(Aramaic) corresponding to זֶה; this; one..another, this.
Transliteration:dâʼ
Pronunciation:daw
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word H1668 (דָּא, dâʼ) functions primarily as a demonstrative pronoun, directly corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H2088}}` (זֶה, zeh). Its most common translation is "this" or "that," serving to point out or specify a person, object, concept, or event. The semantic range of dâʼ extends beyond simple designation; it can also be used in a distributive sense, conveying the idea of "one...another" or "the one...the other," indicating a relationship between two distinct entities. This versatility allows it to function both adjectivally (modifying a noun) and pronominally (standing in place of a noun), often emphasizing proximity or immediate relevance within a given context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H1668 appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, predominantly in the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its usage consistently highlights specificity and identification.
In Daniel, dâʼ frequently pertains to the king's dream or the subsequent interpretation, underscoring the unique nature of divine revelation:
* In [[Daniel 2:10]], the Chaldeans lament, "There is not a man on earth who can explain the king's matter, for no great king or ruler has ever asked such a thing (dâʼ) of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean." Here, dâʼ specifies the unprecedented nature of Nebuchadnezzar's demand.
* Similarly, in [[Daniel 2:12]], "Because of this (dâʼ) the king was furious and very angry and commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed." It refers to the inability of the wise men to interpret the dream, serving as the direct cause for the king's wrath.
* In [[Daniel 2:43]], describing the mixed nature of the final kingdom, it states, "they will not hold together, just as iron does not mix with clay." The demonstrative helps to define the specific characteristics of "this" (referring to the kingdom) coming into view.
* In [[Daniel 7:16]], Daniel seeks understanding of "this" (referring to the vision), demonstrating the prophet's desire for clarity regarding divine mysteries.
In Ezra, dâʼ is used in the context of the rebuilding of the temple and Jerusalem, often pointing to the physical structures or the historical events surrounding them:
* In [[Ezra 4:15]], the adversaries accuse the Jews, stating, "you will find in the book of the records of your fathers that this (dâʼ) city is a rebellious city." dâʼ here specifically identifies Jerusalem.
* In [[Ezra 5:16]], Tattenai references the laying of the foundation of "this (dâʼ) house of God" by Sheshbazzar, grounding the historical account in tangible reality.
* [[Ezra 6:15]] records the completion of "this (dâʼ) house" (the temple), marking a significant milestone in the post-exilic restoration.
Across these occurrences, dâʼ consistently functions to bring focus and clarity, whether to a divine mystery, a historical event, or a physical structure, ensuring the reader understands precisely what is being referenced.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related word to H1668 is its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H2088}}` (זֶה, zeh), which carries an identical core meaning of "this" or "that." Both words serve as fundamental demonstrative pronouns in their respective languages, indicating proximity or specificity.
Conceptually, dâʼ is linked to:
* **Specificity and Identification:** It serves to pinpoint a particular item or idea within a discourse, distinguishing it from others.
* **Emphasis:** By drawing attention to "this" particular thing, it can add emphasis to its importance or uniqueness.
* **Referential Cohesion:** As a deictic element, it helps to create coherence within a text by referring back to previously mentioned information or forward to what is about to be introduced.
* **Grammatical Function:** Its role as a demonstrative pronoun, often functioning adjectivally, connects it to the broader grammatical structures of Aramaic that enable precise communication.
### Theological Significance
While H1668 is a grammatical particle and does not possess inherent theological meaning, its deployment in the Aramaic portions of Scripture is profoundly significant for how divine revelation and historical events are presented.
In the book of Daniel, dâʼ frequently serves to ground the abstract and often mysterious visions in concrete reality. When Daniel or others refer to "this dream" or "this vision," it transforms an ethereal experience into a tangible divine communication, emphasizing that God's sovereign plan is not merely theoretical but has specific, historical implications. For instance, the repeated use of dâʼ when referring to the various kingdoms in Daniel 2 and 7 ensures that the prophetic unfolding of history is understood as a precise, divinely orchestrated sequence, directly impacting human empires and ultimately leading to God's eternal kingdom. The specificity provided by dâʼ reinforces the reliability and truthfulness of God's prophetic word.
In Ezra, dâʼ lends weight to the historical account of the post-exilic return and the rebuilding of the temple. By referring to "this city" or "this house," the text underscores the physical reality of God's covenant promises being fulfilled. The tangible nature of the rebuilt temple, referred to with dâʼ, serves as a physical manifestation of God's faithfulness to His people, even after judgment and exile. It roots the theological narrative of restoration in concrete, historical events and structures, demonstrating God's active involvement in the lives of His people and the fulfillment of His promises in time and space.
Thus, dâʼ contributes to the clarity, precision, and historical groundedness of the biblical narrative, ensuring that divine truth is communicated with specificity and impact.
### Summary
H1668 (דָּא, dâʼ) is a fundamental Aramaic demonstrative pronoun, directly equivalent to the Hebrew `{{H2088}}` (זֶה, zeh), meaning "this" or "that." It functions to specify, identify, and sometimes distribute, appearing primarily in the Aramaic sections of Daniel and Ezra. In Daniel, its use underscores the concrete nature of divine revelation and prophetic fulfillment, grounding abstract visions in specific historical realities. In Ezra, it highlights the tangible aspects of the post-exilic restoration, such as the rebuilding of "this city" or "this house," thereby emphasizing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Though a grammatical particle, dâʼ plays a crucial role in enhancing the precision and impact of the biblical message, providing clarity and specificity to both divine decrees and historical events.
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