Pronunciation: [ɪlˈɑː] (IPA) 
The word Elah is often spelled incorrectly as "Ela" or "Ila". The correct spelling is pronounced as /ˈeɪlə/ with the emphasis on the first syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word Elah is /ˈiːlə/ which represents the long "a" sound in the first syllable and the schwa sound in the second syllable. The word Elah is a Hebrew name that means "oak tree" and is often used in the Bible to refer to God as the "mighty one" or "strong one".
Elah refers to an ancient Semitic word of Hebrew origin that is primarily used as a noun in the Bible. In Hebrew, it is written as אֵלָה (pronounced ay-lah). Elah is a term with multiple meanings dependent on the context in which it is used.
One of the most widely recognized interpretations of Elah is that it refers to a type of large tree, called an oak tree, found in the Middle East. This particular tree was held in high regard in Jewish culture, often symbolizing strength and power. It can also be associated with divine figures, representing a place of worship or a sacred site. In this context, Elah could refer more generally to a sacred tree or grove.
Additionally, Elah is used in the Bible as a proper noun, specifically as the name of a valley. The Valley of Elah, located in present-day Israel, is most famously known as the site of the biblical encounter between David and Goliath, where David, a young shepherd, defeated the Philistine giant with a stone flung from his sling.
Overall, the term Elah encompasses meanings that range from a specific type of tree or grove to a geographic location. Its significance in the Bible relates to themes of strength, divinity, and historical events.
The word "Elah" has several possible origins and meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are a few etymological possibilities:
1. Hebrew: In Hebrew, "Elah" (אֵלָה) means "oak tree" or "terebinth tree". In the Hebrew Bible, this word is often used as a metaphor for strength or a symbol of the divine.
2. Aramaic: In Aramaic, "Elah" (אֶלָה) means "God" or "deity". It is a cognate of the Hebrew word "Eloah" (אֱלוֹהַּ), meaning "God" or "Deity".
3.
