Part of Speech: Verb
Strong's Number: H5927
Original Word: ‘alâ
Usage Notes: "to go up, ascend, offer up." This word occurs in all Semitic languages, including biblical Hebrew. The Old Testament attests it about 890 times.
Basically, ‘alâ suggests movement from a lower to a higher place. That is the emphasis in Gen 2:6 (the first occurrence of the word), which reports that Eden was watered by a mist or stream that "went up" over the ground. ‘Alâ may also mean "to rise up" or "ascend." The king of Babylon said in his heart, "I will ascend into heaven" (Isa 14:13). This word may mean "to take a journey," as in traveling from Egypt (Gen 13:1) toward Palestine or other points northward. The verb may be used in a special sense meaning "to extend, reach", for example, the border of Benjamin "went up ["extended, reached"] through the mountains westward" (Josh 18:12).
The use of ‘alâ to describe the journey from Egypt to Palestine is such a standard phrase that it often appears without the geographical reference points. Joseph told his brothers to "go up" to their father in peace (Gen 44:17). Even the return from the Exile, which was a journey from north to south (Palestine), is described as a "going up" (Ezra 2:1). Thus, the reference may be not so much to physically "going up," but to a figurative or spiritual "going up." This usage appears long before Ezra's time, when it is said that one "goes up" to the place where the sanctuary is located (cf. Deut 17:8). The verb became a technical term for "making a pilgrimage" (Exod 34:24) or "going up" before the Lord; in a secular context, compare Joseph's "going up" before Pharaoh (Gen 46:31).
In instances where an enemy located himself in a superior position (frequently a higher place), one "goes up" to battle (Josh 22:12). The verb can also refer merely to "going out" to make war against someone, even though there is no movement from a lower to a higher plane. So Israel "went up" to make war against the Moabites, who heard of the Israelites' approach while still dwelling in their cities (2Kings 3:21). Even when ‘alâ is used by itself, it can mean "to go to war"; the Lord told Phinehas, "Go up; for tomorrow I will deliver them into thine hand" (Judg 20:28). On the other hand, if the enemy is recognized to be on a lower plane, one can "go down" (yarad) to fight (Judg 1:9). The opposite of "going up" to war is not descending to battle, but "leaving off" (‘alâ me‘al), literally, "going up from against." Another special use of ‘alâ is "to overpower" (literally, "to go up from"). For example, the Pharoah feared the Israelites lest in a war they join the enemy, fight against Egypt, and "overpower" the land (Exod 1:10). "To go up" may also be used of "increasing in strength," as the lion that becomes strong from his prey: The lion "goes up from his prey" (Gen 49:9; cf. Deut 28:43).
Not only physical things can "go up." ‘Alâ can be used also of the "increasing" of wrath (2Sam 11:20), the "ascent" of an outcry before God (Exod 2:23), and the "continual" sound of battle (although "sound of" is omitted; cf. 1Kings 22:35). The word can also be used passively to denote mixing two kings of garments together, causing one "to lie upon" or "be placed upon" the other (Lev 19:19). Sometimes "go up" means "placed," even when the direction is downward, as when placing a yoke upon an ox (Num 19:2) or going to one's grave (Job 5:26). This may be an illustration of how Hebrew verbs can sometimes mean their opposite. The verb is also used of "recording" a census (1Chron 27:24).
The verb ‘alâ is used in a causative stem to signify "presenting an offering" to God. In 63 cases, the word is associated with the presentation of the whole burnt offering (‘olâ). ‘Alâ is used of the general act of "presenting offerings" when the various offerings are mentioned in the same context (Lev 14:20), or when the purpose of the offering is not specifically in mind (Isa 57:6). Sometimes this verb means merely "to offer" (e.g., Num 23:2).
Usage Number: 2
Part of Speech: Noun
Strong's Number: H5945
Original Word: ‘elyôn
Usage Notes: "the upper; the highest." This word occurs 53 times. The use of ‘elyôn in Gen 40:17 means "the upper" as opposed to "the lower." Where referring to or naming God, ‘elyôn means "the highest" (Gen 14:18).
Usage Number: 3
Strong's Number: H4609
Original Word: ma‘alâ
Usage Notes: step; procession; pilgrimage." In some of its 47 biblical appearances, ma‘alâ signifies a "step" or "stair" (cf. Exod 20:26). The word can also mean "procession" (Psa 84:6).
