קָל (qal)
qal
voice: sound
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic word qal denotes a sound or voice, functioning as the direct counterpart to the Hebrew qol. In the biblical text, it appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, reflecting the language of the Babylonian and Persian courts where the narrative is set. Its usage is sparse, occurring only five times across the entire canon.
Despite its limited frequency, the term carries significant weight in key prophetic visions. It describes the audible manifestation of divine authority, such as the voice that speaks from the midst of a fiery furnace or the sound accompanying celestial judgments. Translators typically render it simply as "voice" or "sound," preserving the stark, auditory nature of these encounters without adding interpretive layers.
Its presence in Daniel highlights the linguistic shift from Hebrew to Aramaic during the exile period. By using qal instead of its Hebrew equivalent, the text mirrors the historical reality of Israel’s diaspora experience. The word serves as a linguistic marker of foreign dominion while simultaneously affirming that God’s voice remains intelligible even within pagan empires.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter the word for 'voice' in Daniel, we are reminded that God’s presence is not confined to a single language or culture. In the midst of Babylon’s imperial power, where Nebuchadnezzar demanded universal worship through the blast of trumpets and pipes, the text uses this Aramaic term to describe both the king’s commanding decree and the divine voice speaking from the fire. This contrast shows us that human authority may roar, but God’s voice remains distinct and sovereign.
For your faith life, this offers a quiet assurance. You do not need to shout over the noise of the world to be heard by God, nor must you fear the loud demands of culture more than His gentle call. Whether in Hebrew or Aramaic, the Creator’s voice cuts through the chaos with clarity. It invites us to listen for what is eternal amidst what is temporary.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] sound of5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קָ֣ל4×
- קָל֙1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 3:5
that whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, you fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up.
This verse establishes the 'sound' as the trigger for forced worship, highlighting how human authority uses auditory commands to demand allegiance.
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Daniel 3:15
Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music to fall down and worship the image which I have made, good; but if you don’t worship, you shall be cast the same hour into the middle of a burning fiery furnace. Who is that god who will deliver you out of my hands?”
Nebuchadnezzar’s challenge relies on hearing this specific 'sound' as proof of submission, contrasting earthly power with divine deliverance.
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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' belongs to the arrogant horn, showing how even blasphemous speech is audible but ultimately subject to God’s judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Daniel use this Aramaic word for 'voice' instead of Hebrew?
How many times does this word appear in the Bible?
What is the difference between this word and the Hebrew 'qol'?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 5 verses
that whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, you fall down…
Daniel 3:7Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all…
Daniel 3:10You, O king, have made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and…
Daniel 3:15Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music…
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…