קָל
Definition
The Aramaic noun קָל (qâl) primarily means 'sound' or 'voice.' In the book of Daniel, it most often refers to the sound of musical instruments, as in the command to worship the golden image at the 'sound' of the horn, pipe, and lyre (Daniel 3:5, 3:10, 3:15). It also denotes a voice from heaven, specifically the divine voice that speaks to King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:31). In a more dramatic context, it describes the overwhelming sound or 'roar' of a great multitude, as with the boastful words of the 'little horn' (Daniel 7:11).
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel. Its usage consistently relates to audible phenomena that carry significant authority or command attention. It appears in contexts of royal decree (the sound of instruments signaling compulsory worship in Daniel 3:5, 3:7, 3:10, 3:15), divine proclamation (the heavenly voice in Daniel 4:31), a king's distressed cry (Daniel 6:20), and the terrifying sound of arrogant speech from a prophetic vision (Daniel 7:11).
Etymology
קָל is the Aramaic cognate of the Hebrew noun קוֹל (qôl, H6963), both meaning 'voice' or 'sound.' It derives from a common Semitic root. In Aramaic, it functions identically to its Hebrew counterpart, showing the close linguistic relationship between the two languages used in the Old Testament.
Semantic Range
In Daniel, קָל is often the vehicle for messages of supreme authority, whether human or divine. The 'sound' of the instruments represents the coercive power of a pagan king's command, setting up a direct conflict with God's authority. Conversely, the 'voice' from heaven in Daniel 4:31 is the instrument of God's sovereign judgment upon Nebuchadnezzar. Understanding this word highlights the biblical theme of competing sovereignties and the ultimate supremacy of God's word over every other commanding 'voice' in the world.
In the context of Daniel 3, the 'sound' (qâl) of specific instruments functioned as an official, public signal within the Babylonian empire, akin to a royal fanfare or command. For the original audience, this would have immediately communicated the absolute and non-negotiable nature of the king's decree. The heavenly 'voice' in Daniel 4:31 would be understood as a direct, supernatural intervention, a concept familiar in ancient Near Eastern monarchies where kings received messages from the gods.
No direct Aramaic synonyms are provided in the brief text, but its Hebrew equivalent is קוֹל (qôl, H6963) — carries the same core meaning of 'voice' or 'sound' in Hebrew scripture.
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 →