לָא (la)
la
not
A:NegQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 42 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:Neg
Word Overview
The word la is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew lo, functioning as a simple negative adverb meaning "not," "no," or "nothing." It appears in forty-two verses, primarily within the books of Daniel and Ezra, where it serves to negate statements or actions in the official correspondence and narratives of the Persian court.
Its usage is straightforward and practical, often appearing in legal or administrative contexts. For instance, it denies the existence of something, as when Daniel states there is no other man who can reveal mysteries (Daniel 2:10), or when Ezra records that certain officials had no right to touch the temple (Ezra 4:3). It also negates ability or permission, such as in Daniel 3:15, where Nebuchadnezzar tells Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego they will not be saved if they refuse to bow.
Translators typically render this word simply as "not" or "no," reflecting its direct function. In Daniel 4:32, it even appears in the form la with a pronominal suffix, meaning "nothing." The term carries no emotional weight or complex theological nuance; it is a tool of clear communication used to establish facts and boundaries in a foreign language setting.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word la serves as a clear, unambiguous negative in Aramaic texts like Daniel and Ezra. It functions simply to deny existence, ability, or permission within the administrative and legal contexts of the Persian court. When officials speak of what is not lawful or what cannot be done, they are establishing firm boundaries that protect the work of God from human interference.
For your faith, this straightforward usage reminds us that God’s purposes often stand in contrast to worldly power structures. In Daniel 2:10, the Chaldeans declare there is no man on earth who can reveal mysteries. This absolute negation highlights human limitation and points directly to divine sovereignty. We find comfort knowing that when earthly authorities say 'no' to God's people, it does not stop His plan.
These declarations of impossibility or prohibition often set the stage for God’s intervention. Whether it is Nebuchadnezzar threatening that his subjects will not be saved or Ezra noting that certain men had no right to touch the temple, these negatives define the limits of human authority. They invite us to trust in the One whose kingdom will never be destroyed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 42 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- not50×
- and/ not8×
- ¿/ not1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לָ֥א17×
- לָ֣א14×
- לָֽא\־5×
- לָ֤א5×
- לָא\־4×
- וְ/לָֽא\־4×
- וְ/לָא\־2×
- וְ/לָ֥א2×
- לָא֩1×
- לָ֨א1×
- לָ֧א1×
- לָ֦א1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:10
The Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on the earth who can show the king’s matter, because no king, lord, or ruler has asked such a thing of any magician, enchanter, or Chaldean.
This verse uses the word to assert the absolute impossibility of human wisdom solving the king's problem, thereby highlighting the necessity of divine revelation.
-
Daniel 2:44
“In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, nor will its sovereignty be left to another people; but it will break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it will stand forever.
Here the word negates the transfer of sovereignty, emphasizing that God’s eternal kingdom will remain intact and not be given to any other people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Aramaic word la mean?
How is la different from other Hebrew negatives?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (42 verses across 3 books)
Ezra 12 verses
Be it known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or…
Ezra 4:14Now because we eat the salt of the palace and it is not appropriate for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore we…
Ezra 4:16We inform the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, then you will have no possession beyond the River.
Ezra 4:21Make a decree now to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be built until a decree is made by me.
Ezra 5:5But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they didn’t make them cease until the matter should come to…
Ezra 5:16Then the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of God’s house which is in Jerusalem. Since that time even…
Ezra 6:8Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of…
Ezra 6:9That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also…
Ezra 7:22up to one hundred talents of silver, and to one hundred cors of wheat, and to one hundred baths of wine, and to one…
Ezra 7:24Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites,…
Ezra 7:25You, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all…
Ezra 7:26Whoever will not do the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed on him with all diligence,…