Biblical Hebrew Forum

["watts-westmaas" <watts-westmaas AT zonnet.nl>]

ALEPH-LAMED-MEM:  ELeM - I am finding it difficult to know who has
translated the verses from PSALM 56:1 and PSALM 58:2 most accurately. These
are the only two places where the root 'ALEPH-LAMED-MEM' is pronounced ELeM.
In my dictionary the word: 'ELem' is defined in hebrew as:  'SILENCE' or 'NO
ABILITY TO SPEAK'.  I then wonder why we have the word 'ILeM' (used in about
10 places).  In  Psalm 56:1 e.g. there just as many variations from:

The dove of silent distances, the distant dove of silence, the dove of
distant oaks, the silent dove in the distance, just to mention a few. I have
the same problem with Psalm 58:2.

Concerning Psalm 58:2 - I find difficult to understand precisely what the
psalmist was trying to convey - in hebrew of course.

Your expertise and comments will be much appreciated. Thankyou.