עֲלַל
to enter; causatively, to introduce
Definition
The Aramaic verb עֲלַל (ʻălal) primarily means 'to enter' or 'to go in,' describing a person's physical movement into a space, as when Daniel 'went in' to King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:16). In its causative stem (Haphʿel), it means 'to bring in' or 'to introduce,' where a subject causes someone or something to enter, such as when the king's wise men were 'brought in' before him (Daniel 2:24). This dual sense of simple entry and causative introduction is consistent across its uses, all found in the Aramaic portions of Daniel, reflecting actions within royal court settings.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the book of Daniel (13 times), always in narratives involving the Babylonian court. It describes the comings and goings of officials, advisors, and the king himself. The simple 'to enter' sense appears in contexts like Daniel requesting time and then 'going in' to the king (Daniel 2:16). The causative 'to bring in' is used for the formal presentation of individuals, such as the Chaldeans being 'brought in' before the king (Daniel 2:24) or Daniel himself being 'brought in' to interpret the handwriting on the wall (Daniel 5:7-8).
Etymology
This is an Aramaic verb corresponding to the Hebrew verb עָלַל (ʻālal, H5953). While the Hebrew root can carry meanings like 'to deal with' or 'to glean,' the Aramaic עֲלַל specifically developed the sense of 'thrusting in' or 'entering.' It shares a common Semitic root concept related to penetration or insertion. Its specialized use in Biblical Aramaic is almost entirely for literal entry into a presence or place.
Semantic Range
While the word itself describes a mundane action, its consistent use in Daniel's court narratives is theologically significant. It frames the interactions between God's prophet and pagan imperial power. Each 'entering' or 'being brought in' (Daniel 2:24-25, 5:7-8) is a moment where divine wisdom and revelation penetrate the heart of a human kingdom. Understanding this term highlights how God's servant moves within and accesses the highest seats of worldly authority to deliver God's message, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all nations.
In the context of the Babylonian and Medo-Persian courts depicted in Daniel, 'entering' the king's presence was a formal, regulated act. One did not casually 'go in' to the king; it required permission, protocol, and often being 'brought in' by officials (Daniel 2:24-25, 4:6-7). This reflects the highly structured and hierarchical nature of ancient Near Eastern monarchies, where access to the ruler was controlled. The word captures the ceremonial aspect of approaching absolute power, differing from a simple modern idea of walking into a room.
עָלַל (ʻālal, H5953) — The Hebrew cognate, with a broader semantic range including 'to deal with,' 'to glean,' or 'to abuse.' עֲלַל is its Aramaic counterpart with the specialized meaning of entry. שְׁרָא (shᵉrāʼ, H8271) — Another Aramaic verb meaning 'to remain' or 'to dwell,' focusing on being present rather than the act of entering.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →