Lexical Summary illah: Cause, reason, pretext Original Word: עִלָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance occasion (Aramaic) feminine from a root corresponding to alah; a pretext (as arising artificially) -- occasion. see HEBREW alah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to alah Definition matter, affair, occasion NASB Translation ground of accusation (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs עִלָּה noun feminine matter, affair, occasion (Syriac  , see Biblical Hebrew I. עלל); — absolute ׳ע Daniel 6:5 (twice in verse); Daniel 6:6 ( = ground of accusation). Topical Lexicon Concept and Essence עִלָּה denotes a ground, occasion, or pretext—especially one sought for accusation. It is the search for a legal or moral foothold against another person, whether real or fabricated. Though the term appears only three times, it vividly portrays the difference between genuine fault and contrived blame. Old Testament Occurrences Daniel 6 records the only biblical uses. Twice in Daniel 6:4 and once in Daniel 6:5, Babylonian officials attempt to uncover an עִלָּה against Daniel. The Berean Standard Bible reads: “Then the administrators and satraps sought to find grounds (עִלָּה) for complaint against Daniel in matters of the kingdom. But they could find no grounds for accusation … ” (Daniel 6:4). The repetition underscores both the officials’ determination and Daniel’s irreproachable integrity. When no genuine fault is discovered, the conspirators fabricate an edict targeting Daniel’s prayer life, exposing the darkness of hearts that weaponize the law to suppress godliness. Historical Setting Daniel served under Darius the Mede, when Persia retained many Babylonian administrative structures. Satraps governed provinces, and “administrators” (presidents) supervised them. The high performance and blameless character of an exile elevated to power bred envy. In that context, עִלָּה becomes a courtroom term; the accusers scour financial records and policy decisions for corruption or negligence but find none. Theological Significance 1. Righteousness Proven in Hostile Culture Daniel’s life affirms Proverbs 16:7: “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him,” though here peace is delayed. The absence of any עִלָּה magnifies the righteousness God works in His servants. The officials’ frustration models Romans 1:30–31 attitudes centuries later. When sin cannot locate a legitimate charge, it manufactures one. Thus עִלָּה becomes emblematic of false accusation, echoing Psalm 35:7, “Without cause they hid their net for me.” Just as no עִלָּה was found in Daniel, none could be laid against Jesus Christ (Luke 23:4). Daniel’s ordeal anticipates the greater Innocent who would be condemned without genuine cause, fulfilling Isaiah 53:9. Practical Ministry Applications • Integrity as Apologetics: Leaders today must cultivate “nothing against which an accusation could stand” (compare 1 Timothy 3:2). Genuine transparency disarms many critics. Related Biblical Motifs Although עִלָּה itself is confined to Daniel, its theme resonates with: Summary עִלָּה crystalizes the tension between authentic righteousness and fraudulent accusation. Daniel’s exemption from any valid charge elevates the power of a blameless testimony, anticipates the perfect innocence of Christ, and exhorts believers to integrity that withstands scrutiny in every generation. Forms and Transliterations עִלָּ֑א עִלָּ֛ה עִלָּ֨ה עלא עלה ‘il·lā ‘il·lāh ‘illā ‘illāh ilLa ilLahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 6:4 HEB: הֲו֨וֹ בָעַ֧יִן עִלָּ֛ה לְהַשְׁכָּחָ֥ה לְדָנִיֵּ֖אל NAS: to find a ground of accusation KJV: to find occasion against Daniel INT: began trying A ground to find Daniel Daniel 6:4 Daniel 6:5 3 Occurrences |
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