(Aramaic) or דָּךְ; (Aramaic), prolonged from דָּא; this; the same, this.
Transliteration:dêk
Pronunciation:dake
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic demonstrative pronoun `{{H1791}}` (dêk/dâk) serves primarily to point out or specify a particular person, thing, or concept, functioning much like the English "this," "that," or "the same." It is described as a prolonged form of `{{H1835}}` (dâʼ), which also carries the meaning of "this." As a demonstrative, its core function is to provide specificity and focus within a narrative or discourse. It can refer to something physically present, something previously mentioned, or something about to be introduced, thereby anchoring the discussion to a concrete referent. Its flexibility allows it to act as an adjective (e.g., "this house") or as a pronoun (e.g., "this one").
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, `{{H1791}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, predominantly in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage consistently highlights the precise identification of subjects, which is crucial for understanding the historical accounts and prophetic visions presented in these texts.
In Ezra, `{{H1791}}` is used to specify key elements of the post-exilic rebuilding effort:
* In [[Ezra 5:16]], it refers to "that time" (דָּךְ זְמַן), marking a specific point in the historical progression of the temple's reconstruction.
* In [[Ezra 5:17]] and [[Ezra 6:15]], it emphatically points to "this house" (בַּיְתָא דָךְ), underscoring the specific temple in Jerusalem whose rebuilding is the subject of the royal decree and its eventual completion. This precise identification reinforces the legitimacy and divine mandate of the work.
In Daniel, `{{H1791}}` is frequently employed to delineate elements within Nebuchadnezzar's dream and Daniel's visions, where clarity of identification is paramount for prophetic interpretation:
* In Daniel 2, concerning the statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, `{{H1791}}` repeatedly identifies "this statue" ([[Daniel 2:32]], [[Daniel 2:34]]) and various components or aspects of it, such as "all these" kingdoms ([[Daniel 2:40]], [[Daniel 2:44]]) or the specific characteristics observed by the king ([[Daniel 2:41]], [[Daniel 2:43]], [[Daniel 2:45]]). This consistent use ensures that each part of the prophetic image is clearly linked to its interpretive meaning. The precision afforded by `{{H1791}}` is vital for understanding the sequence and nature of the earthly kingdoms that would arise.
* In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego refuse to worship "the golden image that you have set up" ([[Daniel 3:18]]), with `{{H1791}}` pointing directly to the object of idolatry.
* In Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar's declaration, "Is this not Babylon the great" ([[Daniel 4:30]]), uses `{{H1791}}` to refer to the city he proudly built, setting the stage for his humbling.
* In Daniel 5, Belshazzar's sacrilege is highlighted by his praising "the gods... that you have praised" ([[Daniel 5:23]]), with `{{H1791}}` specifying the false deities.
* In Daniel 6, it refers to "that the document" ([[Daniel 6:10]]), specifically the decree signed by Darius, which sets up Daniel's predicament.
* In Daniel 7, `{{H1791}}` is critical for distinguishing the various beasts and horns in Daniel's vision, such as "these great beasts" ([[Daniel 7:17]]), "the fourth beast, which was different" ([[Daniel 7:19]], [[Daniel 7:23]]), and "that horn" ([[Daniel 7:20]], [[Daniel 7:21]]). This careful distinction is fundamental to the interpretation of the eschatological kingdoms and the rise of the antichrist figure. The phrase "At this point" ([[Daniel 7:28]]) signals the conclusion of the revelation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{H1835}}` (dâʼ), from which `{{H1791}}` is derived. Both function as demonstrative pronouns, with `{{H1791}}` often being a more emphatic or prolonged form. In terms of semantic function, `{{H1791}}` parallels Hebrew demonstratives such as `{{H2088}}` (zeh, "this") and `{{H428}}` (ʾēlleh, "these"), which also serve to point out or specify. The concept of demonstratives in biblical languages is crucial for establishing clear referents, whether in historical narrative, legal texts, or prophetic discourse. They provide linguistic anchors that prevent ambiguity and ensure the reader understands precisely what is being discussed.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H1791}}` is a grammatical particle, its consistent use in the Aramaic sections of the Bible carries significant theological weight through its contribution to clarity and precision.
1. **Divine Precision in Prophecy:** In Daniel, the repeated use of `{{H1791}}` to identify specific kingdoms, statue components, or visionary elements underscores the meticulous detail and exactitude of God's prophetic revelations. It conveys that God's plans for history are not vague or general, but concrete and precisely defined, down to the nature and sequence of world powers. This precision builds confidence in the reliability and truthfulness of God's word.
2. **Historical Veracity:** In Ezra, the demonstrative points to tangible realities like "this house" (the temple) or "that time" (of its foundation). This grounds the theological narrative in historical fact, affirming that God's covenant promises and His work among His people are not abstract ideas but manifest in verifiable historical events and structures.
3. **Emphasis on Distinction:** In contexts of warning or judgment (e.g., the golden image in Daniel 3, Belshazzar's actions in Daniel 5), `{{H1791}}` clearly distinguishes between God's truth and human rebellion or idolatry. It highlights the specific object or action that is contrary to God's will, making the theological implications stark and undeniable.
4. **Clarity of Divine Sovereignty:** By precisely identifying the rise and fall of kingdoms, `{{H1791}}` implicitly contributes to the overarching theme of God's sovereignty over human history. The "this" or "that" kingdom is not random but part of a divine plan revealed to His servants.
### Summary
`{{H1791}}` (dêk/dâk) is an Aramaic demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "the same," functioning to specify and identify. Primarily found in Ezra and Daniel, its usage is critical for establishing clear referents within historical narratives and prophetic visions. In Ezra, it grounds the account of the temple's rebuilding in concrete reality. In Daniel, it provides indispensable precision in delineating the components of prophetic dreams and visions, thereby underscoring the meticulous detail of God's foreknowledge and control over history. Though grammatically simple, its consistent application contributes significantly to the theological themes of divine precision, historical veracity, and the clear distinction between God's truth and human actions, ultimately reinforcing the reliability of God's revealed word.
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