a.lah denotes swearing, including placing an oath on someone or making a sworn commitment.

The attested uses concern swearing: people may be made to swear under an oath, or swearing may be named among wrongful speech and conduct. The same usage also appears where an oath is connected with a covenant and where a mother had sworn concerning stolen silver.

1. Swearing or placing someone under an oath · dominant

   In 1 Kings 8:31, the Hiphil infinitive construct occurs in the clause where an oath is laid on a man after he sins against his neighbor; the APB renders the outcome as making him swear before the altar. 1 Samuel 14:24 likewise has a Hiphil sequential imperfect in Saul's action toward the people, while Hosea 4:2 and Hosea 10:4 use Qal infinitive absolutes in lists of conduct that include swearing. Judges 17:2 recalls what the speaker's mother had done regarding the stolen silver, and 2 Chronicles 6:22 presents an oath brought before the altar.

   1 Kings 8:311 Samuel 14:242 Chronicles 6:22Hosea 10:4Hosea 4:2Judges 17:2

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB variously presents the usage with “oath,” “make him swear,” “made the people swear,” “sworn oaths,” and “Swearing.” These are presentations of their respective clauses rather than fixed English equivalents.