### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ʼălûw**, represented by `{{H431}}`, is an exclamatory term meaning **lo!** or **behold**. It appears 5 times across 4 unique verses, exclusively within the book of Daniel. This word functions as a literary device to draw immediate and heightened attention to a significant event or object, almost always within the context of a divine vision or dream.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H431}}` is consistently used to introduce the appearance of key prophetic symbols. It marks the moment a visionary's focus is directed to a new, often startling, element. For example, it is used when King Nebuchadnezzar first sees the "great image" in his dream [[Daniel 2:31]] and later when he sees both a great tree and a "watcher and an holy one" descending from heaven ([[Daniel 4:10]], [[Daniel 4:13]]). Daniel also uses the term twice to emphasize the appearance of the "little horn" that had eyes and a mouth [[Daniel 7:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the function of `{{H431}}`:
* `{{H2370}}` **chăzâʼ** (to gaze upon; behold, have (a dream), see): This verb of seeing is consistently used right before `{{H431}}`, establishing the act of witnessing a vision before a key element is revealed ([[Daniel 2:31]], [[Daniel 4:10]]).
* `{{H2376}}` **chêzêv** (a sight; look, vision): This noun defines the setting in which `{{H431}}` is used, as the exclamation "behold" appears within "the visions of my head" [[Daniel 4:13]].
* `{{H5559}}` **çᵉliq** (to ascend; come (up)): This word describes the action that is introduced by `{{H431}}`, as Daniel sees a horn "come up" among the others in his vision [[Daniel 7:8]].
* `{{H5182}}` **nᵉchath** (to descend; carry, come down): In a vision, Nebuchadnezzar sees a holy one "come down" from heaven, an action immediately following the use of `{{H431}}` to draw attention to the being [[Daniel 4:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H431}}` lies in its role as a marker for divine revelation.
* **Signaling Prophetic Symbols:** The term functions as a spotlight, indicating that the object or being introduced—such as the great image or the little horn—is not a mundane detail but a symbol carrying significant prophetic meaning ([[Daniel 2:31]], [[Daniel 7:8]]).
* **Announcing Divine Messengers:** It is used to herald the arrival of supernatural beings acting on God's behalf, such as the "watcher and an holy one" who comes down from heaven to deliver a divine decree [[Daniel 4:13]].
* **Emphasizing Visual Revelation:** By commanding the visionary to "behold," the word stresses the importance of the visual aspect of God's communication. It confirms that what is being seen is a direct and purposeful disclosure from God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H431}}` is a focused and powerful Aramaic interjection used exclusively in Daniel to punctuate moments of divine revelation. While its definition is simple, its function is critical. It serves as a verbal cue to pay close attention, signaling the sudden and significant appearance of prophetic symbols and heavenly agents within the visions granted to Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel.
TRV