← H5951 H5953 →

עַלִּית

𐤏𐤋𐤉𐤕

ʻallîyth

H5952 noun

SILEX Entry

Root עלה to ascend, to go up, rise

Definition

An upper room or elevated chamber, typically the uppermost room of a house, often used for special purposes such as sleeping, eating, gathering, or storing valuables. The term denotes an enclosed space situated above the main living quarters, accessed by an internal or external staircase or ladder, and generally connotes a place set apart from regular domestic areas.

Semantic Range

upper room, upper chamber, second-story room, guest chamber, elevated storage room, secluded chamber

Root / Etymology

From the root עָלָה (ʻ-l-h), meaning 'to go up, ascend, rise.' The term עַלִּית (ʻallîyth) is a feminine noun form, derived via the indication of an elevated or upstairs space. The basic notion derives from the idea of being 'above' or 'going up.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

During the monarchic and exilic periods, the עַלִּית denoted a specific architectural feature—typically an upper chamber that served a variety of functions, depending on the context and status of the household. In narratives, it appears as a place of privacy or seclusion, for significant events or activities (e.g., the prophet Elisha's room in 2 Kings 4:10). In some texts, it is associated with prayer, seclusion, or hospitality. The term appears closely related to עֲלִיָּה (ʻaliyah), which is more widely attested and carries a highly similar meaning, occasionally used interchangeably. English translations usually render it as 'upper room' or 'chamber,' but this can obscure nuances: these spaces may function as guest rooms, storage, or special-purpose rooms distinct from ground-level quarters. In later periods, the upper room acquired symbolic associations but in biblical texts its meaning is primarily architectural. The exact structure and usage of the עַלִּית likely evolved with changing domestic architecture, but the primary sense of an upper, elevated room remains consistent.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from עָלָה; a second-story room; chamber. Compare עֲלִיָּה.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.

+ Add Bantu Hebrew Word

Root Family

עלה (ʿ-l-h) — to ascend, go up, rise

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H421 אָלָה Lofty One
H422 אָלָה he ascended
H4605 מַעַל upward
H4607 מֹעַל in hand-raising
H4608 מַעֲלֶה at the ascent

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H5952-01 בְּ/עִלִּיתֵ֔/הּ beiliteh AR/Ncfsc/Sp3ms in his upper chamber in his upper chamber 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H5952-01 Daniel 6:11 בְּ/עִלִּיתֵ֔/הּ beiliteh AR/Ncfsc/Sp3ms in his upper chamber in his upper chamber
← H5951 Hebrew Lexicon H5953 →