Lexical Summary aliliyyah: Deed, act, work Original Word: עֲלִילִיָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance miraculous work For aliylah; (miraculous) execution -- work. see HEBREW aliylah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alal Definition a deed NASB Translation deed (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עֲלִילִיָּה noun feminine (Köii. 1, 204) deed; — of ׳י, ׳רַבהָע Jeremiah 32:19 ("" גְּדֹל הָעֵצָה); but read probably הָעֲלִילָה. Topical Lexicon Biblical Context The single canonical occurrence of עֲלִילִיָּה lies within Jeremiah 32:19, where the prophet exalts the Lord as “mighty in deed”. The word forms part of a doxology that highlights God’s active governance over human affairs during a pivotal moment in Judah’s history—just as Jerusalem is besieged by Babylon and Jeremiah is prophesying both judgment and ultimate restoration. Semantic Range and Conceptual Associations Though used only once, עֲלִילִיָּה is placed in parallel with “counsel,” pairing divine wisdom with divine action. The surrounding clauses speak of God’s omniscience (“whose eyes are on all the ways of the sons of men”) and recompense (“to reward each one according to his ways and the fruit of his deeds”). The term therefore carries the nuance of conspicuous acts that manifest God’s power and justice. Within the wider prophetic literature, similar concepts appear under words such as גְּבוּרָה “might” (Isaiah 11:2) and פָּעַל “work” (Habakkuk 3:2), showing that God’s deeds are never abstract but are historically concrete, righteous interventions. Theological Significance Jeremiah’s celebration of God’s עֲלִילִיָּה underscores a core biblical theme: the Lord’s deeds perfectly correspond to His counsel. His actions are never arbitrary; they emerge from an eternal plan that integrates judgment and mercy. In redemptive history, God’s deeds deliver covenant blessings (Exodus 3:20) and execute covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:20), demonstrating His faithfulness on both sides of the covenantal ledger. Jeremiah 32 ties these principles together as God disciplines Judah through exile yet simultaneously pledges a new covenant (Jeremiah 32:40). Historical Background of Jeremiah 32 The prophet speaks while imprisoned by King Zedekiah for announcing Jerusalem’s imminent fall (Jeremiah 32:2–3). Against this bleak backdrop, Jeremiah purchases a field in Anathoth as a prophetic sign that houses and vineyards will again be owned in the land (Jeremiah 32:15). His prayer (Jeremiah 32:17–25) culminates in verse 19, where עֲלִילִיָּה affirms that the God who performed mighty deeds in the past still wields sovereign power amid national collapse. Thus, the term functions as a theological anchor: even when circumstances appear contrary, God’s deeds continue to advance His redemptive purposes. Ministry and Practical Application 1. Assurance of Divine Capability: Believers facing personal or societal crises can draw confidence from Jeremiah’s testimony that God remains “mighty in deed.” Related Scriptural Themes • Exodus 15:11 – “Who among the gods is like You, O Lord?… working wonders.” Christological and Eschatological Connections The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the ultimate embodiment of God’s mighty deeds. His miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection fulfill the righteous actions foreshadowed in Jeremiah 32:19. Peter proclaims, “Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a Man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs” (Acts 2:22). In eschatological perspective, Revelation portrays final acts that consummate all prior divine deeds, vindicating God’s counsel before the whole creation. Reflection for Modern Believers Jeremiah’s solitary use of עֲלִילִיָּה magnifies the truth that one inspired declaration can illuminate an entire doctrine: God’s wisdom is inseparable from His powerful acts. In personal devotion, corporate worship, and public witness, the people of God are called to remember, proclaim, and rely upon His mighty deeds, confident that the same God who acted in Jeremiah’s day remains “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Forms and Transliterations הָעֲלִֽילִיָּ֑ה העליליה hā‘ălîlîyāh hā·‘ă·lî·lî·yāh haaliliYahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Jeremiah 32:19 HEB: הָֽעֵצָ֔ה וְרַ֖ב הָעֲלִֽילִיָּ֑ה אֲשֶׁר־ עֵינֶ֣יךָ NAS: and mighty in deed, whose KJV: and mighty in work: for thine eyes INT: counsel and mighty deed whose eyes 1 Occurrence |
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