וְ/אַל
𐤅/𐤀𐤋
ʼal
lest
A negative particle used to express prohibition, negation, or exhortation, primarily in the context of prohibitive commands ('do not,' 'let not'), as well as jussive or optative expressions ('may it not be,' 'let it not happen'). Diverges from the simple negation expressed by לֹא (loʼ) by its specialized use with imperatives and jussive verb forms. Less commonly, functions as a noun meaning 'nothing' or 'not at all.'
2 Chronicles 35:21 · Word #26
Lexicon H408
| Lemma | אַל |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤀𐤋 |
| Transliteration | ʼal |
| Strong's | H408 |
| Definition | A negative particle used to express prohibition, negation, or exhortation, primarily in the context of prohibitive commands ('do not,' 'let not'), as well as jussive or optative expressions ('may it not be,' 'let it not happen'). Diverges from the simple negation expressed by לֹא (loʼ) by its specialized use with imperatives and jussive verb forms. Less commonly, functions as a noun meaning 'nothing' or 'not at all.' |
Morphology HC/Tn
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | T — Particle — Function word |
| Subtype | n — Negative — Negative particle |
Common Translation
| Phrase | lest |
SIBI-P1 Translation H408-04
and do not
| Morphological Notes | Conjunction וְ prefixed to prohibitive negative particle אַל; used with imperatives or jussive forms to express prohibition. |
| Rendering Rationale | The particle אַל expresses prohibitive negation, especially with commands or jussives. The prefixed וְ adds conjunction, yielding a coordinated prohibition: "and do not." |
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