מַ֫עַל

From the study of Proverbs 15:24

Range of meaning

'Upward, above, higher'. It is used for physical height (e.g., of a building's structure) and for status or degree. Deut 28:43 says the foreigner will rise 'higher and higher' (maʿlâ maʿlâ). The idea of going up also stands for flourishing and honor.

Against the English

Most versions say 'leads upward'. KJV's 'is above' and YLT's 'on high' can sound like a place in the sky.

How it drifted

Readers who already think of heaven as up and hell as down tend to hear 'upward … hell beneath' as a contrast between heaven and hell. This happens most easily with the KJV.

Used elsewhere in the period

The Septuagint has no word for it here. Up and down imagery for life and death is common in the Psalms: being 'drawn up' from the pit (Ps 30:3; 40:2; 86:13). Ps 16:10–11 sets 'the path of life' (ʾōraḥ ḥayyîm) against being abandoned to Sheol.

From the study of 1 Chronicles 29:25

Range of meaning

Spatially 'upward, above, on top'. In degree, 'exceedingly, to a high degree'. It is especially common in Chronicles with verbs of exalting or increasing.

Against the English

'Exceedingly' (KJV, WEB), 'highly' (BSB), 'very' (ESV). All correctly take it as an intensifier. The physical 'upward' picture is lost, though it fits the idea of being raised high.

Used elsewhere in the period

1 Chr 14:2: David's kingdom 'was highly exalted (nisseʾt lemaʿlah)'. 1 Chr 22:5: the temple must be 'exceedingly magnificent'. 2 Chr 1:1: Solomon 'made exceedingly great'. 2 Chr 17:12; 26:8 use it of kings growing 'exceedingly' strong.

From the study of 1 Chronicles 29:3

Range of meaning

'Upward, above.' It is used for physical height, or with 'from' for amounts: 'beyond, more than.'

Against the English

KJV, WEB, BSB and YLT all have 'over and above,' which is exact.

Used elsewhere in the period

The same construction is used for exceeding a measure (e.g. 1 Chr 22:5 has a related 'greatly' idea, and 2 Chr 26:8 uses lema'lah for 'exceedingly').