Lexical Summary
alu: Prominence, strength, leader
Original Word:אֲלוּ
Part of Speech:Interjection
Transliteration:aluw
Pronunciation:ah-loo
Phonetic Spelling:(al-oo')
KJV: behold
NASB:behold
Word Origin:[(Aramaic) probably prolonged fromH41 (אֲבִינָדָב - Abinadab)2]
1. lo!
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
behold
(Aramaic) probably prolonged from'el; lo! -- behold.
see HEBREW'el
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin(Aramaic) a prim. interj.
Definitionlo!
NASB Translationbehold (5).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
(derivation uncertain: usually regarded as by-form of , q. v.; compare Egyptian Aramaic , Cooke
No.73, RES
492 B = S-C
M b); —
Daniel 2:31 ,
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 2:31
Daniel 4:10
Daniel 4:13
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)
• InDaniel 2:31 the word introduces the colossal statue that summarizes Gentile world power from Babylon to the final kingdom.
• InDaniel 4:10 and 4:13 it frames Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the soaring tree and the descent of the watcher, highlighting both the glory and the impending judgment of the king.
• The repeated “behold” calls the pagan ruler—and the reader—to recognize that the Most High God rules over all earthly dominion.
2. Visions to the Prophet (Daniel 7:8)
• The double use of אֲלוּ brings Daniel’s focus to the “little horn” that uproots three horns and speaks arrogant words. This horn later becomes a foundational image for eschatological teaching on the Antichrist (cf.2 Thessalonians 2:3-4;Revelation 13).
• The twin “behold” serves to slow the pace, allowing the prophet (and the faithful reader) to contemplate the menace and blasphemy of this future ruler and to anticipate his ultimate defeat by the Son of Man (Daniel 7:13-14).
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).
2. Judgment and Mercy: The same word ushers in both warnings of judgment (the watcher announcing Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling) and promises of deliverance (the coming kingdom of the Son of Man).
3. Eschatology: By highlighting the “little horn,” אֲלוּ binds the book’s historical narratives to its future-oriented prophecies, fostering a continuous expectation that God will consummate His kingdom.
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.
• Spiritual Vigilance: Just as Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar were summoned to behold divine revelation, believers today are called to discern God’s hand in current events and to live in readiness for Christ’s return.
• Assurance of Sovereignty: Each “behold” in Daniel reminds the faithful that no earthly king, no arrogant power, and no eschatological antagonist can thwart the purposes of the Ancient of Days.
Forms and Transliterations
וַ֠אֲלוּ וַאֲל֥וּ וַאֲל֨וּ וַאֲלוּ֙ ואלו vaaLu wa’ălū wa·’ă·lū
Links
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Englishman's Greek Concordance •
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