עֲלֵ/הֶ֖ם
𐤏𐤋/𐤄𐤌
ʻal
upon them
A preposition expressing spatial, figurative, and relational concepts, particularly indicating a position 'above,' 'over,' or 'upon,' whether physically (in space), metaphorically (in authority or causality), or circumstantially (in regard to, concerning). It can also introduce reasons, causes, or responsibility, and is often used in extended senses to denote relationships such as concerning, on account of, against, or in regard to someone or something.
Genesis 47:20 · Word #15
Lexicon H5921
| Lemma | עַל |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤏𐤋 |
| Transliteration | ʻal |
| Strong's | H5921 |
| Definition | A preposition expressing spatial, figurative, and relational concepts, particularly indicating a position 'above,' 'over,' or 'upon,' whether physically (in space), metaphorically (in authority or causality), or circumstantially (in regard to, concerning). It can also introduce reasons, causes, or responsibility, and is often used in extended senses to denote relationships such as concerning, on account of, against, or in regard to someone or something. |
Morphology HR/Sp3mp
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | R — Preposition — Shows relationship between words |
Common Translation
| Phrase | upon them |
SIBI-P1 Translation H5921-07
toward them
| Morphological Notes | Preposition אֵל with 3rd person masculine plural pronominal suffix (Sp3mp). |
| Rendering Rationale | The preposition אֵל primarily expresses motion or orientation toward a target. The 3rd person masculine plural suffix -הֶם specifies the object as 'them,' yielding the directional sense 'toward them.' |
View full lexicon entry for H5921 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
upon them
| Same as P1 | No — adjusted for context |
| Rationale | 'Alayhem' in context is spatial/figurative—'upon them' aligns better than 'toward them', which does not adequately render the effect of the famine on the people. |