וְֽ/אַל
𐤅/𐤀𐤋
ʼal
and let not
A negative particle used to express prohibition, negation, or exhortation, primarily in the context of prohibitive commands ('do not,' 'let not'), as well as jussive or optative expressions ('may it not be,' 'let it not happen'). Diverges from the simple negation expressed by לֹא (loʼ) by its specialized use with imperatives and jussive verb forms. Less commonly, functions as a noun meaning 'nothing' or 'not at all.'
Job 16:18 · Word #5
Lexicon H408
| Lemma | אַל |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤀𐤋 |
| Transliteration | ʼal |
| Strong's | H408 |
| Definition | A negative particle used to express prohibition, negation, or exhortation, primarily in the context of prohibitive commands ('do not,' 'let not'), as well as jussive or optative expressions ('may it not be,' 'let it not happen'). Diverges from the simple negation expressed by לֹא (loʼ) by its specialized use with imperatives and jussive verb forms. Less commonly, functions as a noun meaning 'nothing' or 'not at all.' |
Morphology HC/Tn
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | T — Particle — Function word |
| Subtype | n — Negative — Negative particle |
Common Translation
| Phrase | and let not |
SIBI-P1 Translation H408-04
and do not
| Morphological Notes | Conjunction וְ prefixed to prohibitive negative particle אַל; used with imperatives or jussive forms to express prohibition. |
| Rendering Rationale | The particle אַל expresses prohibitive negation, especially with commands or jussives. The prefixed וְ adds conjunction, yielding a coordinated prohibition: "and do not." |
View full lexicon entry for H408 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
and let not
| Same as P1 | No — adjusted for context |
| Rationale | SIBI-P1 'and do not' is less accurate here. The Hebrew ve’al before a jussive typically renders as 'and let not' in context, matching the optative negative sense. |