Biblical Hebrew’s prohibitive particle אַל delivers more than grammatical negation—it channels divine restraint, ethical urgency, and rhetorical immediacy. Unlike לֹא, which asserts factual non-occurrence, אַל operates in the jussive or imperative mood to halt volition: “Do not fear” (אַל־תִּירָא) and “Let him not say” (אַל־יֹאמַר) are modal appeals layered with emotional nuance. Whether as judicial command, poetic lament, or prophetic plea, אַל infuses prohibition with stylistic solemnity and theological depth, shaping not only what must not happen, but how the speaker engages moral and spiritual accountability.
Commanding the “Don’t”: The Grammatical Power of אַל
In Biblical Hebrew, the negative particle אַל is used specifically in prohibitive constructions. Unlike לֹא, which expresses indicative negation of statements or facts, אַל is modal—it addresses actions that should not occur, usually in the jussive or imperative mood. It occurs most commonly with second-person verbs, but also with third-person jussives and sometimes with infinitives.
This particle conveys warnings, prohibitions, and divine injunctions and is often used in imperative-like commands with a tone of urgency or solemnity.
Syntax: אַל + Jussive/Imperfect Forms
The particle אַל generally precedes a verb in the jussive or imperfect form. This construction negates the volitional or desired action rather than a factual occurrence.
Common Patterns:
- אַל + second person jussive/imperfect: Direct prohibition to the listener
- אַל + third person jussive: Prohibition directed at someone not present
Examples:
- אַל־תִּירָא – “Do not fear”
- אַל־תֹּאכַל – “Do not eat”
- אַל־יֹאמַר אִישׁ – “Let no one say” / “May no man say”
- אַל נָא תִּשְׁלַח יָדְךָ – “Please do not stretch out your hand”
These constructions carry either authoritative injunctions (commandments) or emotive appeals, depending on the discourse context.
Table of Uses: Prohibitive אַל in Action
| Hebrew | Literal Translation | Verb Mood | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| אַל־תִּירָא | Do not fear | 2ms jussive | Encouragement |
| אַל־תֵּלֵךְ | Do not go | 2ms jussive | Direct command |
| אַל־יֵרֵא | Let him not fear | 3ms jussive | Prohibition to a third party |
| אַל נָא תַּעֲבֹר | Do not, please, pass over | 2ms jussive with particle of entreaty | Polite or emphatic plea |
אַל vs. לֹא: A Functional Contrast
The difference between אַל and לֹא is not simply stylistic, but grammatical and semantic:
- אַל: Used with the jussive/imperfect for commands, requests, and prohibitions
- לֹא: Used with indicative forms to negate facts or predictions
Compare:
- אַל־תִּקְרָא – “Do not read” (a command)
- לֹא קָרָאתָ – “You did not read” (a statement of fact)
Stylistic Range: From Divine Command to Poetic Plea
אַל appears in a wide range of genres:
- Legal and divine speech: Negative commandments (e.g., אַל־תִּתֵּן – “Do not give”).
- Poetry and lamentation: Evoking restraint or sorrow (e.g., אַל־תֵּבְךְּ – “Do not weep”).
- Prophetic voice: Divine appeals or judicial warnings.
The emotional tone can range from stern prohibition to gentle imploration, often marked by the addition of particles like נָא (“please”).
Theological and Literary Impact of אַל
The particle אַל contributes to some of the most intimate and intense moments in the Hebrew Bible:
- אַל־נָא תִּשְׁלַח יָדְךָ אֶל־הַנַּעַר – “Please do not stretch out your hand against the boy” (Genesis 22:12)
- אַל־תֵּלֵךְ בְּדֶרֶךְ עִמָּם – “Do not go with them” (Numbers 22:12)
Such prohibitions express divine mercy, ethical restraint, or prophetic urgency.
A Prohibition with Precision
אַל is the precision tool for expressing prohibition in Biblical Hebrew. It functions:
- In contrast to factual negation (לֹא)
- With modal force (command, plea, restraint)
- In elevated discourse of law, poetry, and prophecy
Mastering the use of אַל is essential to understanding Biblical command structures, ethical injunctions, and the emotional register of Hebrew narrative and poetry.
