אֲלוּ (a.lu)
a.lu
behold
A:IntjQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:Intj
Word Overview
The word a.lu is an interjection in Biblical Aramaic that translates to "behold" or "lo." It appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Daniel (Daniel 4:19 and 5:26). In these contexts, it serves as a sudden call for attention, signaling that what follows is significant or startling.
Lexical sources identify it as related to the Hebrew word al-lay ("woe"), though its function here is purely demonstrative rather than lamenting. It acts as a verbal spotlight, directing the reader’s focus to a specific event or statement. Translators typically render it simply as "behold" to preserve this abrupt, attention-grabbing quality without adding emotional weight that isn't present in the text.
Its rarity makes each occurrence distinctive. In Daniel 4:19, it introduces the king’s reaction to a troubling dream, while in Daniel 5:26, it precedes the interpretation of the mysterious writing on the wall. The word itself carries no additional theological nuance beyond its role as a marker of immediacy and importance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word אֲלוּ appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Daniel. It functions as an interjection meaning "behold," serving as a sudden call for attention. This rare term directs the reader's focus to something significant or startling that follows.
In Daniel 4:19, it introduces King Nebuchadnezzar’s reaction to a troubling dream. In Daniel 5:26, it precedes the interpretation of the mysterious writing on the wall. Its rarity makes each occurrence distinctive, acting as a verbal spotlight without adding emotional weight beyond immediacy.
When you encounter this word in Scripture, it invites you to pause and consider what God is revealing. It reminds us that some moments require our full attention, as divine messages often carry profound importance for our understanding of faith and history.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ lo!3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/אֲל֨וּ2×
- וַ֠/אֲלוּ1×