### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **bên**, represented by `{{H1123}}`, functions as the Aramaic counterpart to the Hebrew word for **son**. It appears 11 times across 10 unique verses and carries a wide sense of meaning, including **child**, **son**, or **young**. It is fundamentally tied to the idea of being a builder of the family name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1123}}` is used in several key contexts. It most frequently identifies a specific group of people: the "**children** of the **captivity**" [[Ezra 6:16]] or, more specifically, the "captives of **Judah**" ([[Daniel 2:25]], [[Daniel 6:13]]). This establishes their lineage and identity even while in exile. The term also broadly refers to humanity as the "**children** of **men**" [[Daniel 2:38]] or the "**sons** of **men**" [[Daniel 5:21]]. It is used for literal descendants, such as when prayers are offered for the **life** of the **king** and of his **sons** [[Ezra 6:10]]. Uniquely, it can also denote the young of animals, as in the "young **bullocks**" specified for burnt offerings [[Ezra 6:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the context in which `{{H1123}}` is used:
* `{{H1547}}` **gâlûwth** (captivity): This word is directly tied to `{{H1123}}`, often appearing in the phrase "**children** of the **captivity**" to describe the exiles from Judah [[Ezra 6:16]].
* `{{H606}}` **'ĕnâsh** (man): This term is frequently paired with `{{H1123}}` to form the phrase "**children** of **men**," describing humanity as a whole, over whom God grants earthly rulers dominion [[Daniel 2:38]].
* `{{H2}}` **'ab** (father): As the natural counterpart, this word appears alongside `{{H1123}}` to define familial relationships, such as when the king's **father** is mentioned in the same breath as the "**children** of the **captivity**" he brought from Judah [[Daniel 5:13]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H1123}}` is significant in the books of Ezra and Daniel.
* **Defining Identity in Exile:** The repeated use of "**children** of the **captivity**" ([[Daniel 2:25]], [[Daniel 5:13]]) is central to the identity of the Judeans in Babylon, emphasizing their heritage and collective status as exiles under foreign rule.
* **Generational Judgment:** The consequences of accusation and sin are shown to extend beyond the individual when the **men** who accused **Daniel** are cast into the den of lions along with their **children** and their wives [[Daniel 6:24]].
* **Royal Continuity and Divine Favor:** Prayers and royal decrees are made for the king and his **sons**, showing that the stability of the **realm** and the continuation of the royal line are linked to the favor of the **God** of heaven ([[Ezra 6:10]], [[Ezra 7:23]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1123}}` **bên** is a versatile Aramaic term that extends beyond a simple familial label. It is crucial for defining group identity, particularly the "**children** of the **captivity**" in Ezra and Daniel [[Ezra 6:16]]. It establishes lines of succession, as with a king's **sons** [[Ezra 7:23]], carries the weight of generational consequences [[Daniel 6:24]], and can even refer to young animals for sacrifice [[Ezra 6:9]]. The word's application illustrates concepts of heritage, community, and hierarchy within the biblical narrative.
TRV