### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The word H5924 (עֵלָּא, ʻêllâʼ) is an Aramaic term, serving primarily as an adverb or preposition. It is derived from the more common Hebrew and Aramaic preposition H5921 (עַל, ʻal), which carries a broad range of meanings including "upon," "over," "above," "against," and "concerning." ʻêllâʼ specifically emphasizes the spatial sense of "above" or "over," often implying a position of elevation, superiority, or superintendence. Its semantic range extends beyond literal physical location to denote conceptual preeminence, governance, or even "in addition to" or "concerning" a subject.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, H5924 appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically within the books of Ezra and Daniel. Each occurrence provides nuanced insight into its usage:
* **[[Ezra 4:18]]**: "The letter which you sent to us has been read *above* (עֵלָּא) me clearly." Here, ʻêllâʼ denotes reading *before* or *in the presence of* the king, signifying a public or official reading to a person of authority. It conveys the sense of "in my hearing" or "before me."
* **[[Ezra 6:8]]**: "Moreover, I issue a decree concerning what you are to do *for* (עֵלָּא) these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God." In this context, ʻêllâʼ functions as "concerning" or "in addition to," specifying the subject of the royal decree. It indicates a provision made *for* or *regarding* the elders.
* **[[Daniel 6:3]]**: "Then this Daniel began distinguishing himself *above* (עֵלָּא) the other commissioners and satraps because he possessed an extraordinary spirit, and the king was considering setting him *over* (עֵלָּא) the whole kingdom." This verse offers two significant uses:
* The first instance, "distinguishing himself *above* (עֵלָּא) the other commissioners," clearly highlights Daniel's superior quality, wisdom, or character.
* The second, "setting him *over* (עֵלָּא) the whole kingdom," unequivocally signifies a position of supreme authority, rule, and governance. This demonstrates the word's application to administrative and hierarchical power.
* **[[Daniel 6:4]]**: "Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or corruption, inasmuch as he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found *in* (עֵלָּא) him." Here, ʻêllâʼ carries the meaning of "against" or "upon," referring to finding fault or corruption *in* or *attaching to* Daniel.
From these examples, ʻêllâʼ demonstrates a versatile semantic range, encompassing spatial "above," positional "in the presence of," conceptual "concerning" or "in addition to," hierarchical "superior to" or "ruling over," and attributive "found upon" or "against."
### Related Words & Concepts
* **H5921 (עַל, ʻal)**: As the foundational root of H5924, the Hebrew/Aramaic preposition ʻal shares a vast semantic overlap. While ʻal is broadly versatile, ʻêllâʼ often emphasizes the aspect of "above" or "over" with a strong implication of prominence, authority, or superiority, particularly in administrative or qualitative contexts.
* **Concepts of Authority and Sovereignty**: The use of ʻêllâʼ in [[Daniel 6:3]] to describe Daniel being set "over" the kingdom directly links the word to the biblical concepts of governance, dominion, and administrative power. This resonates with the broader theological theme of both human and divine sovereignty.
* **Excellence and Distinction**: Daniel's distinction "above" others ([[Daniel 6:3]]) connects ʻêllâʼ to the idea of superior quality, wisdom, and moral integrity. This aligns with biblical emphases on wisdom `{{H2451}}`, righteousness `{{H6666}}`, and faithfulness as qualities that lead to exaltation.
* **Divine Transcendence**: Although ʻêllâʼ is used in human contexts within these Aramaic passages, its core meaning of "above" or "over" inherently points to the ultimate "above-ness" of God. God is consistently depicted as being "above" all creation, rulers, and circumstances, signifying His absolute power and transcendence. The concept of being "above" carries an implicit theological weight concerning divine supremacy, even when not directly applied to God in these verses.
### Theological Significance
* **Divine Providence and Delegated Authority**: The most profound theological implication of H5924 is evident in its application to Daniel's appointment "over" the kingdom ([[Daniel 6:3]]). This illustrates the biblical principle that all human authority, even that of pagan kings, is delegated by God and operates under His ultimate sovereignty. The decrees issued, such as those in Ezra 6:8, are part of God's larger providential plan, often serving His purposes through human instruments.
* **God's Exaltation of the Righteous**: Daniel's elevation "above" his peers, attributed to his "extraordinary spirit" ([[Daniel 6:3]]), exemplifies God's pattern of honoring and exalting those who demonstrate faithfulness, integrity, and wisdom. This echoes biblical principles found in passages like [[1 Samuel 2:30]] ("those who honor me I will honor") and [[Proverbs 22:4]] ("By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life"). The word ʻêllâʼ thus becomes a linguistic marker for divine favor manifesting in human promotion.
* **The Unassailability of God's Servants**: The inability of Daniel's adversaries to find fault ʻêllâʼ (in/against) him ([[Daniel 6:4]]) underscores the integrity and blamelessness of a faithful servant of God, even amidst intense scrutiny and opposition. This highlights a theological truth that God protects and vindicates His own, making them resilient against unjust accusations and corruption.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H5924 (עֵלָּא, ʻêllâʼ), derived from H5921 (עַל), primarily denotes "above" or "over" but possesses a rich semantic breadth. Its occurrences in Ezra and Daniel reveal its use in conveying spatial position, but also more abstract concepts such as being "in the presence of" a superior ([[Ezra 4:18]]), "concerning" a decree ([[Ezra 6:8]]), "superior to" others in quality, and "ruling over" a domain ([[Daniel 6:3]]). It can also indicate something "found upon" or "against" an individual ([[Daniel 6:4]]). Theologically, ʻêllâʼ illuminates the divine establishment of human authority, God's pattern of exalting the righteous, and the protection afforded to His blameless servants, all implicitly pointing to God's ultimate and transcendent supremacy "above" all.
TRV