עֲלַל (a.lal)

The Hebrew verb alal means to enter or come in, carrying a sense of movement into a space or presence. In the Old Testament, it appears only eight times, making it a relatively rare word. Its usage is concentrated heavily in the book of Daniel, where it describes physical entry into rooms, palaces, or other enclosed areas.

The lexicon data distinguishes between three forms: the basic stem (P'al) for going in, the causative (Aphel) for bringing someone in, and the passive (Hophal) for being brought in. This structural variety allows the text to shift focus between the actor entering and those who are received or led inside.

Because the word is so tightly linked to Daniel, it often sets scenes of royal audience or divine encounter. When characters alal into a king’s chamber or a specific location, the action marks a transition from the outside world into a place of authority or revelation. Translators typically render it simply as "come in" or "enter," reflecting its straightforward physical meaning without added metaphorical weight.