The Aramaic word dîy, represented by H1768, is a versatile particle that functions as a relative conjunction and preposition. It appears 19 times across 19 unique verses, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its meaning is highly contextual, translating as "that," "which," "whose," "of," or forming parts of adverbial phrases like "forasmuch as" and "than."
In biblical Aramaic, H1768 is used to establish clear relationships and provide specific details. It often indicates possession, as in the description of the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem Ezra 7:15. It also functions as a simple relative pronoun, identifying the Jews which came up to Jerusalem Ezra 4:12 or the vessels of gold and silver Ezra 5:14. The word is also used to form comparisons, such as when Nebuchadnezzar commanded the furnace be heated seven times more than it was wont to be Daniel 3:19.
Several related Aramaic words work alongside H1768 to build complex sentences:
- H6903 qᵉbêl (on account of, because, therefore): This word is frequently used with H1768 to express cause, such as in the phrase "Forasmuch as" Ezra 7:14 or to mean "therefore" in logical arguments Daniel 2:10.
- H4481 min (from, out of): As a preposition indicating source, min often clarifies possession or origin, such as funds taken from the king's goods, even of the tribute Ezra 6:8.
- H1836 dên (this, such, therefore): This demonstrative pronoun works with connecting words like H1768 to form logical conclusions, such as "therefore" in Daniel 3:7, where a consequence follows a specific event.
The functional weight of H1768 is significant for the clarity and structure of Aramaic narrative and decrees.
- Establishing Relationships: The word is essential for linking nouns to their qualifiers, clarifying ownership, identity, and origin. This is seen when identifying the copy of the letter that they sent to Artaxerxes Ezra 4:11.
- Expressing Causality: It is a key component in legal and logical statements, often introducing the reason for a decree or action. For example, it is used to ask "for why should there be wrath" against the king's realm Ezra 7:23.
- Connecting Clauses: As a relative pronoun, it connects dependent clauses to main clauses, allowing for detailed descriptions and flowing narrative, such as in Daniel's vision of iron whereas thou sawest it mixed with clay Daniel 2:43.
In summary, H1768 is a crucial grammatical building block in the Aramaic portions of Scripture. While not carrying a single theological meaning, its flexibility as a conjunction, preposition, and part of adverbial phrases is indispensable. It provides the necessary links to construct arguments, establish possession, and add descriptive detail, making it foundational to the complex sentences found in the books of Daniel and Ezra.
TRV