Lexical Summary heach: "Alas!" or "Ah!" Original Word: הֶאָח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ah, aha, ha From he' and 'ach; aha! -- ah, aha, ha. see HEBREW he' see HEBREW 'ach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. interj. Definition aha! NASB Translation aha (12). Brown-Driver-Briggs הֶאָח interjection (onomatopoetic) expressing joy, Aha! always introduced by אָמַר, Isaiah 44:16 he says, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire. Of satisfaction over the misfortune of an enemy or rival, Psalm 35:21; Psalm 35:25 let them not say in their heart הֶאָח נַפְשֵׁנוּ Aha, so would we have it ! (lit our desire !) Psalm 40:16 (= Psalm 70:4), Ezekiel 25:3; Ezekiel 26:2; Ezekiel 36:2. Metaph., of the neighing of a war horse in the battle, Job 39:25. Topical Lexicon Overview The interjection appears twelve times in the Old Testament, conveying an exultant or derisive shout. It surfaces in poetry, wisdom, and prophetic oracles, consistently marking a moment when one party delights in the perceived misfortune or vulnerability of another. Literary Distribution and Context 1. Wisdom Literature: Job 39:25 places the cry in the mouth of the war-horse, illustrating eagerness for battle rather than contempt. Emotional Nuance The shout ranges from excited anticipation (Job 39:25) to malicious ridicule (Psalms, Ezekiel) and smug self-congratulation (Isaiah 44:16). In every setting it exposes a heart rejoicing in something other than the righteousness of God—whether the thrill of war or the downfall of God’s people. Theology of Mockery and Judgment Scripture repeatedly warns against rejoicing over another’s distress. Proverbs 24:17-18 cautions, “Do not gloat when your enemy falls.” The prophetic occurrences show the Lord treating mockery of His covenant people as mockery of Himself; consequently, Ammon, Tyre, and the nations face retribution (Ezekiel 25:4-7; 26:3-6; 36:3-7). The cry thus becomes evidence in God’s courtroom, sealing the judgment of those who utter it. Christological Echoes The Psalms featuring the taunt are applied to the Messiah’s sufferings. As David’s foes jeer, so the crowds around the cross mocked Jesus Christ (Mark 15:29-30). The interjection anticipates the scorn heaped on the suffering Servant, highlighting both human enmity toward righteousness and the Savior’s patient endurance. Ministry Application 1. Resisting the Spirit of Gloating: Believers must guard against a celebratory attitude when adversaries stumble, lest they replicate the sin condemned in Ezekiel. Historical Insight In the ancient Near East, victory shouts often accompanied war campaigns and political upheavals. The prophets harness this cultural reality, turning the nations’ exclamations into self-indictments that summon the divine warrior against them. Conclusion Whether uttered by a war-horse, a taunting neighbor, or an arrogant nation, the cry crystallizes a posture the Lord opposes—delight in unrighteous gain or in a neighbor’s fall. Its appearances challenge God’s people to entrust vengeance to Him, renounce scorn, and find refuge in the One who hears every “Aha!” and will quiet it forever. Forms and Transliterations הֶ֘אָ֥ח ׀ הֶאָ֑ח הֶאָ֔ח הֶאָ֗ח הֶאָ֜ח הֶאָ֣ח הֶאָ֣ח ׀ הֶאָ֥ח ׀ הֶאָֽח׃ האח האח׃ he’āḥ he·’āḥ heAchLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 39:25 HEB: שֹׁפָ֨ר ׀ יֹ֘אמַ֤ר הֶאָ֗ח וּֽ֭מֵרָחוֹק יָרִ֣יחַ NAS: [sounds] he says, 'Aha!' And he scents KJV: the trumpets, Ha, ha; INT: as the trumpet says Ha afar smelleth Psalm 35:21 Psalm 35:21 Psalm 35:25 Psalm 40:15 Psalm 40:15 Psalm 70:3 Psalm 70:3 Isaiah 44:16 Ezekiel 25:3 Ezekiel 26:2 Ezekiel 36:2 12 Occurrences |
    |