מַהֲלָל
𐤌𐤄𐤋𐤋
mahălâl
H4110 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A reputation for renown, distinction, or glory; an act or state of being acclaimed. Used to indicate the concept of fame or praiseworthy status, often with regard to one's recognized deeds or reputation.
Semantic Range
fame, reputation, renown, act of being praised, distinguished status, glory, public report
Root / Etymology
From the root הלל (h-l-l), which fundamentally means 'to shine' or 'to be boastful, praise.' The noun form מהלל denotes the state or quality of being praised or acclaimed, extending from the idea of radiance or brilliance metaphorically applied to social standing or reputation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, מַהֲלָל appears infrequently (notably in Job 30:8; Proverbs 27:21), often in contexts emphasizing reputation, honor, or what people are known for. The nuance is less about song-like worship (common for related forms such as תְּהִלָּה 'tehillah', H8416, or הִלֵּל 'hillel') and more about the status or report of a person—what is said about an individual or what constitutes their public fame. English terms like 'praise' or 'fame' capture only partly the sense of public reputation, which can be positive or, contextually, even ironic. Unlike abstract 'praise,' the term usually implies observable status among people, not solely divine accolade. In wisdom literature, it is sometimes used to contrast superficial external appraisals with true character. Not to be confused with explicit acts of verbal praise or doxology. Later Hebrew usage retains 'fame' as the primary sense. The term's usage does not always align with modern distinctions between praise and reputation, and translations may miss nuances between public report and actual merit.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from הָלַל; fame; praise.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
הלל (h-l-l) — to shine, to praise, to boast
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1947 | הוֹלֵלָה | acts of folly |
| H1948 | הוֹלֵלוּת | reckless foolishness |
| H1966 | הֵילֵל | shining one |
| H1974 | הִלּוּל | festal rejoicings |
| H1984 | הָלַל | I will extol |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4110-01 |
מַהֲלָלֽ/וֹ | mahalalo | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
his praise | his renown | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4110-01 |
Proverbs 27:21 | מַהֲלָלֽ/וֹ | mahalalo | HNcmsc/Sp3ms |
his praise | his renown |