Lexical Summary alu: Prominence, strength, leader Original Word: אֲלוּ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance behold (Aramaic) probably prolonged from 'el; lo! -- behold. see HEBREW 'el NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) a prim. interj. Definition lo! NASB Translation behold (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲלוּ Interjection lo! (derivation uncertain: usually regarded as by-form of אֲרוּ, q. v.; compare Egyptian Aramaic הלו, CookeNo.73, RES492 B = S-CM b); — וַאֲלוּ Daniel 2:31 חָזֵי הֲוַיְתָ וַאֲלוּ, Daniel 4:7; Daniel 4:10; Daniel 7:8 always in description of a vision. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Literary FunctionThe interjection אֲלוּ appears only in the Aramaic sections of Daniel. Each time it serves as an emphatic “look!” or “behold!”, arresting the reader’s attention and underscoring a pivotal movement in a revelatory scene. Like the Hebrew hinneh, it signals that what follows is divinely significant and must not be missed. It functions both as a narrative spotlight and as a rhetorical summons to observe God’s unfolding plan. Distribution in Scripture Daniel 7:8 (twice) All five occurrences are tied to visions given either to Nebuchadnezzar or to Daniel himself, locating the word squarely within the prophetic and apocalyptic portions of the book. Role in Prophetic Visions 1. Visions to Pagan Kings (Daniel 2:31; 4:10; 4:13) 2. Visions to the Prophet (Daniel 7:8) Historical and Cultural Setting The Aramaic chapters of Daniel address a Gentile world where imperial power appears unassailable. By punctuating the dreams and visions with אֲלוּ, the inspired author confronts the prevailing worldview and asserts that history is neither random nor solely determined by human empire. Each “behold” uncovers an unseen reality—angelic watchers, heavenly courts, messianic dominion—reminding exiled Israel (and subsequent readers) that the God of Abraham remains sovereign even in foreign tongues and foreign lands. Theological Significance 1. Revelation: אֲלוּ signals moments when heaven discloses hidden truths. Whether revealing the trajectory of world kingdoms or exposing human pride, it testifies that “there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries” (Daniel 2:28). Practical Ministry Reflections • Preaching and Teaching: The strategic placement of אֲלוּ encourages preachers to pause at crucial junctures in Scripture, inviting the congregation to “look” with spiritual attentiveness. Forms and Transliterations וַ֠אֲלוּ וַאֲל֥וּ וַאֲל֨וּ וַאֲלוּ֙ ואלו vaaLu wa’ălū wa·’ă·lūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:31 HEB: חָזֵ֤ה הֲוַ֙יְתָ֙ וַאֲל֨וּ צְלֵ֥ם חַד֙ NAS: were looking and behold, there was a single KJV: sawest, and behold a great INT: were looking become and behold statue A single Daniel 4:10 Daniel 4:13 Daniel 7:8 Daniel 7:8 5 Occurrences |