(Aramaic) or (feminine) הִיא; (Aramaic), corresponding to הוּא; {he (she or it); self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demonstrative) this or that; occasionally (instead of copula) as or are}; [idiom] are, it, this.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **hûwʼ**, represented by `{{H1932}}`, functions as a pronoun or demonstrative, meaning **he (she or it)**, **this**, or **that**. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses. While it corresponds to a common Hebrew pronoun, its Aramaic usage in scripture is concentrated in the books of Daniel and Ezra. It primarily serves as a demonstrative pronoun ("this"), a third-person pronoun ("it"), or as a copula, linking a subject to its predicate, similar to the English words "is," "are," or "was."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{H1932}}` is used to identify or describe key entities in prophetic and narrative contexts. It can act as a simple pronoun, as when describing the unique fourth beast in Daniel's vision: "**it** was diverse from all the beasts that were before it" [[Daniel 7:7]]. The word is also used as a copula to make a declaration of divine attributes, as when Daniel proclaims that "wisdom and might **are** his" [[Daniel 2:20]]. Furthermore, it functions as a demonstrative to specify a royal edict or a divine interpretation, such as when Nebuchadnezzar asks, "Is not **this** great Babylon...?" [[Daniel 4:30]] or when Daniel reveals, "**this** is the decree of the most High" [[Daniel 4:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the function of `{{H1932}}`:
* `{{H1934}}` **hâvâʼ** (to exist): This verb, meaning to **be** or **become**, often works in tandem with `{{H1932}}`. While `{{H1932}}` can function as the static copula "are," `{{H1934}}` denotes existence or coming into being, as in the declaration, "Blessed **be** the name of God" [[Daniel 2:20]].
* `{{H1510}}` **gᵉzêrâh** (decree): This word for a **decree** is directly identified by `{{H1932}}` in Daniel's interpretation to the king. The phrase "**this** is the decree" shows how `{{H1932}}` points to and specifies an authoritative command [[Daniel 4:24]].
* `{{H4437}}` **malkûw** (kingdom, kingly, realm, reign): This term is the subject to which `{{H1932}}` refers in one of its most significant uses. The pronoun "**it**" in the statement "**it** shall stand for ever" refers to the indestructible **kingdom** that God will establish [[Daniel 2:44]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1932}}` is found in what it is used to define and identify.
* **Defining Divine Nature:** It is used to make foundational statements about God's character. By stating that wisdom `{{H2452}}` and might `{{H1370}}` "**are** his," the word serves to link these qualities inseparably to God [[Daniel 2:20]].
* **Identifying Prophetic Subjects:** The pronoun is critical for specifying the subjects of prophecy. It points to the eternal kingdom of God that will never be destroyed, referring to it as the one that "**it** shall stand for ever" [[Daniel 2:44]]. It also distinguishes the final, terrible beast in Daniel's vision [[Daniel 7:7]].
* **Confirming Divine Authority:** By acting as a demonstrative ("this"), the word confirms the divine origin of a message or judgment. When Daniel says, "**this** is the decree of the most High" `{{H5943}}`, he uses `{{H1932}}` to present the interpretation not as his own, but as an unalterable fact from God [[Daniel 4:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1932}}` is a simple but essential Aramaic word that functions as a crucial building block in biblical declarations. While its meaning is basic—"it," "this," or "is/are"—its role is significant. It is used to predicate attributes to God, to identify kingdoms and beasts in prophetic visions, and to affirm the certainty of divine decrees. Its precise usage in Daniel and Ezra provides clarity and authority to some of the most important statements about God's power and sovereignty.
TRV