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אֲבָל

𐤀𐤁𐤋

ʼăbâl

H61 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

A particle of affirmation introducing a contrast or correction, typically used to strengthen or assert the reality of a statement in contrast to a mistaken assumption, expectation, or negative proposition. It often introduces a statement that modifies or overturns what preceded. Semantic range includes: 'but' (as an emphatic correction), 'indeed,' 'truly,' 'nevertheless.'

Semantic Range

but (emphatic correction), indeed, truly, nevertheless, however

Root / Etymology

Possibly from the root אבל ('to mourn'), but the etymology is uncertain; the semantic development from 'to mourn' is unclear and debated. Most likely, the term developed as a particle of affirmation or correction, with no clear derivation from a known verbal root.

Historical & Contextual Notes

אֲבָל appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, almost exclusively as a discourse marker introducing a strong correction or contrast (e.g., Genesis 42:21; 2 Kings 4:14; Job 34:12). It serves a function similar to English 'but,' 'indeed,' or 'truly,' yet with more forceful affirmation or rectification of the prior statement. The word is primarily attested in late compositions and reflects a development of Hebrew connecting and corrective particles (compare לָכֵן, אֲכֵן, אֻלָּם). In English translation, the nuance of strongly correcting or affirming a proposition is sometimes lost, being rendered simply as 'but' or 'indeed.' Lexically, אֲבָל never conveys the sense of mourning attached to the root אָבַל; such a connection is absent in usage. The later rabbinic Hebrew uses אֲבָל similarly, with the connotation of 'however' or 'but.'

Translation Consistency

primary "indeed" 11 occurrences

Most P2 renderings (10 of 11) use "indeed," and the SILEX sense emphasizes an emphatic affirmation that corrects or contrasts a prior assumption — a nuance best captured by “indeed” (more natural for this adverbial/affirmative function than the conjunction “but”). Using "indeed" ensures consistent, natural English that matches the typical semantic range (indeed/truly/nevertheless).

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently from אָבַל through the idea of negation; nay, i.e. truly or yet; but, indeed, nevertheless, verily.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been recorded for this word yet.

Root Family

אבל (ʼâbal) — to mourn, to lament, to grieve

Root אבל to mourn (root), but as a particle: to correct, affirm, contrast
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H56 אָבַל but indeed
H57 אָבֵל mourning man
H58 אָבֵל
H60 אֵבֶל mourning-of

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H61-01 אֲבָ֕ל aval HD Nevertheless but indeed but indeed 11

Occurrences in Scripture

11 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H61-01 Genesis 17:19 אֲבָל֙ aval HD No, but but indeed but indeed
H61-01 Genesis 42:21 אֲבָל֮ aval HD surely but indeed but indeed
H61-01 2 Samuel 14:5 אֲבָ֛ל aval HD Alas but indeed but indeed
H61-01 1 Kings 1:43 אֲבָ֕ל aval HD No but indeed but indeed
H61-01 2 Kings 4:14 אֲבָ֛ל aval HD Verily but indeed but indeed
H61-01 Daniel 10:7 אֲבָ֗ל aval HD nevertheless but indeed but indeed
H61-01 Daniel 10:21 אֲבָל֙ aval HD but but indeed but indeed
H61-01 Ezra 10:13 אֲבָ֞ל aval HD But but indeed but indeed
H61-01 2 Chronicles 1:4 אֲבָ֗ל aval HD however but indeed but indeed
H61-01 2 Chronicles 19:3 אֲבָ֕ל aval HD Nevertheless but indeed but indeed
H61-01 2 Chronicles 33:17 אֲבָל֙ aval HD Nevertheless but indeed but indeed
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