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.
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.
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.
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).
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