Lexical Summary al: not, no, do not Original Word: אַל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance not (Aramaic) corresponding to 'al -- not. see HEBREW 'al NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to al Definition not. Brown-Driver-Briggs אַל adverb of prohibition, do not . . ., let not . . ., followed by imperfect ( = Biblical Hebrew I. אַל; Zenjirli אל (Had22. 23. 29) Cooke160f.; compare Pahlavi (NöGGA, 1884, 1016); not ᵑ7 Syriac); — Daniel 2:24 אַלֹתְּֿהוֺבֵד, Daniel 4:16; Daniel 5:10. Topical Lexicon Word Overview אַל (ʾal, Strong’s Hebrew 409) functions as a prohibitive particle in Biblical Aramaic, equivalent to the English “do not” or “let not.” Although brief, the term supplies the force of urgent negation, communicating both restraint and pastoral concern. Occurrences in Daniel • Daniel 2:24 – Daniel intercedes with Arioch: “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon! Bring me before the king, and I will give him the interpretation.” The prohibition preserves life, foreshadowing divine mercy extended through revelation. Historical Background These occurrences appear in the Aramaic sections of Daniel (2:4–7:28), a setting that reflects Judah’s exile under Babylonian and Medo-Persian rule. Aramaic had become the lingua franca of the Near East, so the Spirit-inspired choice of vocabulary reached both Jewish exiles and Gentile courts. In each text אַל conveys an immediate prohibition set within royal dialogue, illustrating how covenant truth confronts imperial power. Literary and Theological Significance 1. Preservation of Life and Wisdom (Daniel 2:24) – The negative command halts impending slaughter, portraying the protection God grants through faithful intercessors. Practical Ministry Applications • Pastoral Intervention – Like Daniel, believers are called to step into crises, issuing godly prohibitions that protect life and open doors for gospel explanation. Christological and Eschatological Connections Daniel’s use of אַל within royal courts prefigures Jesus Christ, who issues ultimate prohibitions against fear for those trusting Him (Matthew 10:28). Yet He also warns unrepentant powers of coming judgment (Matthew 23:37-39). Likewise, Revelation echoes Daniel’s pattern: encouragement to the faithful (Revelation 1:17, “Do not be afraid”) alongside warnings to the proud (Revelation 18:4). Related Biblical Themes • Fear versus Faith – Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 14:27. Thus, אַל, though a small particle, carries weighty theological freight: it calls for immediate obedience, offers compassionate restraint, and frames the moral choices that determine life or death under God’s sovereign rule. Forms and Transliterations אַֽל־ אַל־ אל־ ’al- alLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:24 HEB: לְחַכִּימֵ֤י בָבֶל֙ אַל־ תְּהוֹבֵ֔ד הַעֵ֙לְנִי֙ KJV: unto him; Destroy not the wise INT: men of Babylon not destroy Take Daniel 4:19 Daniel 5:10 Daniel 5:10 |
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