אַל (al)
al
not
A:NegQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:Neg
Word Overview
In the Hebrew Bible, the word al functions as a strong negative command, translating to "do not" or "let not." It serves as an adverb of prohibition, issuing direct orders to refrain from specific actions. This usage is distinct from simple negation, carrying the weight of a divine or authoritative decree that demands immediate compliance.
While primarily Hebrew, this form appears in Aramaic sections of Scripture as well, where it retains its prohibitive force. The sources note its occurrence in Daniel, highlighting its role in the royal decrees and visions characteristic of that book. Here, it underscores the seriousness of the commands given to kings and subjects alike.
Translators often render this term with urgency, reflecting its nature as a sharp prohibition rather than a mere statement of fact. Its presence in Daniel emphasizes the tension between earthly authority and divine law, marking moments where obedience is non-negotiable.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word al functions as a firm prohibition in Hebrew, translating to "do not" or "let not." It is not merely a statement of fact but a direct command that demands immediate compliance. When you encounter this term in Scripture, it signals a boundary set by authority—often divine—that requires your attention and obedience.
In Daniel 2:24, Daniel uses this strong negative to stop the king’s executioners from destroying the wise men of Babylon. This moment highlights how al can interrupt a course of action that seems irreversible. It reminds us that even in high-stakes situations, there is room for intervention and mercy when we stand in faith.
This word invites you to recognize the weight of God’s commands in your own life. Whether it is a call to refrain from fear or to stop pursuing a harmful path, al marks a place where your response matters deeply. It is an invitation to pause, listen, and choose obedience over impulse.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- may not3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַל\־2×
- אַֽל\־1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:24
Therefore Daniel went in to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said this to him: “Don’t destroy the wise men of Babylon. Bring me in before the king, and I will show to the king the interpretation.”
Daniel uses this prohibition to halt the king's order to execute the wise men, showing its power to stop irreversible actions.
-
Daniel 5:10
The queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house. The queen spoke and said, “O king, live forever; don’t let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your face be changed.
The queen employs this term to command King Belshazzar not to let his thoughts trouble him, highlighting its use in calming royal anxiety.