(Aramaic) corresponding to עָלַל (in the sense of thrusting oneself in),; to enter; causatively, to introduce; bring in, come in, go in.
Transliteration:ʻălal
Pronunciation:al-al'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb `{{H5954}}` (ʻălal) corresponds directly to the Hebrew `{{H5953}}` (ʻālal), primarily conveying the sense of movement *into* a place or state. Its base definition emphasizes an active ingress, sometimes with the nuance of "thrusting oneself in." The semantic range of ʻălal includes:
* **To enter:** The most straightforward meaning, denoting simple physical movement into a location.
* **To come in / To go in:** Similar to "to enter," these variations often depend on the perspective of the speaker or the direction of movement relative to a reference point.
* **Causative (Aphel stem):** "To introduce" or "to bring in." This form indicates causing someone or something else to enter or be presented.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, `{{H5954}}` is found exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage varies from common physical entry to more significant theological contexts.
In **Ezra**:
* [[Ezra 4:15]] and [[Ezra 4:19]] employ ʻălal in a figurative sense, describing rebellion "being stirred up" or "coming into" existence within Jerusalem, highlighting the city's contentious history.
* [[Ezra 6:11]] uses the causative form, referring to the "introduction" or "bringing in" of an alteration to a royal decree, emphasizing the severity of such an act.
* [[Ezra 7:8]] and [[Ezra 7:9]] describe Ezra's physical journey and his "coming in" to Jerusalem, a straightforward use of the verb.
In **Daniel**:
* [[Daniel 2:24]] and [[Daniel 2:25]] illustrate both the simple and causative forms. Daniel "went in" to Arioch, and subsequently, Daniel was "brought in" before the king, demonstrating the process of gaining access to a sovereign.
* [[Daniel 4:7]] and [[Daniel 5:8]] describe the "coming in" of the king's wise men to interpret dreams, a routine entry into the royal presence.
* [[Daniel 6:18]] again uses the causative, noting that "no diversions were brought in" to King Darius, emphasizing his troubled state.
* [[Daniel 7:13]] presents a profoundly significant use, where "one like a son of man" "came in" (or "was brought in") to the presence of the "Ancient of Days." This celestial court scene is pivotal for its eschatological and Christological implications.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary cognate for `{{H5954}}` is the Hebrew verb `{{H5953}}` (ʻālal), which shares the core meaning of "to enter" but also encompasses broader semantic fields such as "to deal severely with," "to glean," or "to abuse." The Aramaic ʻălal largely retains the more focused meaning of ingress.
Other related concepts and Hebrew/Aramaic words include:
* `{{H935}}` (bôʼ): The most common Hebrew verb for "to come," "to go," or "to enter," serving as a close conceptual parallel.
* `{{H2363}}` (ḥûl): While often meaning "to writhe" or "to bring forth," it can imply a form of internal movement or entry into a state.
* Antonyms include verbs of exiting or departing, such as `{{H3318}}` (yâtsâʼ), "to go out" or "to come forth."
* Associated concepts include access, presence, initiation, introduction, and the act of ingress itself.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5954}}` is most pronounced in the book of Daniel.
* **Divine Presence and Access:** The culminating use in [[Daniel 7:13]], where the "Son of Man" *enters* the presence of the "Ancient of Days," is of immense theological importance. This depiction signifies a divinely ordained access to the ultimate authority, validating the Son of Man's role as a recipient of eternal dominion and glory. It speaks to a profound intimacy and authority granted within the divine council, foreshadowing the exaltation of Christ.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** In Ezra, the "stirring up" or "coming in" of rebellion ([[Ezra 4:15]], [[Ezra 4:19]]) highlights the human capacity for opposition to God's order and the consequences that inevitably follow. Conversely, the "bringing in" of a royal decree ([[Ezra 6:11]]) underscores the unchangeable nature of authoritative pronouncements, whether human or, by extension, divine.
* **Human Agency and Divine Providence:** The word's application to human actions of entering (Ezra's journey, Daniel's approach to the king) and being "brought in" by others or by divine blessing (Ezra's journey being under "the good hand of his God") illustrates the interplay between human initiative and God's overarching providential guidance in the unfolding of events.
### Summary
`{{H5954}}` (ʻălal) is an Aramaic verb primarily denoting "to enter," "to come in," or "to go in," with a causative sense of "to introduce" or "to bring in." Its occurrences are confined to the Aramaic portions of Ezra and Daniel, where it describes both ordinary physical entry and the profound spiritual act of gaining access to divine presence. Most notably, its use in [[Daniel 7:13]] to describe the "Son of Man" entering the presence of the "Ancient of Days" elevates ʻălal beyond a simple verb of motion, imbuing it with significant theological implications concerning divine access, authority, and eschatological vindication. The word thus serves as a crucial component in conveying both the mundane and the momentous within the Aramaic biblical narratives.
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