(Aramaic) or בְּנָה; (Aramaic), corresponding to בָּנָה; to build; build, make.
Transliteration:bᵉnâʼ
Pronunciation:ben-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H1124 (בְּנָא, *bᵉnâʼ*) primarily signifies "to build" or "to make." As explicitly stated in its base definition, it is the Aramaic equivalent of the more common Hebrew verb `{{H1129}}` (בָּנָה, *bānâ*). This direct correspondence indicates a shared semantic range, encompassing not only the physical construction of structures but also the broader concepts of establishing, creating, or restoring. In its most concrete sense, it refers to the erection of buildings, walls, or cities. However, the nuance of "make" extends its application to the formation or bringing into being of something, even if not a physical edifice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic verb, H1124 is found exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, primarily in the book of Ezra, with singular occurrences in Daniel and Jeremiah.
1. **Ezra (Chapters 4-6):** The overwhelming majority of occurrences of H1124 are found in Ezra, where the verb is central to the narrative of the post-exilic community's efforts to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem and the city walls.
* In [[Ezra 4:12]], [[Ezra 4:13]], [[Ezra 4:14]], [[Ezra 4:15]], [[Ezra 4:16]], [[Ezra 4:21]], the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin accuse the Jews of "building" the rebellious city and its walls, implying a threat to Persian authority. This highlights the political and strategic implications of construction.
* [[Ezra 5:2]] states that Zerubbabel and Jeshua "began to build" the house of God, emphasizing the divine impetus behind the work. Subsequent verses, such as [[Ezra 5:3]], [[Ezra 5:4]], [[Ezra 5:8]], [[Ezra 5:9]], [[Ezra 5:11]], [[Ezra 5:15]], depict the inquiries of Tattenai regarding who commanded and was carrying out the building work. The responses consistently affirm the divine origin of the project.
* In [[Ezra 6:3]], King Darius issues a decree for the Temple to be "built," specifying its dimensions. This demonstrates the providential hand of God working through pagan kings to accomplish His purposes. [[Ezra 6:7]] and [[Ezra 6:8]] further command that the work of "building" the Temple should proceed unhindered, with royal support.
* [[Ezra 6:14]] celebrates the successful completion of the Temple, stating that the elders of the Jews "built" and prospered. This signifies the culmination of a divinely ordained task.
2. **Daniel:**
* [[Daniel 4:30]]: King Nebuchadnezzar, in his pride, boasts, "Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?" Here, H1124 is used to describe the establishment and adornment of a vast city, reflecting human ambition and power, which is immediately contrasted with God's sovereignty.
3. **Jeremiah:**
* [[Jeremiah 10:11]]: This solitary Aramaic verse within an otherwise Hebrew book serves as a polemic against idols. It declares, "The gods that have not made [built] the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under these heavens." In this context, H1124 denotes the act of creation or formation of the cosmos. The verse starkly contrasts the impotence of false gods, who did not "build" the universe, with the singular power of the true God, the Creator.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H1129}}` (בָּנָה, *bānâ*), which also means "to build." The semantic range of `{{H1129}}` is extensive, extending beyond physical construction to include:
* **Establishing a family or lineage:** "to build a house" often means to establish descendants ([[Genesis 16:2]], [[Ruth 4:11]]).
* **Establishing a nation or people:** God "builds" Israel ([[Jeremiah 24:6]]).
* **Restoring or repairing:** Used for rebuilding ruins ([[Isaiah 58:12]]).
* **Figurative establishment:** "to build up" a person or a kingdom in strength or prosperity.
Other related concepts and words include:
* `{{H1004}}` (בַּיִת, *bayit*): "house," "temple," "family," often the object of H1124 or `{{H1129}}`.
* `{{H6965}}` (קוּם, *qum*): "to arise," "to establish," often used in parallel with building, especially in the context of restoration.
* `{{H3245}}` (יָסַד, *yāsad*): "to found," "to lay a foundation."
### Theological Significance
The Aramaic verb H1124 carries profound theological weight, especially in the context of the post-exilic return and the nature of divine power.
1. **Divine Mandate and Providence:** The repeated use of H1124 in Ezra underscores that the rebuilding of the Temple was not merely a human endeavor but a divinely commanded task ([[Ezra 5:2]], [[Ezra 6:3]]). God's hand is seen in raising up leaders like Zerubbabel and Jeshua, inspiring the people, and even moving the hearts of pagan kings (Cyrus, Darius) to issue decrees that facilitate the "building" work. This demonstrates God's sovereign control over history and His faithfulness to His covenant promises of restoration.
2. **Restoration and Hope:** The act of "building" the Temple and Jerusalem's walls symbolized the physical and spiritual restoration of the exiled community. It was a tangible expression of renewed hope, a re-establishment of the covenant relationship, and a physical manifestation of God's presence among His people. The completion of the Temple ([[Ezra 6:14]]) marked a significant milestone in the re-constitution of Israel as a worshiping community.
3. **Creator vs. Creation (True God vs. Idols):** The use of H1124 in [[Jeremiah 10:11]] is a powerful theological statement. By asserting that false gods "have not built the heavens and the earth," the verse highlights the unique and exclusive power of Yahweh as the sole Creator. This Aramaic declaration serves as a stark reminder to those in exile or exposed to pagan cultures that the true God is the one who *builds* the cosmos, in contrast to the manufactured idols that are themselves built by human hands. It emphasizes the infinite qualitative difference between the uncreated Creator and created deities.
4. **Human Pride vs. Divine Sovereignty:** Nebuchadnezzar's boast in [[Daniel 4:30]] about "building" Babylon by his own power serves as a cautionary tale. While human beings can build impressive structures and empires, H1124 here highlights the transient nature of human achievement when divorced from divine acknowledgement. God's immediate response to Nebuchadnezzar's pride demonstrates that true power to build up or tear down ultimately resides with the Most High.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb H1124 (בְּנָא, *bᵉnâʼ*), meaning "to build" or "to make," is a crucial term in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, particularly in Ezra. Its primary semantic range encompasses physical construction, as seen in the rebuilding of the Temple and Jerusalem's walls after the exile. The contextual analysis reveals its significance in demonstrating God's sovereign providence in commanding and enabling the restoration of His people. Furthermore, its use in [[Jeremiah 10:11]] profoundly distinguishes the true God as the sole Creator who "built" the heavens and the earth, contrasting Him with impotent idols. In [[Daniel 4:30]], it serves as a vehicle for illustrating the perils of human pride in building earthly kingdoms. As the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew `{{H1129}}` (בָּנָה), H1124 carries the broader theological implications of establishment, restoration, and the divine architecture of both the physical world and the covenant community.
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