5931. illah

Lexicon

illah: Cause, reason, pretext

Original Word: עִלָּה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: `illah
Pronunciation: il-lah'
Phonetic Spelling: (il-law')
Definition: Cause, reason, pretext
Meaning: a pretext

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

occasion

(Aramaic) feminine from a root corresponding to alah; a pretext (as arising artificially) -- occasion.

see HEBREW alah

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to alah
Definition
matter, affair, occasion
NASB Translation
ground of accusation (3).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

עִלָּה noun feminine matter, affair, occasion (Syriac , see Biblical Hebrew I. עלל); — absolute ׳ע Daniel 6:5 (twice in verse); Daniel 6:6 ( = ground of accusation).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Aramaic root עֲלַל (ʿalal), which means "to enter" or "to come in."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G266 (ἁμαρτία • hamartia): While not a direct equivalent, this Greek term refers to "sin" or "offense," often involving a moral failing or transgression. It can relate to the concept of a false pretext when sin is justified by an excuse.
• G4392 (πρόφασις • prophasis): This Greek term directly corresponds to the idea of a "pretext" or "excuse." It is used in the New Testament to describe a false reason given to cover up true intentions, similar to the use of עִלָּה in the book of Daniel.

In summary, עִלָּה (ʿillâ) is a term that captures the notion of a deceptive pretext, often used to mask true intentions, and is exemplified in the narrative of Daniel as a challenge to his integrity and faith.

Usage: The word עִלָּה appears in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Daniel. It is used to describe a pretext or excuse that is given, often with a negative connotation, implying deceit or ulterior motives.

Context: • In the book of Daniel, עִלָּה is used to describe the actions of those who sought to find a reason to accuse Daniel. In Daniel 6:5 (BSB), it is written: "Finally these men said, 'We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.'" Here, the term is used to indicate a pretext or fabricated reason to bring charges against Daniel, highlighting the malicious intent behind their actions.
• The use of עִלָּה in this context underscores the theme of integrity and faithfulness in the face of false accusations. Daniel's adversaries were unable to find any legitimate fault in him, so they resorted to creating a pretext based on his religious practices.
• This term is significant in understanding the narrative of Daniel, as it illustrates the challenges faced by those who remain steadfast in their faith amidst opposition and deceit.

Forms and Transliterations

עִלָּ֑א עִלָּ֛ה עִלָּ֨ה עלא עלה ‘il·lā ‘il·lāh ‘illā ‘illāh ilLa ilLah

Englishman's Concordance

Daniel 6:4
HEB: הֲו֨וֹ בָעַ֧יִן עִלָּ֛ה לְהַשְׁכָּחָ֥ה לְדָנִיֵּ֖אל
NAS: to find a ground of accusation
KJV: to find occasion against Daniel
INT: began trying A ground to find Daniel

Daniel 6:4
HEB: מַלְכוּתָ֑א וְכָל־ עִלָּ֨ה וּשְׁחִיתָ֜ה לָא־
NAS: a ground of accusation against Daniel
KJV: find none occasion nor fault;
INT: to government but of accusation corruption none

Daniel 6:5
HEB: דְּנָ֖ה כָּל־ עִלָּ֑א לָהֵ֕ן הַשְׁכַּ֥חְנָֽה
NAS: any ground of accusation against this
KJV: find any occasion against this
INT: this any ground unless find

3 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 5931
3 Occurrences

‘il·lā — 1 Occ.
‘il·lāh — 2 Occ.