MA'ALAH - VIRTUE, ASCENT

Petra Hadžidaova
Feb 8
3 min read

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,

but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.

Proverbs 10: 9 (NIV)

(1)

INTRODUCTION

What we sow, we reap back. Good deeds tend to elevate us to even greater deeds, as bad ones tend to lead to bad ones if we are not careful. We are commanded to seek righteousness and good deeds, to be virtuous. Virtue is morally good behaviour or character, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary. The Hebrew word for virtue is ma-ala. The word can also mean ascent, step, stair, elevation, or degree.

THE REWARDS AWAITING THE VIRTUOS

There were many great things Yeshua did during His earthly ministry. His miracles and healings touched many. So did His words. Yeshua made it clear that narrow is the path to the Kingdom to come. Only by believing in Him and following in His footsteps will we be able to enter through the narrow gate. On the Mount of Beatitudes, he sat and preached the Great Sermon. He revealed what awaited the virtuous who would obey and do what He said.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5: 3-12 (NIV)

WHAT IS A VIRTUE?

Per Merriam-Webster Dictionary, virtue is morally good behaviour or character. (2) In the biblical context, it refers to moral excellence and righteousness. It derives from the Latin word "virtus," which means strength or manliness.

These virtues, which are considered the fruit of the Spirit, are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (3)

MA’ALAH

The Hebrew term for virtue is ma’alah. It means ascent, step, stair, elevation, degree, and derives from the verb ma’aleh, which is rooted in the word alah, meaning to go up, ascend, climb. (4, 5, 6)

The word occurs about forty-seven times in the Hebrew Scriptures. It describes any upward movement, grade, or elevation—whether in geography, architecture, worship, or spiritual progress. Beyond the physical ascent, it becomes a metaphor for ethical and spiritual progress. (4)

YESHUA, OUR HELPER

It is not by might or power that this fruit gets cultivated. It is all by the Spirit of God. He is our helper, and it is through His strength that such fruit manifests and continues to grow. Even if we fall, the righteous always manage to get back up and learn. All works for the betterment of those who love God.

CONCLUSION

We are called to be righteous and do good deeds. To cultivate the fruit of the spirit - virtues - like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It doesn’t come by might or power, but by the help of the Holy Spirit. Virtues in the Biblical context refer to moral excellence and righteousness. The Hebrew term for virtue is ma’alah. It means ascent, step, stair, elevation, degree, and derives from the verb ma’aleh, which is rooted in the word alah, meaning to go up, ascend, climb.

Application

This upcoming week, try to cultivate one of the fruits of the Spirit by actively doing a good deed. For instance, give to the poor, give an encouraging word to someone, or be there for someone who needs you.

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