עַל (al)
al
since
A:PrepQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 58 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:Prep
Word Overview
The preposition `al` is one of the most common and versatile words in Hebrew, functioning as a spatial marker meaning "upon," "over," or "on." Its basic sense involves physical contact or position, such as an object resting on a surface or a person standing upon a path. This concrete usage grounds its many abstract applications, creating a bridge between tangible location and relational direction.
Beyond physical placement, `al` frequently expresses causality or reference, translating to "on account of," "concerning," or "regarding." It indicates the target of an action or the subject under discussion. In the books of Ezra and Daniel, where this word appears often, it connects events to their reasons or contexts, such as when officials write concerning specific matters or when a king rules over a territory.
A notable feature of `al` is its ability to denote direction toward a goal or even opposition, meaning "against." This dual capacity for support and conflict highlights the word's flexibility. Translators must carefully choose between "on," "about," or "against" based on context, as the Hebrew preposition itself does not distinguish these nuances without surrounding words.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about officials writing letters against Jerusalem or kings issuing decrees concerning the temple, the Hebrew word al is often at work. It carries a wide range of meanings, from physical location to causal connection. Understanding this flexibility helps us see how God’s people navigated complex political landscapes, where every decision was made “concerning” specific matters or “against” certain threats.
This word reminds us that our lives are lived in real contexts. Whether we are dealing with opposition or seeking clarity on a difficult path, al shows how actions connect to reasons and results. It grounds our faith in the concrete realities of history, showing that God is present even when letters are sent and walls are built.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 58 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- on18×
- concerning9×
- to8×
- over7×
- to/ us3×
- against3×
- to/ you2×
- to/ him2×
- on/ him2×
- concerning/ you2×
- [will be] on2×
- to/ them1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַל\־35×
- עַֽל\־7×
- עֲל֑וֹ/הִי3×
- וְ/עַל\־3×
- עַ֨ל\־2×
- עַ֖ל2×
- עֲלָ֔/ךְ2×
- עֲל֔וֹ/הִי2×
- עַ֤ל1×
- עַ֣ל1×
- עַ֛ל1×
- עֲלֹ֑/הִי1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 4:8
Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king as follows.
The word indicates direction toward a target, showing how opposition was formally directed against the city.
-
Ezra 5:5
But 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 Darius, and an answer should be returned by letter concerning it.
Here it marks the subject of discussion, highlighting that divine protection was active concerning the elders' situation.
-
Ezra 7:14
Because you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of your God which is in your hand,
It specifies the purpose of the mission, showing the inquiry was focused specifically on Judah and Jerusalem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word al mean?
How is al different from other Hebrew prepositions?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (58 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 27 verses
Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king as follows.
Ezra 4:11This is the copy of the letter that they sent: To King Artaxerxes, from your servants, the people beyond the River.
Ezra 4:12Be it known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us to Jerusalem. They are building the…
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 4:15that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will see in the book of the records, and know…
Ezra 4:17Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions…
Ezra 4:18The letter which you sent to us has been plainly read before me.
Ezra 4:19I decreed, and search has been made, and it was found that this city has made insurrection against kings in the past,…
Ezra 4:20There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute,…
Ezra 4:22Be careful that you not be slack doing so. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
Ezra 4:23Then when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they…
Ezra 5:1Now the prophets, Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and…
Ezra 5:3At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, came to them, with Shetharbozenai and their companions, and…
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 5:6The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the…
Ezra 5:7They sent a letter to him, in which was written: To Darius the king, all peace.
Ezra 5:15He said to him, ‘Take these vessels, go, put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let God’s house be built in…
Ezra 5:17Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at…
Ezra 6:7Leave the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of…
Ezra 6:11I have also made a decree that whoever alters this message, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be…
Ezra 6:17They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a…
Ezra 6:18They set the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God which is at Jerusalem,…
Ezra 7:14Because you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the…
Ezra 7:17Therefore you shall with all diligence buy with this money bulls, rams, and lambs with their meal offerings and their…
Ezra 7:18Whatever seems good to you and to your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, do that according to…
Ezra 7:23Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should…
Ezra 7:24Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites,…