21 the veil that is over (i.e. before) the testimony, 1 Samuel 25:16 they were a wall about us; to shut in (or down) upon Exodus 14:13; Job 12:14; Ezekiel 13:5; Job 13:27; Job 26:9; Job 36:30 he spreadeth his light about him.

Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him, Isaiah 1:14 they are a cumbrance upon me, Job 7:20 I am a burden upon myself, 2 Samuel 15:33 (compare with 2 Samuel 19:36); to be heavy upon Exodus 5:9 and elsewhere (see ); of sin, calamity, etc. Isaiah 53:5; Ezekiel 33:10; Psalm 88:8; Job 21:9; 2Chronicles 15:5; 28:13; Ecclesiastes 6:1; Ecclesiastes 8:6 (compare ); Leviticus 7:20 Leviticus 22:3: idiomatically, Genesis 48:7 Rachel died upon me (i.e. to my sorrow), Genesis 33:13 are giving suck upon me (i.e. as a. care to me), Numbers 11:13 they weep upon me (vexing me), Judges 14:16,17; Judges 19:2 (see Be), 1 Samuel 21:6 to play the mad man upon me, Jeremiah 12:11.

Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him, as to lay upon, Exodus 5:8; Exodus 21:22,30 (), Exodus 22:4, compare Genesis 47:26; 2Chronicles 35:25; with other verbs, Job 38:10; Deuteronomy 24:5; Deuteronomy 26:6; 2 Kings 15:20; 2 Kings 18:14; 2 Kings 23:33; Nehemiah 10:33 (twice in verse); Esther 1:8; Esther 9:21,27,31; with enjoin upon Genesis 2:16 + often, prescribe to 2 Kings 22:13; Psalm 40:8, cast upon 1 Samuel 17:20 (1 Samuel 17:22 ), (figurative) Genesis 42:37; 2 Kings 12:12; 2 Kings 22:5, compare 1 Kings 14:27, Psalm 10:14, Psalm 37:5, Psalm 55:23, Job 34:13 and elsewhere; Genesis 30:28 fix thy wages upon me (name thy wages to me), Genesis 34:12 multiply upon me, etc., 2 Samuel 19:39 (pregnantly) whatsoever thou choosest (and layest) upon me; without a verb, Judges 19:20 only let all thy wants be upon me, Ezra 10:4; Psalm 56:13 thy vows are upon me (i.e. I owe them: compare Numbers 30:7; Numbers 30:9; Numbers 30:15), Proverbs 7:14 peace-offerings were upon me (= were due from me); perhaps Psalm 62:1; Psalm 77:1 (to the charge of); with an infinitive 2 Samuel 18:11 and it would have been incumbent on me to give, etc., 1 Kings 4:7; Ezra 10:12 (accents [Baer], RVm), Nehemiah 13:3, compare Zechariah 12:2 (Ew RVm); Numbers 7:9 (P) the service of ... was upon them, Ezekiel 45:17, so especially late 1 Chronicles 9:27,33; 1 Chronicles 23:31; 2Chron 2:3 2Chronicles 8:15; 24:9; Ezra 7:11; Nehemiah 11:23; Isaiah 9:5 and the government is upon, his shoulder (compare Isaiah 22:22), 2Chronicles 25:3; Psalm 7:11 my shield rests upon God (he has undertaken my defence), Psalm 62:8 .

is used idiomatically to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him: Psalm 42:6 why art thou cast down, O my soul, and disquieted upon me? Psalm 42:7 my soul upon me is cast down, Psalm 42:12; Psalm 43:5; Lamentations 3:20; Psalm 131:2 is my soul upon me; Psalm 142:4 when my spirit faints upon me, Psalm 143:4; Jonah 2:8; Jeremiah 8:18 my heart upon me is sick, Job 14:22 (twice in verse) (compare Di), Hosea 11:8 my heart is turned (altered) upon me, 1 Samuel 17:32; 1 Samuel 25:36; Nehemiah 5:7 and my heart took counsel upon me: compare Psalm 42:5 I will pour out my soul upon me, Job 30:16; Job 10:1 I will let loose my complaint upon me. (Thes apud me, mecum. The rend. 'within me alters entirely the point of view of the Hebrew expression, and is incorrect.) Denoting with some emphasis the subject of an experience, Job 30:2 , Daniel 2:1 his sleep was done with upon him (compare Aramaic Daniel 6:19 ), Daniel 10:8 (compare Daniel 5:9; Daniel 7:28): also, rather differently, Leviticus 18:18b Jeremiah 49:20 , Micah 7:13; Psalm 90:17b; Psalm 7:9 according to my perfectness upon me, Ezekiel 18:20; Ezekiel 22:3; 2Chronicles 36:8.

to live upon (as upon a foundation or support; compare Isaiah 3:1, and ), Deuteronomy 8:3 , Isaiah 38:16 (compare Hi), Genesis 27:40 upon ( = by) thy sword thou shalt live (compare Kazwini^{ii. 17} ap. Tu), Ezekiel 33:19, compare Ezekiel 33:26.

Of the ground, or basis, on which a thing is done, as Genesis 24:9 , Leviticus 17:12 if he offers it on the ground of a thanks-giving, Numbers 6:21 , v^b Ezekiel 16:15; Ezekiel 28:17; Daniel 8:25 , Daniel 9:18 , (with 👁 Image
this use is extended so as to denote explicitly on condition of). Hence (a) the basis being conceived as regulative, comes to denote the norm or standard (compare German 'auf die Art' W^{AG ii. § 59 i}): the transition may be seen in a passage like Exodus 24:8 the covenant which made with you on the basis of (), or in agreement with, all these words (compare Exodus 34:27), Numbers 35:24 , Deuteronomy 17:11; Jeremiah 30:18 the palace shall sit (i.e. be inhabited: see ) in accordance with its manner, Psalm 94:20 who frames mischief in accordance with a law, ... according to the mouth (i.e. command, Genesis 45:21 #NAME? Deuteronomy 17:6; Deuteronomy 19:15, sentence Deuteronomy 21:5) of . . .; according to the name of . . . (mostly with call, be called) Genesis 48:6; Exodus 28:21; 2 Samuel 18:18 +, compare 1 Chronicles 23:14; Exodus 6:26; Exodus 12:51 according to their hosts (usually ), Numbers 1:18 (usually ) Numbers 1:52; Numbers 2:2,34; Numbers 7:3 ("" ), Deuteronomy 18:8 (probably); according to the hands (direction) of Jeremiah 5:31; Jeremiah 33:13 al.; Psalm 110:4 after the manner of M.; Proverbs 25:11 (probably) a word spoken in accordance with its circumstances = appositely; of the tune according to which a song is to be sung (RV. set to) Psalm 6:1 (1 Chronicles 15:21), Psalm 8:1; Psalm 9:1; Psalm 12:1; Psalm 45:1; Psalm 46:1 (1 Chronicles 15:20) (perhaps, however, in the manner of maidens = for 'sopranos'), Psalm 53:1; Psalm 56:1; Psalm 60:1; Psalm 69:1; Psalm 81:1; Psalm 84:1; Psalm 88:1 (compare in Syriac 👁 Image
👁 Image
👁 Image
).

(b) The basis being conceived as involving the ground, denotes the cause or reason, on account of, because of, Genesis 20:3 lo thou shalt die on account of the woman, Genesis 21:12; Genesis 26:7,9; Genesis 27:41; Genesis 42:21; Leviticus 4:3,28; Leviticus 5:18; Leviticus 19:17; Leviticus 26:18,24,28; Deuteronomy 9:18; Deuteronomy 24:16 fathers shall not be put to death on account of children, Deuteronomy 31:18; Joshua 9:20; Jeremiah 1:16; Jeremiah 5:9; Ezekiel 18:26 ("" Ezekiel 33:18 ), Proverbs 28:21; Psalm 39:12; Psalm 50:8 + often; Psalm 44:23 on thy account are we slain all the day, Psalm 69:8; Jeremiah 15:15; in the phrases , , and on this account, on what account ? = therefore (see , , etc.); before an infinitive, as Exodus 17:7 and on, account of their trying , Amos 1:3 on account of their threshing = because they threshed, vAmos 1:6; vAmos 1:9; vAmos 1:11; vAmos 1:13, etc., Jeremiah 2:35 because of thy saying, Jeremiah 9:12; Jeremiah 16:18 +; and as a conjunction both with and without or (see below

). , e.g. Exodus 18:9; Exodus 32:14 ( repent: so often), 1 Samuel 4:13; 1 Samuel 30:6; 2 Samuel 1:26; 2 Samuel 3:8; 1 Kings 21:4; 2 Kings 6:11; Jeremiah 10:19; Amos 6:6.

(c) Somewhat more strongly, on behalf of, for the sake of, Genesis 19:17 escape forthy life; Judges 9:17; 2 Kings 10:3 (usually ); 1 Kings 2:18 I will speak on thy behalf to the king, 1 Kings 2:19 (2 Kings 4:13 ); Esther 4:16,8; Esther 7:7; Esther 8:11; Esther 9:16; Daniel 12:1 stand up (in late Hebrew) on behalf of; intercede for (usually ) Job 42:8; Nehemiah 1:6; 2Chronicles 30:18; 29:21; Ezra 8:35; and very often with (q. v.) make atonement for. (Not very common with other verbs.)

(d) Sometimes it acquires almost a final force, for; Exodus 12:4; Exodus 29:36; Exodus 30:16; Deuteronomy 27:13 there shall stand ("" Deuteronomy 27:12 ), Psalm 89:4 unto what vanity hast thou created, etc.! Proverbs 29:5b 2Chronicles 23:18; Ecclesiastes 3:17.

(e) Of a condition, or attendant circumstances (rare; so 👁 Image
, W^{AG ii § 59 e}): Psalm 50:5 upon, with sacrifice, Psalm 92:4 with a ten-stringed instrument, with a harp, with sounding music on a lyre; upon occasion of a law-suit Exodus 23:2; Ezekiel 44:24, 1 Samuel 25:8 (compare 👁 Image
👁 Image
at a time of. . . Qor 28:14), Nehemiah 12:22 (? read BeRy), Isaiah 18:4 at time of sunshine, Isaiah 64:11 , Jeremiah 8:18; at time of sorrow, Jeremiah 16:7 (but Gie to): with abstract substantives to form a periphrase for adverbs, Leviticus 5:22 and swear upon falseness = falsely, Jeremiah 6:14 = Jeremiah 8:11 to heal a wound lightly, easily, Psalm 31:24 = abundantly, Isaiah 60:7 = acceptably (compare 👁 Image
👁 Image
= with delight).

(f) It hence acquires the force of in spite of, notwithstanding (so 👁 Image
, W^{AG ii. § 59 h}), Job 10:7 in spite of thy knowing, Job 34:6 notwithstanding my right I am to be a liar (Di De Da RV: otherwise Hi RVm). compare below,

b.

(g) Upon, concerning, with verbs of speaking, as Judges 9:3; 1 Kings 5:13, , Jeremiah 16:3; Jeremiah 27:19 ("" ) Jeremiah 33:4, hearing Genesis 41:15 I have heard concerning thee, saying, etc., 1 Kings 10:6; Isaiah 37:9 ("" 2 Kings 19:9 ), disputing Genesis 26:11, telling 1 Samuel 27:11; Joel 1:3, commanding 2 Samuel 14:8; 1 Kings 11:10, being vexed 1 Kings 21:4; 2 Kings 6:11, crying 2 Kings 8:5, confessing Psalm 32:5; Nehemiah 1:6; of the object of a prophecy or vision 1 Kings 22:8; Isaiah 1:1; Isaiah 2:1; and often with similar verbs.

(h) In a somewhat weaker sense, in the matter of, as regards, Genesis 41:32 , Exodus 22:8; Ruth 4:7; Leviticus 5:22; Leviticus 5:26; Daniel 9:14b Nehemiah 9:33; Leviticus 4:14 ("" Leviticus 4:23, cognate accusative Leviticus 4:28), Leviticus 5:5; Numbers 6:11; Nehemiah 13:26; in the matter of, Numbers 25:18; Numbers 31:16.

It expresses excess (synonym q. v.); Genesis 48:22 I give thee one shoulder (ridge) above thy brethren, Exodus 16:5 double above or beyond, Numbers 3:46; Deuteronomy 25:3 stripes beyond these, Joshua 3:15 Jordan was full over all its banks (compare Joshua 4:18; Isaiah 8:7b , ) Psalm 138:2; Ecclesiastes 1:16; Daniel 1:20 ten times above (compare in Aramaic Daniel 3:19, and 👁 Image
Qor 37:153), Ezra 1:6 = beside (see ); Psalm 16:2 (si vera lectio) my welfare is not beyond thee, i.e. does not lie outside thee. — Of time, Leviticus 15:25 if she has an issue beyond her time of impurity (compare Isaiah 32:10, ).

It denotes elevation or pre-eminence, as high (figurative) above, Deuteronomy 26:19 al., Deuteronomy 28:43 will go up above thee, compare Proverbs 31:29; Psalm 57:6; Psalm 57:12 be thou exalted above the heavens, Psalm 89:8; Psalm 95:3; Psalm 96:4, etc., Nehemiah 9:5; with words (q. v.) such as , , , (Ni. Pi`el Hithpa`el), , and especially those denoting rule or superintendence, as , ; so with , , , Genesis 41:33,40,43 ; 1 Samuel 18:5; with , , , etc., Genesis 41:34; Exodus 1:11; Exodus 18:21, etc.; absolute 2 Samuel 8:16 Joab was over the host, 2 Samuel 20:23 b. 2 Samuel 20:24 1 Kings 4:4-6; 1 Kings 5:30; Numbers 10:14ff.; 1 Chronicles 9:23,26ff. 1 Chronicles 27:25ff.; 2Chronicles 30:17; 31:12; of Joseph's steward Genesis 43:16,19; Genesis 44:1,4; and in the official titles = the Governor of the Palace Isaiah 22:15 and elsewhere (see ); the overseer of the forced labour 1 Kings 12:18; the governor of the city 2 Kings 10:5, 2 Kings 10:22.

It expresses addition (compare in Greek, e.g.); namely

introducing the complement of a verb, as with to add upon or to, Psalm 61:7 + often (see ), to put to Genesis 30:40, to be joined to Numbers 18:24; Isaiah 14:1 (also with ), : to fall to, i.e. desert to, Jeremiah 21:9 +, to pass over to Exodus 30:13,14; Isaiah 45:14 (compare Isaiah 60:5); also Habakkuk 2:16 Lamentations 4:21; Esther 4:7; to be reckoned to Leviticus 25:31; 2 Samuel 4:2, Numbers 36:12; Psalm 69:28 , Isaiah 56:8 I will yet gather (others) unto him.

Used absolutely, as Genesis 28:9 he took Mahalath in addition to his (other) wives, Genesis 31:50 (compare Leviticus 18:18), Numbers 31:8 in addition to their slain ("" Joshua 13:22 ), Deuteronomy 23:14; Ezekiel 16:37,43; Ezekiel 25:10; Isaiah 32:10 days upon, in addition to, a year, 2 Chronicles 31:15 , Ezekiel 7:26 ("" ), Jeremiah 4:20 (if = be proclaimed), Job 16:14 (compare Lag^{M iii. 112}; also Iliad 14:130 , Odyssey 7:120f; Qoran 31:13). So often in laws of P (compare

), Leviticus 7:12 he shall offer in addition to the sacrifice of thanksgiving, etc., Leviticus 7:13 b Numbers 6:20; Numbers 15:9; Numbers 28:10,15,24 (compare Numbers 28:31; Numbers 29:6), Numbers 35:6; Ezekiel 16:43 (Hi Sm RV: compare Ezekiel 44:7 ).

Hence by an easy transition it denotes together with, with, Exodus 35:22 men together with () women, Job 38:32 and the Bear with her children, wilt thou lead them? 1 Kings 15:20; Jeremiah 3:18 the house of Israel with the house of Judah, Micah 5:2 (Ca Ke Kue; but al. as

a), Genesis 32:12 lest he come and smite me, the mother with the children (compare Hosea 10:14; Deuteronomy 22:6); and as a techn. term in the regulations for sacrifice, especially with , Exodus 12:8, together with bitter herbs they shall eat it, Exodus 12:9 his head with () his legs, etc., Numbers 9:11; Deuteronomy 16:3 (compare Exodus 23:18; Exodus 34:25), Exodus 34:3; in the phrase to eat with the blood 1 Samuel 14:32,33 (1 Samuel 14:34 ), Leviticus 19:26; Ezekiel 33:25 (compare in Greek e.g. ); see also Leviticus 2:2,16; Leviticus 3:4 (so Leviticus 3:10; Leviticus 3:15; Leviticus 4:9; Leviticus 7:4), Leviticus 4:11; Leviticus 7:13a, Leviticus 7:30; Leviticus 10:15; Leviticus 14:31; Leviticus 23:18; Leviticus 23:20; Numbers 6:17; Numbers 19:5; 1 Chronicles 7:4.

It expresses the idea of being suspended, or extended, over anything, without however being in contact with it, above, over: Genesis 1:20 let fowl fly over the earth, Genesis 19:23 had come forth upon the earth (compare Exodus 22:2 +; go down [set] upon Deuteronomy 24:15; Micah 3:6; Job 25:3), Numbers 10:34; Numbers 14:14 and thy cloud stood over them, Deuteronomy 28:23 the heavens above overthy head, Isaiah 4:5; Isaiah 60:1,2; Zephaniah 2:11; Zechariah 9:14; Psalm 7:8 over it return thou on high, Job 29:3 (compare be extinguished over, Job 18:6), Songs 2:4 his banner over me: figurative of protection Deuteronomy 32:38; Psalm 68:35: with verbs of motion (expressed or implied), to incline over 1 Samuel 13:18 +, ) Exodus 14:16; Isaiah 23:11 + (compare Psalm 21:12), to swing over Isaiah 11:15; Isaiah 19:16; to proclaim over Jeremiah 4:16; Amos 3:9, compare Numbers 10:10; 2Chronicles 13:12, a name to be called over 2 Samuel 12:28 + (see ).

From the sense of inclining or impending over, comes to denote contiguity or proximity, English by (or sometimes on): —

in designating localities, especially those beside water, Genesis 14:16 by the wilderness, Genesis 16:17 by the spring of water, Genesis 24:13,30; Genesis 29:2 three flocks lying by it (the well), Genesis 41:1; Numbers 3:26; Numbers 13:29 by the sea, Numbers 22:5; Numbers 24:6 gardens . Deuteronomy 3:12; Deuteronomy 33:8; Judges 5:19; 1 Samuel 1:9 (Ezekiel 46:2), 1 Samuel 4:1; 2 Kings 2:7 and they stood by the Jordan, 2 Kings 25:4; Isaiah 19:7; Isaiah 38:20; Psalm 1:3 planted by water-courses, Jeremiah 17:2,8; Job 30:4; Job 31:9 by the entrance, Proverbs 14:19, + often; by the way Genesis 38:21; 1 Samuel 24:4; Ezekiel 48:24ff. adjoining his border; to pass by a place 1 Kings 9:18; Jeremiah 18:16 +, figurative to pass by transgression, i.e. to overlook it, Micah 7:18 and elsewhere: on the right of ... Psalm 110:5 +, , , on the side of ... (see these words): less frequently (except as

) , Numbers 2:5 and those encamping next him, Numbers 2:12; Numbers 2:20; Numbers 2:27; Numbers 6:9 , 2 Kings 11:11 by the king round about (compare Numbers 3:26 above), Genesis 18:5; 2 Kings 4:9 +.

2 Samuel 9:7,10 to eat bread at any one's table, Exodus 16:3 when we sat , 1 Samuel 20:24 Kt to sit at meat; 1 Samuel 25:13; 1 Samuel 30:24 to remain ; Proverbs 23:30 to tarry long at (or over) the wine, Job 39:9 at thy crib: compare Isaiah 28:6.

Idiomatically, with and to stand by (literally over, — originally no doubt with reference to one supposed to be seated), Genesis 18:2 three men standing by him, Genesis 18:8 and he standing by him under the tree, Genesis 24:30 by the camels, Genesis 28:13; 1 Samuel 4:20; 2 Samuel 1:9; 2 Samuel 12:17; 2 Samuel 20:11,12; Amos 7:7; especially of persons standing about a superior, as servants or courtiers, Genesis 45:1; Judges 3:19; 1 Samuel 22:6,7,17, of persons surrounding a judge Exodus 18:13,14, of s heavenly ministers, 1 Kings 22:19 (compare Isaiah 6:2 ), Zechariah 4:16, and with Zechariah 6:5; Job 1:6; Job 2:1; also of one standing by (properly leaning over) an altar or sacrifice Numbers 23:3,6; 1 Kings 13:1 (compare

) Amos 9:1; of an Ashérah by an altar Judges 6:25,28 (compare Deuteronomy 16:21).

In connection with verbs of motion (actual or figurative): —

of motion from a higher place downwards, down upon: thus (a) to rain upon Genesis 2:5; Genesis 19:24, Genesis 15:11, to pour upon Genesis 28:18, Genesis 33:4, to fall on his (own) face Genesis 17:3,17, to put upon, Genesis 21:14; Genesis 22:6,9; Genesis 24:47 (Genesis 24:22 Sam Di), to place on the hand of ... Genesis 40:11,21, 2 Samuel 20:12, etc.; compare Job 29:22 , Micah 3:5; Nahum 3:12.

(b) In different figurative connections, as of sleep falling upon one, Genesis 2:21; Genesis 15:12; of fear Genesis 9:2; 1 Samuel 11:7 (see , , ); of good or bad fortune, especially the latter, coming upon one, as with and , Genesis 27:12; Deuteronomy 28:2 (in good sense), Deuteronomy 28:15, Jeremiah 5:12; Jeremiah 19:3 (, as often); of retribution, reproach, the Divine wrath, etc., with different verbs (, , , , , etc.), as Genesis 20:9; Numbers 12:11 ; Genesis 42:36 upon me are they all; Numbers 18:5 + (); Deuteronomy 19:10 (compare 2 Samuel 21:2 We Dr), Judges 9:24; 1 Kings 2:32; 2 Samuel 16:8; Hosea 12:15; 2 Samuel 3:29; 2 Samuel 15:14; 1 Samuel 11:2 ; Jeremiah 14:16; Jeremiah 26:15 ("" ), Jonah 1:14; Ezekiel 7:3,4,8; Ezekiel 23:40; Ezekiel 36:29; Psalm 7:17; Psalm 94:2; Psalm 94:23; Psalm 109:5 (lay upon me: but Hu , Proverbs 17:13), Prov 140:11; Ezekiel 7:8 + often; without a verb, Genesis 16:5 my wrong be upon thee, Jeremiah 51:35 ("" ); Genesis 27:13 ; Genesis 38:29 (accents, RVm); 2 Samuel 1:16 ; 2 Samuel 14:9 ; Isaiah 24:17; Jeremiah 48:43; Jeremiah 50:27; Ezekiel 13:3 ; Psalm 55:16 Kt.; of a blessing, Exodus 32:29; Psalm 3:9, a curse Deuteronomy 30:7, mercies (probably conceived specifically as descending from heaven) Psalm 33:22; Psalm 86:13; Psalm 90:17; Psalm 103:17 (with be mighty over or upon, Psalm 33:11; Psalm 117:2), Psalm 116:12; Psalm 145:9; Ezra 3:11, Psalm 125:6; Psalm 128:6; 1 Chronicles 22:9.

(c) Introducing the object upon which an action, or emotion, especially if accompanied by a gesture, is conceived as being directed (but with some of these words, especially when they refer to an event, rather than a person, as Exodus 18:9, is to be explained from

b). Thus with verbs denoting the manifestation of joy or grief, as to rejoice over, , , , , , , , , Judges 11:37 +, () to take up a lament, or proverb, over (see these words); probably also in prophecy over Ezekiel 11:4; Ezekiel 13:17 +; with , , to shew compassion on (compare 1 Kings 3:26; [Genesis 43:30 ], Songs 5:4; [Jeremiah 31:20 ]); with , , (Job 8:6) to guard or watch over; with to counsel upon Isaiah 14:26 +, to devise (usually in bad sense, Jeremiah 29:11 in good), ( Jeremiah 11:17 +, Jeremiah 18:20; Jeremiah 32:42), Jeremiah 29:10. Of more distinctly phys. acts, with to weep on Genesis 45:14,15 +, to hiss, or to clap the hand, Ezekiel 22:13 ("" ); Isaiah 5:30 to growl over, Isaiah 31:4; Ezekiel 36:2; Job 30:5; to confess over (the goat), Leviticus 16:21; Exodus 30:10a (probably); Deuteronomy 21:6; Job 6:27; Job 40:30.

From a lower place upwards, up upon, up to, as to go up upon: Exodus 20:26; 1 Samuel 2:28; 1 Kings 12:33b 2 Kings 16:12b 2Chronicles 1:6 (an altar, i.e. to a ledge beside it; compare 2 Kings 23:9, and Leviticus 9:22; 1 Kings 1:53); Judges 9:51; Isaiah 14:14; Isaiah 40:9, etc.; to come up upon (in different connections) Exodus 10:12; Leviticus 16:9 (figurative), Leviticus 19:19; 1 Samuel 1:11; 1 Samuel 6:7; 1 Kings 10:16,17; figurative Isaiah 65:17 + (see , , ); in Hiph`il 1 Kings 20:33 , Amos 8:10 (compare

a), 2 Samuel 1:24; Ezekiel 37:6; Psalm 137:6 (figurative), 2 Chronicles 3:5,14 (= ornamented with); Deuteronomy 28:61 (compare Exodus 15:26 b); 2 Chronicles 20:34 the history of Jehu which was brought up upon (i.e. inserted in) the book of, etc. (compare 2 Chronicles 32:32; and above

); compare up to heaven Exodus 9:22; Exodus 10:21; Exodus 17:16.

Expressing direction towards (not common, except in sense against: see below) — (a) with verbs of motion, properly of a person (or thing) moving to another so as either to stand above, or rest upon, it (compare Pusey^{Min. Pr. 333}), Exodus 34:12 (simile, of a land, or place, Exodus 18:23; Numbers 11:12; 1 Kings 2:26 , Ezekiel 32:9; Jeremiah 3:18; b Jeremiah 16:13; Jeremiah 22:26, and after or Jeremiah 16:15; Jeremiah 22:27; Jeremiah 23:3; Jeremiah 24:6 [but Jeremiah 27:22; Jeremiah 30:3 al.], Ezekiel 29:14; Genesis 40:13 , Genesis 41:13; Genesis 30:33 to view my hire; to enter in upon or beside a corpse; Genesis 19:31; Deuteronomy 25:5 (usually ); Joshua 3:16 , Ezekiel 47:8; 1 Kings 18:12 , Psalm 19:7; 2 Kings 16:12; 2Chronicles 20:24; Isaiah 53:1 upon whom (coming from above) was s arm revealed? Isaiah 62:10 over towards (but Isaiah 49:22 ): but often it is dubious if this force is perceptible; and in General in such cases seems to be used merely as a synonym — perhaps as a slightly more graphic synonym — of (compare p. 41); in the later language, also, it may be due partly to the influence of Aramaic, which does not use ; thus (a) with a personal object, with assemble or be assembled, Exodus 32:1; 2 Samuel 17:11; 1 Kings 8:5; 1 Kings 11:24; 2 Kings 22:20 (2 Chronicles 34:28 and usually ), 2 Chronicles 13:7, Genesis 38:12; Joshua 2:8; 1 Samuel 14:10 (1 Samuel 14:9; 1 Samuel 14:12 ), 1 Samuel 14:4 (1 Samuel 14:1 ), 2 Samuel 15:4 (see Dr) 1 Chronicles 12:23f., 2 Kings 24:12, 2 Kings 25:20, Judges 20:34,41 (compare Isaiah 6:7; Jeremiah 1:9), Isaiah 10:3, Isaiah 22:15 (), Isaiah 30:6, 2 Kings 18:27 (: "" Isaiah 36:12 ), Jeremiah 26:15; Jeremiah 29:31; 1 Chronicles 13:2; 2Chronicles 28:16; 30:1; 32:9,31; 36:15; Nehemiah 6:3, Ezekiel 9:6, , Nehemiah 4:6; Malachi 3:24 (see c), followed by 2Chronicles 15:4; 30:9, 2Chronicles 11:13; letters going Nehemiah 2:7; Nehemiah 6:17 a (v:b ). () of places, Genesis 24:49; 2 Samuel 2:19 + to the right; with 1 Samuel 2:11; 1 Kings 20:43 (1 Kings 21:4 ), 2 Samuel 15:20 , Jeremiah 1:7; Ezekiel 1:20 (Ezekiel 1:12 ), 1 Kings 1:38 (1 Kings 1:33 ), Micah 4:1 ("" Isaiah 2:2 ), Jeremiah 31:12 (), Ezekiel 44:13 ("" ), 1 Samuel 24:23; 2 Samuel 19:1; 1 Kings 6:8 ("" ), Ezekiel 41:7, Jeremiah 14:3; Jeremiah 51:51, () Isaiah 66:20 (Isaiah 56:7 ), Jeremiah 36:12, Proverbs 21:1, 2 Samuel 6:10 ("" 1 Chronicles 13:13 ), Isaiah 29:12 (Isaiah 29:11 ) Micah 1:14; Micah 3:5; Genesis 42:37, , , Numbers 33:7; Jeremiah 11:10 (figurative, ), Psalm 35:13; Job 34:15 (Genesis 3:19 ), Proverbs 26:11; Ecclesiastes 1:6; 1 Kings 17:21,22 (compare 1 Samuel 30:12 ), Leviticus 26:11 (probably), Isaiah 60:14; pregnantly Isaiah 24:22 be collected (and delivered) into a dungeon: compare Job 31:5 (figurative), also to requite Isaiah 65:6,7 Kt. (Jeremiah 32:18; Psalm 79:12 ). After appear, Psalm 90:16 (). And as far as, unto (nearly = ) Genesis 49:13 , Joshua 2:7; Joshua 18:13; Joshua 19:12; Jeremiah 31:39; Ezekiel 47:18; Ezekiel 48:21,28; Psalm 48:11; 1 Chronicles 5:16.

(b) With say to, 2 Kings 22:8; Jeremiah 18:11 (), Jeremiah 22:6; Jeremiah 23:2,35 (), Jeremiah 36:29; Jeremiah 44:20 (), 1 Samuel 1:13 (Genesis 24:45 ), 1 Kings 9:5; Hosea 12:11; Jeremiah 6:10; Jeremiah 10:1; Jeremiah 11:2 (), speak to Jeremiah 25:2 (), Jeremiah 26:2, compare Esther 1:17, Jeremiah 25:1; 1 Chronicles 22:8; compare 1 Chronicles 11:10, 2 Samuel 19:43, Isaiah 34:14; 2Chronicles 32:18, Psalm 18:42, 1 Kings 17:20, , sing Proverbs 25:20; Job 33:27, Proverbs 29:5 ( Psalm 36:3 ), 1 Samuel 1:10, 2Chronicles 30:1; Ezra 4:7; Esther 8:8, 2 Kings 20:13 ( = Isaiah 39:2), Isaiah 22:13; Jeremiah 23:16; Jeremiah 26:5; Jeremiah 35:18; Haggai 1:12; see also , , , , .

(c) Expressing (or implying) the direction of the mind, 2 Samuel 14:1 ; Malachi 3:24; Ezra 6:22; Songs 7:11 (Genesis 3:16; 4:7 ); Job 1:8 (Job 2:3 ), 1 Samuel 25:25 (); Jeremiah 22:17 thy eyes and thy heart are only (set) upon () ..., 1 Chronicles 12:17; 1 Kings 1:20; 2Chronicles 20:12 (elsewhere ), 1 Kings 2:15 , Psalm 146:5 ; Isaiah 10:25 be (directed) towards their destruction, Jeremiah 32:31 (Gf Ew compare RV); compare look to (trustfully) Isaiah 17:7; Isaiah 31:1. (The uses a, b, c are all exceptional: would be regularly employed.)

(d) With the force of over and towards (compare

and

b, end): Psalm 65:5 ; to shine, etc. on, Psalm 31:17 (Numbers 6:25; ); Exodus 5:21; Job 10:3; Amos 9:4 + (compare Job 14:3; Job 24:3; Job 34:21); look out over Psalm 14:3 +.

In a hostile sense, upon, against: so very often, after every kind of verb expressing or implying attack, as Genesis 34:25,27, Genesis 34:30, to be angry Genesis 40:2, to murmur Exodus 15:24 stand up Leviticus 19:16 +, rise up Deuteronomy 19:11; Amos 7:9, Deuteronomy 20:10, 1 Samuel 11:1; Psalm 27:3, 2 Kings 17:3, Zechariah 10:3 (usually ), Isaiah 37:33, besiege Deuteronomy 20:12, to devise Genesis 50:20; Jeremiah 11:19, Deuteronomy 13:6 +, etc.: add Job 16:4 (twice in verse); Job 16:9,10,13; Job 19:12; Job 21:27; Job 30:12, etc.; 2 Samuel 11:23; Numbers 31:3: (see ); note also Judges 9:31; Judges 20:5: without a verb Isaiah 9:20; Judges 16:12 the Philistines are upon thee, Judges 20:9 Against it by lot !

By writers of the silver age, is sometimes used with the force of a dative, 1 Chronicles 13:2 (in classical Hebrew ) if it seems good to you, Nehemiah 2:5,7; Esther 1:19; Esther 3:9; Esther 5:4,8; Esther 7:3; Esther 8:5; Esther 9:13 (compare in Aramaic Ezra 5:17; Ezra 7:18); Psalm 16:6 (compare in Aramaic Daniel 4:24); Psalm 104:34 (elsewhere ); Ecclesiastes 2:17 (see De; compare Daniel 6:15): compare Job 22:2 be profitable to, Job 33:23; also (in both good and bad sense: see ), Nehemiah 5:19 , Nehemiah 9:30 prolong (mercy) to; Ezra 7:28; Ezra 9:9 (Genesis 39:21 ): 1 Samuel 20:8 read probably for . compare Mishna , dear to; hateful to; Syriac 👁 Image
👁 Image
, 👁 Image
👁 Image
, pleasant, acceptable to. — compare in General the uses of 👁 Image
, W^{AG ii. § 59}.

With other particles: — Ezekiel 41:15; Ezekiel 19:11 (compare Ezekiel 31:10,14); Ezekiel 40:15; Ezekiel 41:17 (text dubious), Ezekiel 41:20; Exodus 25:37 (compare Ezekiel 1:9,12); Esther 9:26. — On , , , , see , , .

As

because that . . . (compare above,

b), Exodus 32:35 and plagued the people because they had made, etc., Numbers 20:24; Deuteronomy 29:24 (in answer to : so 1 Kings 9:9; Jeremiah 16:11; Jeremiah 22:9), Jeremiah 32:51 (twice in verse); 1 Samuel 24:6; 2 Samuel 3:30; 2 Samuel 6:8; 2 Samuel 8:10; 2 Samuel 12:6; Psalm 119:49 +.

Deuteronomy 31:17; Judges 3:12; Jeremiah 4:28; Malachi 2:14; Psalm 139:14.

alone: (a) because, Genesis 31:20 (E) , Psalm 119:136 . (b) notwithstanding that (above,

f), although, Isaiah 53:9 although he did no violence, Job 16:7 .

—

with (rare and late),

as concerning, as upon Psalm 119:14 , 2 Chronicles 32:19.

(pleon. for ), Isaiah 59:18 the like of their deeds is the like of (that which) he will repay ( repeated on the analogue of Numbers 15:15; Hosea 4:9: see ) = according to their deeds is (that which) he will repay, Isaiah 63:7 according to.

₃₀₄ from upon, from over, from by — used with much delicacy of application in many different connections, corresponding mostly with the different senses of . Thus

from upon idiomatically, when removal, motion, etc., from a surface is involved, as , from upon (the face of) the ground, usually with expel, destroy, perish, etc. Genesis 4:14; Genesis 6:7; Genesis 7:4; Exodus 32:12; Deuteronomy 6:15; Deuteronomy 28:21,63 #NAME? Jeremiah and compiler of Kings; to be lifted up Genesis 7:17; Ezekiel 1:19,21 +, to return or be dried (of water) Genesis 8:3,7,11,13; to roll a stone Genesis 29:3; of the cloud departing Numbers 9:17; Numbers 12:10, compare Nehemiah 9:19; to rise up Judges 3:20; 1 Kings 2:4, 2 Samuel 11:2; to alight Genesis 24:64 (compare Joshua 15:18 , 1 Samuel 25:23 ), Judges 4:15; 2 Kings 5:21 (); to take Genesis 40:19; 2 Samuel 12:30, Leviticus 16:12; Numbers 17:11; Isaiah 6:6; to see 2 Samuel 11:2; to shoot 2 Samuel 11:20; 2 Samuel 11:24; to speak Exodus 25:22; Numbers 7:89; to cast down Deuteronomy 9:17; Leviticus 8:28 (); to break, remove, etc., a yoke () Genesis 27:40; Isaiah 10:27; Jeremiah 28:10,11; to wipe tears Isaiah 25:8; to take a bandage 1 Kings 20:41 (compare 1 Kings 20:38); often of putting off a garment or ornament., as Genesis 38:14,19 , Exodus 33:5 , a sandal Exodus 3:5; Joshua 5:15, a ring Genesis 41:42; to seek (), or hear, words Isaiah 34:16; Jeremiah 36:11 (compare above); pregnantly with to wear away (and fall) from off, Deuteronomy 8:4; Deuteronomy 29:4, compare of the bones or skin in disease Job 30:17 are pierced (and drop) from off me, Job 30:30 is black (and falls) from off me; figurative 1 Samuel 1:11 remove thy wine from off thee; Numbers 14:9 ; Judges 16:19,20 (with allusion to the hair, as the seat of Samson's strength), 1 Samuel 16:23 (compare in 1 Samuel 16:16).

Of relief from a burden or trouble: as of a plague, stroke, rod, etc., removed from (resting) on one, Exodus 10:17 , Numbers 21:7; Numbers 25:8 2 Samuel 24:21,25), Psalm 39:11 , Job 9:34; Job 13:21; Joel 2:20; of reproach Joshua 5:9; Isaiah 25:8; Psalm 119:22, iniquity Ezekiel 18:31; Zechariah 3:4, bloodguiltiness, 1 Kings 2:31, wrath Judges 8:3; Numbers 25:11; Proverbs 24:18, murmurings Numbers 17:21; Numbers 17:25; to lighten from upon one Exodus 18:22 +; Amos 5:23 ; pregnantly Jonah 1:11,12 that the sea may be calm from off us; to remove, etc., (see ); 1 Samuel 6:20 to whom shall he go up — not merely 'from us,' but — from upon us (relieving us of his presence), so often of an army retiring from a country or raising a siege, 2 Samuel 10:14 , 2 Samuel 20:21 , 2 Samuel 20:22; Ki 2 Samuel 3:27; 2 Samuel 18:14, especially with , 1 Kings 15:19; Jeremiah 21:2; Jeremiah 37:5,11 +; 2 Samuel 19:10 David fled from Absalom (whom his presence had encumbered), Nehemiah 13:28 , compare Genesis 13:11; Genesis 25:6; Numbers 20:21 , 2 Chronicles 20:10; Exodus 10:28 (contemptuously; be no more obnoxious to me), similarly 2 Samuel 13:17 (Amnon of Tamar).

From beside (compare

), in different nuances: Genesis 17:22 God went up from beside A., Genesis 35:13; Genesis 18:3 (compare Genesis 18:5), Genesis 42:24; Numbers 16:25,27; 1 Kings 1:53 to come down (compare 1 Kings 13:1; and

); from attendance on Genesis 45:1 (compare ib.), Judges 3:19 1 Samuel 17:15 (see Dr), 2 Samuel 13:9, compare1 Sam 2 Samuel 13:8,11; 2 Kings 25:5 (Jeremiah 36:21 read , being dittograph), compare 2 Chronicles 35:15; from attachment to, Jeremiah 2:5; Ezekiel 11:15; Ezekiel 44:10, compare Ezekiel 8:6, Jeremiah 32:40; Ezekiel 6:9, Ezekiel 44:10,15, compare Ezekiel 14:5; Deuteronomy 13:11; also 2 Kings 10:31; 2 Kings 15:18 (usually ), compare Ezekiel 14:6; Ezekiel 23:18; from companionship with, Job 19:13 ; from accompanying protectingly 1 Samuel 28:15 , 1 Samuel 28:16 (compare Psalm 110:5; and see Dr); from adhesion to 2 Kings 17:21 , Isaiah 7:17; Isaiah 56:6 , Hosea 9:1 .

In late Hebrew, = above: 2 Kings 25:28 ("" Jeremiah 52:32 more class. ), Esther 3:1; Psalm 108:5 ("" Psalm 57:11 ), Psalm 148:4; Ecclesiastes 5:7 , Nehemiah 3:28; Nehemiah 8:5; 2Chronicles 34:4 on high above them; Ezekiel 41:17,20. — Proverbs 14:14 read with De Now Str .

(chiefly late, and pleonastic for , or else = the more class. synonym ): (a) Genesis 1:7 (Ezekiel 1:26 ), Ezekiel 1:25 (text dubious; see Commentaries), 1 Samuel 17:39; Jonah 4:6; Malachi 1:5 upon, over the border (territory) of Israel (so Köhl Ke: but Hi Ew We beyond, 2 Chronicles 13:4 upon, mount Zemaraim, 2Chronicles 24:20. (b) beside2Chronicles 26:19 ; Nehemiah 12:31 (twice in verse); Nehemiah 12:37,38 (twice in verse); Nehemiah 12:39 dubious: BeRy (in all) off the side of (

) = at a little distance from; Ke in Nehemiah 12:31; Nehemiah 12:38a upon, in Nehemiah 12:37; Nehemiah 12:38b; Nehemiah 12:39 by the side of (an ... vorüber).

Scope and Semantic Field

עַל in these four occurrences functions as a poetically charged term of elevation. It evokes spatial height, moral exaltation, and divine transcendence. Although brief, its placement at strategic theological moments causes the narratives and oracles to lift the reader’s eyes away from earthbound concerns to the lofty realm of God’s authority.

Royal Exaltation: 2 Samuel 23:1

David’s last oracle opens with the assertion that he is “the man raised on high” (2 Samuel 23:1). Here עַל frames the entire legacy of the king. The elevation is not self-wrought; it is the gracious act of “the God of Jacob,” confirming that true status and security come only from the covenant God. Historically, the line anticipates the promise of an everlasting dynasty (2 Samuel 7:11-16). In ministry application, leaders today are reminded that prominence without divine appointment is hollow, while humble dependence invites authentic exaltation (James 4:10).

The Heavenly Courtroom: Psalm 50:4

“He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that He may judge His people” (Psalm 50:4). עַל punctuates the cosmic panorama of Asaph’s psalm. Heaven is “above,” the vantage point from which Yahweh convenes His courtroom. The psalmist thus underlines God’s sovereign jurisdiction over all realms. Historically, Israel’s sacrificial system is evaluated from this higher bar of divine justice; liturgy alone cannot substitute for covenant faithfulness. For preaching and teaching, the verse compels the church to hold worship and ethics together, remembering that the God who is transcendent is also immanent in judgment (1 Peter 1:17).

Prophetic Rebuke: Hosea 7:16; 11:7

“They turn, but not to the Most High” (Hosea 7:16); “Though they call to the Most High, He will by no means exalt them” (Hosea 11:7). Twice Hosea wields עַל to describe God as “the Most High.” By refusing to look upward, Israel forfeits the very elevation they seek. Historically, these words fall amid political intrigue and idolatry in the Northern Kingdom (eighth century B.C.). Theologically, the prophet exposes the futility of superficial repentance. Ministry significance: mere verbal appeals to God’s loftiness cannot mask persistent rebellion. Genuine return requires turning the heart, not just the head (Joel 2:12-13).

The Title “Most High” and the Theology of Elevation

Linking עַל with “Most High” (Elyon) reinforces God’s supremacy over the created order (Genesis 14:22; Psalm 97:9). The same vertical imagery later accents the exaltation of Jesus Christ, who is seated “at the right hand in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:20). Thus עַל forms a linguistic bridge from Old Testament anticipation to New Testament fulfillment, underscoring the unity of redemptive history.

Christological Trajectory

David’s being “raised on high” foreshadows the greater Son of David whom God “exalted to His right hand as Prince and Savior” (Acts 5:31). Psalm 50’s heavenly summons prefigures the final judgment before “the glorious throne” (Matthew 25:31-32). Hosea’s warning illuminates the gospel call to look to Christ, “who is above all” (John 3:31). The recurring motif of height thus culminates in the ascension and enthronement of Jesus.

Practical Ministry Reflections

1. Worship must rise from obedience; external forms without inner submission invite divine censure.
2. Leadership gains legitimacy only when God Himself does the elevating.
3. Repentance requires an upward gaze that results in downward humility toward others.
4. The church’s mission is to invite the world to behold the One who is “far above all rule and authority” (Ephesians 1:21), yet near to the contrite (Isaiah 57:15).

Summary

Though appearing just four times, עַל in its sense of “on high” shapes critical moments of biblical revelation—crowning a king, convening a courtroom, and confronting a wayward nation. Each context converges on the same truth: God alone occupies the highest place, and every human destiny is decided in relation to Him.

מֵעָ֑ל מעל עַל֙ עָ֔ל עָ֗ל על ‘al ‘āl Al mê‘āl mê·‘āl meAlInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts

2 Samuel 23:1
HEB: הַגֶּ֙בֶר֙ הֻ֣קַם עָ֔ל מְשִׁ֙יחַ֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י
NAS: who was raised on high declares,
KJV: [who was] raised up on high, the anointed
INT: the man was raised high the anointed of the God

Psalm 50:4
HEB: אֶל־ הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם מֵעָ֑ל וְאֶל־ הָ֝אָ֗רֶץ
KJV: to the heavens from above, and to the earth,
INT: about the heavens above and to the earth

Hosea 7:16
HEB: יָשׁ֣וּבוּ ׀ לֹ֣א עָ֗ל הָיוּ֙ כְּקֶ֣שֶׁת
NAS: They turn, [but] not upward, They are like a deceitful
KJV: They return, [but] not to the most High: they are like a deceitful
INT: turn not upward become bow

Hosea 11:7
HEB: לִמְשֽׁוּבָתִ֑י וְאֶל־ עַל֙ יִקְרָאֻ֔הוּ יַ֖חַד
NAS: from Me. Though they call them to [the One] on high, None
KJV: from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all
INT: turning about high call all

4 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 5920
4 Occurrences

‘āl — 3 Occ.
mê·‘āl — 1 Occ.