(Aramaic) prolonged from דֵּךְ; this; same, that, this.
Transliteration:dikkên
Pronunciation:dik-kane'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term דִּכֵּן (dikkên, `{{H1797}}`) functions primarily as a demonstrative pronoun or adjective, conveying the sense of "this," "that," or "the same." It is described as "prolonged" from the shorter Aramaic demonstrative דֵּךְ (dek, `{{H1791}}`), suggesting a potentially more emphatic or definite nuance, though its core semantic range remains consistent with general demonstratives. It serves to point to something specific within the immediate context, whether an object, a person, an event, or a concept, bringing it into sharper focus for the listener or reader. Its usage is crucial for establishing precise references within the Aramaic portions of the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, דִּכֵּן (dikkên, `{{H1797}}`) appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament: the books of Ezra and Daniel, and the single Aramaic verse in Jeremiah. Its usage consistently serves to specify or emphasize a particular entity or concept.
In the Book of Daniel, דִּכֵּן frequently highlights key elements of prophecies, decrees, and divine interventions:
* In [[Daniel 2:18]], Daniel requests prayer concerning "this mystery" (referring to Nebuchadnezzar's dream), emphasizing the specific, God-revealed nature of the enigma.
* [[Daniel 2:24]] uses it to refer to "this wise man" (Daniel himself), distinguishing him as the one capable of interpreting the dream.
* In narratives, it points to specific objects or places, such as "this furnace" ([[Daniel 3:19]]) or "this great Babylon" ([[Daniel 4:30]]), grounding the divine judgments and acts within tangible realities.
* It also specifies actions or objects related to divine revelation, as in "this writing" ([[Daniel 5:16]]) on the wall or "this custom" ([[Daniel 6:10]]) of Daniel's prayer, underscoring the particularity of God's interaction with humanity and the steadfastness of His servants.
In the Book of Ezra, דִּכֵּן is used in official decrees and historical accounts related to the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of Jerusalem:
* It specifies the "this city" ([[Ezra 4:15]]) of Jerusalem, highlighting its historical significance and the concerns surrounding its reconstruction.
* References to "this house" ([[Ezra 5:11]]) or "this house of God" ([[Ezra 6:11]]) underscore the specific temple being rebuilt, emphasizing the divine mandate for its restoration.
* It also points to "this law" ([[Ezra 7:25]]) of God, stressing the specific divine statutes that Ezra was to teach and enforce.
The single Aramaic verse in the Old Testament, [[Jeremiah 10:11]], employs דִּכֵּן with powerful theological force: "The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, *these* shall perish from the earth and from under *these* heavens." Here, דִּכֵּן twice serves to specifically identify the false gods and the heavens under which they will perish, contrasting them sharply with the true Creator God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related Aramaic term is דֵּךְ (dek, `{{H1791}}`), the shorter form from which דִּכֵּן (dikkên, `{{H1797}}`) is derived. Both function as demonstratives, but דִּכֵּן is often seen as a more emphatic or definite form. In Hebrew, the semantic equivalents would include זֶה (zeh, `{{H2088}}`) and הוּא (hu', `{{H1931}}`), which also function as demonstrative pronouns or adjectives, pointing to "this" or "that." Conceptually, דִּכֵּן aligns with the broader idea of specificity and identification, serving to ground abstract or general statements in concrete realities within the narrative or legal contexts. It is a fundamental grammatical tool for precision in communication, vital for distinguishing particular entities or actions within a discourse.
### Theological Significance
While grammatically a common demonstrative, the theological significance of דִּכֵּן (dikkên, `{{H1797}}`) lies in *what* it points to within the inspired Aramaic texts. In Daniel, its consistent use to highlight "this mystery," "this kingdom," or "this writing" underscores the specificity of God's revelation and His sovereign control over human history. It emphasizes that God's plans and judgments are not vague or general, but concrete and precisely executed within the temporal realm. In Ezra, its application to "this house" or "this law" reinforces the divine mandate for the physical restoration of the temple and the moral restoration through adherence to God's specific commandments, grounding God's covenant faithfulness in tangible acts of reconstruction and obedience. Most profoundly, in [[Jeremiah 10:11]], the dual use of דִּכֵּן to identify the perishing false gods and the heavens from which they will vanish serves as a potent theological declaration against idolatry. It precisely distinguishes the ephemeral nature of man-made deities from the eternal Creator, providing a specific, undeniable truth for those tempted by polytheism. Thus, דִּכֵּן, though a simple demonstrative, contributes to the clarity and force of theological statements concerning divine sovereignty, covenant fidelity, and the exclusive nature of true worship.
### Summary
דִּכֵּן (dikkên, `{{H1797}}`) is an Aramaic demonstrative pronoun or adjective meaning "this," "that," or "the same," functioning to specify or emphasize particular elements within a discourse. Its occurrences are limited to the Aramaic portions of Ezra, Daniel, and [[Jeremiah 10:11]]. Contextual analysis reveals its consistent use to highlight specific prophecies, divine decrees, historical structures, and legal mandates. Theologically, while a common grammatical particle, its significance emerges from *what* it points to: the concrete nature of God's revelation, the specificity of His actions in history, and the clear distinction between the true God and false idols. It serves as a linguistic tool that undergirds the precision and clarity of divine communication in the Aramaic biblical texts, ensuring that the reader understands the exact object of divine pronouncement or historical event.
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