Lexical Summary abal: To mourn, to lament Original Word: אֲבָל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance but, indeed, nevertheless, verily Apparently from 'abal through the idea of negation; nay, i.e. Truly or yet -- but, indeed, nevertheless, verily. see HEBREW 'abal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition verily, of a truth NASB Translation however (2), nevertheless (2), no (2), truly (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲבָל adverb 1 in older Hebrew with an asseverative force, verily, of a truth Genesis 42:21; 2 Samuel 14:5; 1 Kings 1:43; 2 Kings 4:14, with a slight adversative force, nay, but Genesis 17:19 (P). 2 in late Hebrew as a decided adversative, howbeit, but Daniel 10:7,21; Ezra 10:13; 2Chronicles 1:4; 19:3; 33:17 (compare Arabic III. אבל (compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and Function אֲבָל functions as a strong adversative or emphatic particle, most often translated “but,” “no, but,” “nevertheless,” or “indeed.” It introduces either a decisive contrast to a preceding statement or an emphatic affirmation of a new assertion. Because it stands at strategic pivot points in narrative and dialogue, it frequently marks critical turns in covenant promise, moral conviction, royal decision, or prophetic revelation. Occurrences in the Pentateuch • Genesis 17:19 anchors the Abrahamic covenant’s miraculous element: “No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you shall name him Isaac.” The particle categorically overturns Abraham’s suggestion about Ishmael (17:18), sharpening the exclusivity of God’s promised line. Historical Narratives and Royal Court Contexts In court settings, אֲבָל can convey respectful contradiction or urgent correction: Chronicler’s Perspective The Chronicler uses אֲבָל to underscore covenant fidelity amid national decline: Post-Exilic Usage Ezra 10:13: “But there are many people; it is the rainy season, and we cannot stand outside.” The particle tempers zeal for immediate reform with practical wisdom, illustrating the balance of repentance and pastoral care during community restoration. Apocalyptic Revelation Daniel 10 employs אֲבָל twice to magnify heavenly disclosure: In both verses the particle heightens the exclusivity of Daniel’s revelation and the certainty of the prophetic script, assuring readers of divine sovereignty over unfolding history. Theological Themes 1. Divine Initiative over Human Proposal: Genesis 17:19 and 1 Kings 1:43 show God’s plans overriding human alternatives. Practical Implications for Ministry • Preaching: Use the adversative force of אֲבָל to highlight the gospel’s “but God” moments where grace overturns sin (compare Ephesians 2:4). Intertextual Echoes in the New Testament While ἀλλά in Greek functions similarly, Ephesians 2:4, Titus 3:4, and Hebrews 9:26 exemplify the same redemptive contrast: human inability answered by divine intervention. The Hebrew אֲבָל and the Greek ἀλλά together underscore the consistent Scriptural theme that God’s “nevertheless” changes destinies. Summary Across its eleven occurrences, אֲבָל consistently signals decisive contrast or emphatic affirmation, marking pivotal theological and narrative turns—from covenant promise and moral awakening to royal succession and apocalyptic revelation. Its presence invites readers and ministers alike to trace the sovereign “but” of God that overturns human expectation, convicts the conscience, and secures redemption’s unfolding story. Forms and Transliterations אֲבָ֕ל אֲבָ֗ל אֲבָ֛ל אֲבָ֞ל אֲבָל֙ אֲבָל֮ אבל ’ă·ḇāl ’ăḇāl aValLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 17:19 HEB: וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים אֲבָל֙ שָׂרָ֣ה אִשְׁתְּךָ֗ NAS: But God said, No, but Sarah your wife KJV: thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call INT: said God No Sarah your wife Genesis 42:21 2 Samuel 14:5 1 Kings 1:43 2 Kings 4:14 2 Chronicles 1:4 2 Chronicles 19:3 2 Chronicles 33:17 Ezra 10:13 Daniel 10:7 Daniel 10:21 11 Occurrences |
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of a truth, sometimes, from the context, nay rather Qor 2:82; 2:94; 2:110; 2:129; 2:149; 2:165; 2:261; 3:143; 4:52 etc.) 
able to manage camels, from 
, collective, Sabean אבל camel DHMZMG 1883, 329). On this etymology, form ׳אוֺ needs explanation; GFM (privately) queries whether, if Genuine, name may not be theophoric (x + £l), possibly error for אַדְבְּאֵל; or Aramaic Aph`el from יבל (which in any case may have influenced pronunciation).