The Hebrew verb אִלֵּץ comes from the root א-ל-ץ and means “to compel,” “to coerce,” or “to force.” It is typically found only in the Piel binyan, which expresses intensive or causative action. This verb is not used in the Qal or Niphal forms in the Hebrew Bible and Modern Hebrew. Its meaning carries a strong sense of pressure or obligation placed on a person or group.
The verb is rarely found in biblical Hebrew but appears more often in later Hebrew literature and Modern Hebrew, especially in contexts involving laws, duties, or emotional/psychological pressure. In biblical usage, verbs with similar functions are found (e.g., כָּפָה), but אִלֵּץ develops as a more technical term in post-biblical Hebrew.
Piel Binyan Conjugation of אִלֵּץ
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אִלַּצְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | אִלַּצְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | אִלַּצְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | אִלֵּץ |
| 3rd person feminine singular | אִלְּצָה |
| 1st person plural | אִלַּצְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | אִלַּצְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | אִלַּצְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | אִלְּצוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | מְאַלֵּץ |
| 2nd person masculine singular | מְאַלֵּץ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | מְאַלֶּצֶת |
| 3rd person masculine singular | מְאַלֵּץ |
| 3rd person feminine singular | מְאַלֶּצֶת |
| 1st person plural | מְאַלְּצִים |
| 2nd person masculine plural | מְאַלְּצִים |
| 2nd person feminine plural | מְאַלְּצוֹת |
| 3rd person plural | מְאַלְּצִים |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֲאַלֵּץ |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תְּאַלֵּץ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תְּאַלְּצִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יְאַלֵּץ |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תְּאַלֵּץ |
| 1st person plural | נְאַלֵּץ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תְּאַלְּצוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תְּאַלֵּצְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יְאַלְּצוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | אַלֵּץ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | אַלְּצִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | אַלְּצוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | אַלֵּצְנָה |
Usage Examples of אִלֵּץ
Although this verb is not found in the Hebrew Bible itself, it is common in Modern Hebrew and post-biblical literature. Here are some examples:
- הַמּוֹרֶה אִלֵּץ אֶת הַתַּלְמִידִים לִכְתּוֹב אֶת הַמִּבְחָן.
“The teacher compelled the students to write the exam.” - הוּא נֶאֱלַץ לַעֲזוֹב אֶת הָעִיר מִשּׁוּם הָאִיּוּמִים.
“He was forced to leave the city because of the threats.”
Note: The passive form נֶאֱלַץ is derived from the Niphal binyan and is used in Modern Hebrew. In biblical style, a different verb or construction might be used to express the same idea.
The Hebrew verb אִלֵּץ (illets) in the Piel binyan primarily means “to compel” or “to force”, but depending on context, it can also carry the softer nuance of “to urge”—especially when there’s strong encouragement or psychological pressure involved.
However, it’s important to distinguish:
- אִלֵּץ usually implies external pressure or coercion, sometimes even against one’s will.
- For “urge” in the sense of strong encouragement without coercion, Hebrew often uses other verbs, such as:
- דִּרְבֵּן (dirben) — to spur, to motivate
- שִׁדֵּל (shidel) — to coax, to persuade
- הִפְצִיר (hiftsir) — to plead or urge insistently (used in biblical contexts, like Genesis 19:3)
So while אִלֵּץ can sometimes be translated as “urge”, it typically leans toward “compel” or “force”, especially in legal, military, or behavioral contexts.
Summary
The verb אִלֵּץ is an important verb in Hebrew that expresses strong coercion or necessity. Though not found in the Hebrew Bible in its active form, it plays a key role in Modern Hebrew and Rabbinic texts. Its structure is regular within the Piel binyan, making it a good example for studying causative-intensives. As with many Hebrew verbs, understanding אִלֵּץ helps the learner navigate subtle differences between action, permission, and force in Hebrew verbal expression.
