עָלֵז

# ʿAlēz (H5938): A Rare Expression of Exultation The Hebrew word ʿalēz (עָלֵז) denotes a state of exultation or triumphant joy. Based on its lexical classification as an adjective meaning "exultant," the word describes an emotional condition characterized by high spirits and celebratory confidence. The term conveys not merely happiness but a more intense, demonstrative form of rejoicing—the kind associated with victory or vindication. The extreme rarity of this word in biblical literature—appearing only once in the surviving text—limits our ability to trace its full semantic range or observe how different contexts might shade its meaning. A single occurrence provides only a snapshot rather than a comprehensive picture of how Hebrew speakers employed the term. This scarcity suggests that while ʿalēz expressed a recognized emotional state in ancient Hebrew, scribes and authors had access to other, apparently more common vocabulary for describing joy and celebration. The word's presence in the biblical corpus confirms it was part of the Hebrew lexicon, but its isolation makes it impossible to determine whether it held specialized religious significance or carried nuances distinct from related terms for rejoicing.