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אוּל

𐤀𐤅𐤋

ʼûwl

H193 noun

SILEX Entry

Root אוּל to be strong, to be robust, to twist (suggesting strength by intertwined fibers)

Definition

A term denoting physical strength or might, especially as embodied in the human body. Used specifically for the body or strength as an attribute, not as a general term for power. In its rare appearances, refers to bodily strength or powerful form, not to political or military might.

Semantic Range

bodily strength, physical might, robust body or form, powerful physical frame

Root / Etymology

Root is likely אוּל, meaning 'to twist, be strong,' though the verb is not attested in Biblical Hebrew. The nominal form oul draws on the imagery of being 'twisted together' or 'robustly formed,' reflecting bodily strength. Etymology uncertain, as no direct verbal root is extant in the Hebrew Bible.

Historical & Contextual Notes

אוּל (ʼûwl) is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only in poetic or archaic contexts (e.g., Numbers 23:22; 24:8), where it describes the strength of the Israelite people by likening their vigor to that of a wild ox. The implied reference is to a powerful, robust body—often understood as the physical frame or strength, rather than general might or power. Its semantic field overlaps partly with עֹז (ʻôz, 'strength') and כֹּחַ (kōaḥ, 'power, capacity'), but אוּל uniquely suggests the image of strength as an innate, bodily quality. In translation, the nuance of a specifically physical or bodily strength is sometimes lost, with English versions often rendering it simply as 'strength' or 'might.' Later Jewish exegetical tradition sometimes understands it as referring to the body as a form or vessel of might. Its meaning does not extend to abstract or non-physical forms of power as can be seen with other Hebrew terms for strength. No connection with later terms for 'Jew' or 'Judean.'

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from an unused root meaning to twist, i.e. (by implication) be strong; the body (as being rolled together); also powerful; mighty, strength.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אלם (ʾ-l-m) — to bind, to join, to tie together

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H197 אוּלָם in the entrance hall
H198 אוּלָם bound entrance-hall of
H199 אוּלָם bound entrance-hall of
H481 אָלַם those who silence
H482 אֵלֶם muteness

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H193-02 אולי vly HNcmpc mighty men robust-bodied ones of 1
H193-01 אוּלָֽ/ם ulam HNcmsc/Sp3mp firm bound entry-hall of 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H193-02 2 Kings 24:15 אולי vly HNcmpc mighty men robust-bodied ones of
H193-01 Psalms 73:4 אוּלָֽ/ם ulam HNcmsc/Sp3mp firm bound entry-hall of
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