אָלַף

From the study of Proverbs 22:25

Range of meaning

To become familiar with, to get used to, to learn by habituation. In the intensive form it means "to teach". Related words: ʾallûp, "tame, docile" (Jer 11:19, "a gentle lamb"), and "intimate friend, companion" (Prov 2:17; 16:28; 17:9). Many lexicons also connect it with ʾelep/ʾălāpîm, "cattle, oxen" (Ps 8:7), which are the domesticated, tamed animals. That etymology is plausible but not certain.

Against the English

English "learn" suggests deliberate study or acquiring information. The Hebrew word is closer to "grow accustomed to", "pick up" or "have rub off on you". It is the learning that happens without your choosing it, through company kept over time.

Used elsewhere in the period

The simple active form occurs only here. The intensive form appears in Job (15:5, "your iniquity teaches your mouth"; 33:33; 35:11). The root is the ordinary word for "learn" in Aramaic, and later Jewish Aramaic and Syriac use it constantly, so it may sound slightly learned or international in Hebrew. The Septuagint uses manthanō, "learn".

From the study of Job 15:5

Range of meaning

In its simple form it means 'to learn, become familiar with' (Prov 22:25, 'lest you learn his ways'). In the intensive form used here it means 'to teach, train, instruct'. The word is related to Aramaic ʾlp, 'learn/teach', and is closer to Aramaic than to ordinary Hebrew, where the usual word is lāmad.

Against the English

Most English versions have 'teaches' or 'instructs'. The NIV's 'prompts' reads it as a prompter feeding lines. The KJV's 'uttereth' goes further from the verb and makes the mouth the one speaking. That only works if 'teach' is taken to mean 'make known'.

Used elsewhere in the period

This rare verb comes mostly from the Job poet (15:5; 33:33; 35:11), alongside Prov 22:25. In 33:33 Elihu says 'I will teach you wisdom', and in 35:11 God 'teaches us more than the beasts'. The book uses the vocabulary of teaching to raise the question of who is really instructing whom.

From the study of Job 35:11

Range of meaning

A rare verb meaning 'to learn, become familiar with' (simple stem) and 'to teach, train' (Piel, the causative-intensive stem). It occurs only four times: Prov 22:25 ('lest you learn his ways') and Job 15:5, 33:33 and 35:11. The idea is shaping someone by familiarity and habit, not just passing on facts.

Against the English

English 'teaches' is accurate. 'Train' or 'instruct' brings out the practical, formative sense a bit better.

Used elsewhere in the period

The verb is common in Aramaic and Syriac ('to teach'), and it is one of several Aramaic-flavoured words in Elihu's speeches. Elihu has already used it of himself in Job 33:33: 'be silent, and I will teach you (ʾăʾallepkā) wisdom.' Now he uses the same verb of God. Hebrew also has ʾelep/ʾallûp, 'cattle, tame oxen.' Some lexicons link these to a basic sense of 'to be tame, accustomed,' but the connection is uncertain. If it holds, using a 'taming' verb next to 'beasts' would be a fitting touch, but it should not be pressed.