מְלַל (me.lal)
me.lal
to speak
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb melal means simply to speak or to say. It appears only four times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the book of Daniel, where it serves as the standard term for verbal communication in the royal court.
This form is a Pael conjugation, reflecting the Semitic pattern that often intensifies or specifies an action. It functions as the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew malal (H4448), allowing the text to shift seamlessly between languages while maintaining a consistent meaning for dialogue and declaration.
Its restricted usage highlights the specific context of Daniel: official statements, royal decrees, and prophetic utterances within a foreign empire. The word carries no inherent emotional weight or rhetorical flourish; it is a neutral tool for conveying information, whether from kings to subjects or from prophets to rulers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word melal appears in Daniel to describe the act of speaking, particularly within the royal courts of ancient empires. It is not merely about making noise; it is about conveying authority, decree, or arrogant self-exaltation. In these texts, speech carries weight because it shapes reality for those who hear it.
When we read about the little horn speaking arrogantly, we see how words can be used to challenge divine authority. This reminds us that our own speech matters. Whether we are sharing truth or simply chatting with friends, our words reflect what is in our hearts and how we view God’s sovereignty.
In a world full of conflicting voices, this word invites us to consider the source and intent behind our own communications. It encourages mindfulness in conversation, ensuring that our words build up rather than tear down, aligning with the wisdom found throughout Scripture.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [was] speaking3×
- he will speak1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְמַלִּ֥ל1×
- מְמַלִּ֣ל1×
- מְמַלֱּלָ֑ה1×
- יְמַלִּ֔ל1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 7:8
“I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots; and behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking arrogantly.
This verse introduces the arrogant speaker whose mouth speaks haughtily, setting the stage for the conflict between human pride and divine judgment.
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Daniel 7:11
“I watched at that time because of the voice of the arrogant words which the horn spoke. I watched even until the animal was slain, and its body destroyed, and it was given to be burned with fire.
Here, the voice of the arrogant words is the catalyst for the vision’s climax, showing how spoken defiance leads to ultimate destruction.
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Daniel 7:25
He will speak words against the Most High, and will wear out the saints of the Most High. He will plan to change the times and the law; and they will be given into his hand until a time and times and half a time.
This occurrence highlights the direct challenge to God’s authority, as the figure speaks against the Most High and attempts to change divine law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does melal mean in Daniel?
Why is melal used instead of other words for speak?
What is the significance of the arrogant mouth in Daniel 7?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 4 verses
“I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the…
Daniel 7:11“I watched at that time because of the voice of the arrogant words which the horn spoke. I watched even until the…
Daniel 7:20and concerning the ten horns that were on its head and the other horn which came up, and before which three fell, even…
Daniel 7:25He will speak words against the Most High, and will wear out the saints of the Most High. He will plan to change the…