אַל (al)
al
not
H:NegQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 509 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:Neg
Word Overview
The Hebrew word al functions as a qualified negation, distinct from the standard negative lo by expressing subjective wishes or prohibitions rather than objective facts. It translates most naturally as "do not," "let not," or "may it not be." This particle appears 509 times in the Old Testament, with significant frequency in Proverbs, Jeremiah, and Psalms, where it often carries a tone of earnest plea or gentle restraint.
Unlike lo, which simply states that something is not true, al introduces a desire for things to remain a certain way. It frequently appears in emotional appeals, such as when the daughters of Lot plead with their guests in Genesis 19:8, saying "do not do this evil thing." The sources note its use in Job 24:25 as a substantive noun meaning "nothing," highlighting its rare nominal application alongside its primary verbal role. Translators often render it as "nay" or "let there not be" to capture this deprecative force.
Its theological weight lies in its capacity to soften commands into requests or to express deep anxiety about potential outcomes. In 2 Kings 6:27, the Queen of Israel uses al to voice a fearful hypothetical: "If the Lord does not help you, how can I help you?" This usage reveals a linguistic nuance where the speaker acknowledges human limitation while appealing to divine mercy. The word serves as a bridge between prohibition and prayer, marking moments where the text shifts from declaration to desperate hope.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word al offers a gentle way to say no. It does not just state a fact like other negatives; it expresses a wish or a plea for things to stay as they are. This nuance turns a command into an invitation, softening the tone so that requests feel less like orders and more like care.
In Genesis 15:1, God uses this word when He tells Abram, “Don’t be afraid.” The phrasing suggests a tender reassurance rather than a strict prohibition. It invites trust by acknowledging human fear while offering divine protection. This small linguistic shift reveals how Scripture often meets us in our anxiety with grace.
When you encounter this word in your reading, notice the underlying warmth. It reminds us that God’s guidance is often framed as protective counsel rather than harsh decree. You can find comfort in knowing that biblical language frequently prioritizes relationship and peace over rigid authority.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 509 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- may not484×
- and/ may not127×
- may not [it be]7×
- do not4×
- may [you] not3×
- and/ may not [it be]2×
- may not [it be to]1×
- may not [it be so]1×
- may [we] not1×
- mau not1×
- into/ nothing1×
- and/ may not [you take]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַל\־432×
- וְ/אַל\־111×
- אַֽל\־62×
- וְ/אַֽל\־13×
- וְֽ/אַל\־6×
- אַ֣ל2×
- לְ֝/אַ֗ל1×
- וְ/אַ֣ל1×
- וְ/אֶל\־1×
- אַֽל\־1×
- אַ֨ל\־1×
- אַ֤ל1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 15:1
After these things Yahweh’s word came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Don’t be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
God uses this term to soften His reassurance to Abram, transforming a potential command into a tender invitation to trust.
-
Genesis 21:17
God heard the voice of the boy. The angel of God called to Hagar out of the sky, and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Don’t be afraid. For God has heard the voice of the boy where he is.
The angel employs this word to comfort Hagar, showing that divine reassurance often addresses immediate emotional distress.
-
Genesis 45:5
Now don’t be grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Joseph uses this phrasing to ease his brothers' guilt, demonstrating how gentle language can heal fractured relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between al and lo?
Why does God use al in Genesis 15:1?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (509 verses across 36 books)
Genesis 34 verses
Abram said to Lot, “Please, let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen; for…
Genesis 15:1After these things Yahweh’s word came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Don’t be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your…
Genesis 18:3and said, “My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don’t go away from your servant.
Genesis 18:30He said, “Oh don’t let the Lord be angry, and I will speak. What if there are thirty found there?” He said, “I will not…
Genesis 18:32He said, “Oh don’t let the Lord be angry, and I will speak just once more. What if ten are found there?” He said, “I…
Genesis 19:7He said, “Please, my brothers, don’t act so wickedly.
Genesis 19:8See now, I have two virgin daughters. Please let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them what seems good to…
Genesis 19:17It came to pass, when they had taken them out, that he said, “Escape for your life! Don’t look behind you, and don’t…
Genesis 19:18Lot said to them, “Oh, not so, my lord.
Genesis 21:12God said to Abraham, “Don’t let it be grievous in your sight because of the boy, and because of your servant. In all…
Genesis 21:16She went and sat down opposite him, a good way off, about a bow shot away. For she said, “Don’t let me see the death of…
Genesis 21:17God heard the voice of the boy. The angel of God called to Hagar out of the sky, and said to her, “What troubles you,…
Genesis 22:12He said, “Don’t lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not…
Genesis 24:56He said to them, “Don’t hinder me, since Yahweh has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.”
Genesis 26:2Yahweh appeared to him, and said, “Don’t go down into Egypt. Live in the land I will tell you about.
Genesis 26:24Yahweh appeared to him the same night, and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Don’t be afraid, for I am with…
Genesis 31:35She said to her father, “Don’t let my lord be angry that I can’t rise up before you; for I’m having my period.” He…
Genesis 33:10Jacob said, “Please, no, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present at my hand, because I have…
Genesis 35:17When she was in hard labor, the midwife said to her, “Don’t be afraid, for now you will have another son.”
Genesis 37:22Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him”—that he…
Genesis 37:27Come, and let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not let our hand be on him; for he is our brother, our flesh.” His…
Genesis 42:22Reuben answered them, saying, “Didn’t I tell you, saying, ‘Don’t sin against the child,’ and you wouldn’t listen?…
Genesis 43:23He said, “Peace be to you. Don’t be afraid. Your God, and the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks.…
Genesis 44:18Then Judah came near to him, and said, “Oh, my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s ears, and don’t…
Genesis 45:5Now don’t be grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Genesis 45:9Hurry, and go up to my father, and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says, “God has made me lord of all Egypt.…
Genesis 45:20Also, don’t concern yourselves about your belongings, for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.”
Genesis 45:24So he sent his brothers away, and they departed. He said to them, “See that you don’t quarrel on the way.”
Genesis 46:3He said, “I am God, the God of your father. Don’t be afraid to go down into Egypt, for there I will make of you a great…
Genesis 47:29The time came near that Israel must die, and he called his son Joseph, and said to him, “If now I have found favor in…
Genesis 49:4Boiling over like water, you shall not excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, then defiled it. He went up to…
Genesis 49:6My soul, don’t come into their council. My glory, don’t be united to their assembly; for in their anger they killed…
Genesis 50:19Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for am I in the place of God?
Genesis 50:21Now therefore don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” He comforted them, and spoke kindly to…