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אַל

𐤀𐤋

ʼal

H408 particle

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain to negate, prohibit, forbear, express a forbidding

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.'

Semantic Range

prohibitive negation (do not, let not), negative exhortation, optative imprecation (may it not be), rare nominal use (nothing, not at all)

Root / Etymology

Root uncertain. Possibly related to the negative particle לֹא (H3808), but the precise etymology is debated; both אַל and לֹא function as negative particles, but אַל is specialized toward prohibitive uses. Lexically distinct from לֹא, which is used for general negation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

אַַל is a prohibitive negation particle, most often appearing with second person imperatives or jussive forms to express prohibitions, warnings, or appeals (e.g., 'do not fear,' 'let not your heart be troubled'). While לֹא is used for declarative, factual negation ('it is not'), אַל is specifically for requests, commands, warnings, or prayers. This distinction is generally consistent across Biblical Hebrew periods, but instances in post-exilic and poetic texts sometimes show flexibility. The noun use in Job 24:25 ('nothing') is rare and exceptional. Standard English translations often conflate אַל and לֹא simply as 'not,' but they function differently grammar-wise in Hebrew. Understanding the nuance is especially important when interpreting commands or advice in biblical texts. Contrast also with בִּלְתִּי (bilti), a more absolute or exclusionary negation, and with אֵין (ʼein), a substantive 'there is not.'

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a negative particle (akin to לֹא); not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (Job 24:25) as a noun, nothing; nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.

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Root Family

אל (ʾ-l) — direction toward, approach, nearness, orientation toward, accompaniment

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1008 בֵּית־אֵל toward
H3317 יִפְתַּח־אֵל toward
H352 אַיִל toward
H3815 לָאֵל Belonging to El
H4027 מִגְדַּל־אֵל toward

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H408-01 אַל al HTn not upon / over 573
H408-04 וְ/אַֽל veal HC/Tn and do not and do not 147
H408-02 אֶל el HTn against toward 3
H408-05 וְ/אֶל veel HC/R and against and toward 1
H408-03 לְ֝/אַ֗ל leal HR/Tn to-nothing do not 1

Occurrences in Scripture

725 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H408-01 Genesis 13:8 אַל al HTn no upon / over
H408-01 Genesis 15:1 אַל al HTn Do not upon / over
H408-01 Genesis 18:3 אַל al HTn do not upon / over
H408-01 Genesis 18:30 אַל al HTn let not upon / over
H408-01 Genesis 18:32 אַל al HTn let not upon / over
H408-01 Genesis 19:7 אַל al HTn no upon / over
H408-01 Genesis 19:8 אַל al HTn do not upon / over
H408-01 Genesis 19:17 אַל al-2 HTn Do not upon / over
H408-04 Genesis 19:17 וְ/אַֽל veal HC/Tn nor and do not
H408-01 Genesis 19:18 אַל al HTn not so / no upon / over
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