Lexical Summary alach: To go, to walk, to proceed Original Word: אָלַח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance become filthy A primitive root; to muddle, i.e. (figuratively and intransitive) to turn (morally) corrupt -- become filthy. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to be corrupt (morally) NASB Translation become corrupt (2), corrupt (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [אָלַח] verb only Niph`al be corrupt morally; tainted (Che Psalm 14:3) (compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Meaning and Thematic Emphasis This rare verb portrays the progression from internal impurity to outward acts of corruption. It speaks less of ceremonial uncleanness and more of ethical pollution—a willful descent into moral filth that aligns the sinner against the holiness of God. Occurrences in Scripture Job 15:16 exposes humanity’s natural bent toward moral degradation: “how much less man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks injustice like water!”. Twice in the Psalter the corporate dimension is stressed: “All have turned away; all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.” (Psalm 14:3; Psalm 53:3). In each context the verb underscores total corruption that touches every person and every sphere of society apart from divine intervention. Doctrinal Significance 1. Universality of Sin: The Psalms’ sweeping indictment provides Old Testament foundation for the Pauline argument in Romans 3:12, confirming that no one is righteous by nature. Historical Context Job’s dialogue belongs to patriarchal times when righteousness was often measured by visible blessing. Eliphaz’s accusation leverages the verb to argue that Job, like all men, must be inherently corrupt, thus sustaining traditional retribution theology. In the Psalms, David (or the post-exilic community, if Psalm 53 is later) laments pervasive societal decay, perhaps during seasons when covenant faithfulness was eclipsed by idolatry and injustice. Intertextual Connections • Genesis 6:12 uses a cognate idea—“all flesh had corrupted their way”—linking pre-flood depravity to the ongoing human problem. Practical and Ministry Implications • Preaching and Evangelism: The verb arms the preacher with biblical language to diagnose sin honestly while steering hearers toward the gospel cure. Summary Though appearing only thrice, this verb offers a potent window into humanity’s fallen condition. It unites patriarchal wisdom, Davidic worship, prophetic warning, and apostolic theology in a single, sobering testimony: apart from God’s cleansing, mankind is hopelessly corrupt. Forms and Transliterations וְֽנֶאֱלָ֑ח ונאלח נֶ֫אֱלָ֥חוּ נאלחו ne’ĕlāḥū ne·’ĕ·lā·ḥū neeLachu veneeLach wə·ne·’ĕ·lāḥ wəne’ĕlāḥLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 15:16 HEB: כִּֽי־ נִתְעָ֥ב וְֽנֶאֱלָ֑ח אִישׁ־ שֹׁתֶ֖ה NAS: one who is detestable and corrupt, Man, KJV: How much more abominable and filthy [is] man, INT: for is detestable and corrupt Man drinks Psalm 14:3 Psalm 53:3 3 Occurrences |
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VIII. be confused (of a thing), of milk, turn sour) Perfect3plural נֶאֱלָ֑חוּ