### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ʼĕdayin**, represented by `{{H116}}`, is a temporal adverb meaning **then**. It appears **57 times** across **53 unique verses** in the Bible. This word functions as a critical narrative marker, signaling the immediate consequence of an action or the next key event in a sequence, often translated as "then," "at that time," or "now."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the books of Daniel and Ezra, `{{H116}}` is consistently used to structure the narrative and show cause and effect. It frequently follows a royal command, indicating the swift execution of a decree. For instance, after King Darius commanded, **then** Daniel was brought to the den of lions [[Daniel 6:16]]. It also marks the reaction to a supernatural event or revelation, such as when the secret of the king's dream was revealed to Daniel, **then** Daniel blessed the God of heaven [[Daniel 2:19]]. The word propels the story forward by connecting a pivotal moment, like Belshazzar's troubling vision, to its immediate result: **then** the king's countenance was changed [[Daniel 5:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are frequently linked with `{{H116}}` to build these narrative sequences:
* `{{H4430}}` **melek** (a king): The actions of a **king** often serve as the catalyst for the events that follow **ʼĕdayin** [[Daniel 6:25]].
* `{{H560}}` **ʼămar** (to say, command): A royal **command** is a common precursor to a consequential action introduced by "then" [[Daniel 3:19]].
* `{{H1841}}` **Dânîyêʼl** (Daniel): Many events marked by `{{H116}}` revolve around the prophet **Daniel**, either as the subject of an action or the one responding to a divine revelation [[Daniel 6:3]].
* `{{H858}}` **ʼâthâh** (to arrive, bring): This verb often describes the action that immediately follows a command, such as when Nebuchadnezzar commanded Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be brought, **then** they **brought** these men before the king [[Daniel 3:13]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H116}}` is significant as it structures some of the most dramatic moments in Daniel and Ezra.
* **Consequence of Royal Decrees:** The word is often used to demonstrate the power and immediacy of a king's command. When Darius made a decree to search the archives, **then** a search was made in the house of the rolls [[Ezra 6:1]].
* **Reaction to Divine Revelation:** `{{H116}}` marks the pivotal moment of human response following a divine act. After Daniel had a dream and visions, **then** he wrote the dream down [[Daniel 7:1]].
* **Triggering Dramatic Events:** It serves to escalate tension by connecting one action directly to the next. After Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, **then** he commanded the furnace to be heated seven times hotter [[Daniel 3:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H116}}` is a key structural element in the Aramaic portions of Scripture. While its definition as **then** is simple, its function is powerful. It creates a clear chain of cause and effect, linking royal edicts, divine revelations, and human actions to their immediate and often dramatic consequences. It is through the consistent use of **ʼĕdayin** that the narratives of Daniel and Ezra achieve their pace and narrative force.
TRV