ma.al marks what is positioned overhead, extends upward, exceeds a point, or continues onward in Scripture.

The adverb most often locates something overhead or in a higher position, whether objects, heaven, or coverings; it also marks upward direction, an age threshold and those beyond it, elevated status, and in a few clauses continuation from a stated time.

1. Positioned overhead or higher · dominant

   The adverb marks an upper spatial relation: in 1 Kings 7:20 the APB renders the capitals as "above," and in 1 Kings 8:7 it renders the cherubim as covering the ark "from above." It similarly identifies heaven as above the land in Deuteronomy 4:39 and the man clothed in linen as above the waters in Daniel 12:6.

   1 Kings 7:201 Kings 8:7Deuteronomy 4:39Daniel 12:6Exodus 25:212 Chronicles 34:4
2. Upward movement or direction · common

   In directional clauses, the adverb marks movement or orientation toward a higher point. In Exodus 25:20 the APB renders the cherubim's wings as spread "upward," while 2 Kings 19:30 contrasts taking root downward with bearing fruit upward; Ecclesiastes 3:21 likewise asks whether a human spirit goes upward.

   Exodus 25:20Exodus 37:92 Kings 19:30Ecclesiastes 3:21Amos 2:9
3. Beyond an age or stated threshold · common

   With an age expression, the adverb identifies those at that age and higher. The APB renders the clauses "from twenty years old and upward" in Exodus 30:14 and 2 Chronicles 25:5, and "from thirty years of age and upward" in 1 Chronicles 23:3.

   Exodus 30:14Exodus 38:261 Chronicles 23:31 Chronicles 23:242 Chronicles 25:52 Chronicles 31:17
4. Elevated in rank, stature, or degree · occasional

   The adverb can frame comparison or exaltation rather than a literal location. In Deuteronomy 28:13 the APB renders Israel as "only above and shall not be beneath," while 1 Samuel 9:2 describes Saul as higher than the people from his shoulder upward; 1 Chronicles 29:25 presents Solomon as magnified "to a high degree."

   Deuteronomy 28:13Deuteronomy 28:431 Samuel 9:21 Samuel 10:231 Chronicles 14:21 Chronicles 29:25
5. Continuing from a time onward · rare

   In time-setting clauses, the adverb marks continuation after the stated day. In 1 Samuel 16:13 the APB says the spirit rushed upon David "from that day and upward," and 1 Samuel 30:25 renders the resulting statute as applying "From that day forward."

   1 Samuel 16:131 Samuel 30:25

In the Anselm Project Bible: Across these verses, the APB commonly uses "above," "upward," and "upward" after an age expression, while comparative clauses use phrases such as "higher" or "to a high degree." Because the APB is a whole-verse translation, these renderings indicate the clauses' overall relations rather than a fixed English equivalent.