(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.
Transliteration:hûwʼ
Pronunciation:hoo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic pronoun `{{H1932}}` (hûwʼ) serves primarily as the third-person singular masculine pronoun, meaning "he," "it," or "him." Its semantic range, however, extends beyond this basic function, encompassing several important grammatical and emphatic roles within the Aramaic portions of the Hebrew Bible. It is explicitly noted as the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew `{{H1931}}` (hûwʼ) and includes its feminine counterpart, הִיא (hîyʼ), within its definitional scope. Beyond its pronominal use, `{{H1932}}` can function as a demonstrative pronoun ("this," "that"), an emphatic particle ("self," "the same," "indeed"), and occasionally as a copula ("is," "are"), particularly in nominal sentences where it often emphasizes the predicate. The versatility of `{{H1932}}` allows for nuanced expression, from simple identification to strong affirmation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, `{{H1932}}` occurs exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage reflects the diverse functions outlined in its semantic range:
* **Personal Pronoun:** Most frequently, `{{H1932}}` functions as a simple third-person singular pronoun. For example, in Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, "there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will take place in the latter days. Your dream and the visions in your head as you lay on your bed are these: [[Daniel 2:28]]." Here, "He" clearly refers to God. Similarly, in Ezra, "and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar deported and settled in the city of Samaria and in the rest of the region Beyond the River, and *so forth* [[Ezra 4:10]]." The idiom "and so forth" often employs this pronoun.
* **Demonstrative Pronoun:** `{{H1932}}` can point to specific entities or concepts. In Daniel's description of the statue, "His breast and his arms of silver, *this* belly and his thighs of bronze [[Daniel 2:32]]." Here, "this" (דָּא) is used, but the broader definitional scope of `{{H1932}}` includes demonstrative force. Another example of its demonstrative force is found in Ezra: "Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundations of the house of God which *is* in Jerusalem [[Ezra 5:16]]."
* **Emphatic Particle:** When used emphatically, `{{H1932}}` adds intensity or highlights identity. In Daniel's prophecy, "You saw until a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and crushed *them* [[Daniel 2:34]]." The pronoun here emphasizes the statue itself. In Ezra, "And whatever is needed, young bulls, rams, and lambs for burnt offerings to the God of Heaven, and wheat, salt, wine, and oil, as the priests in Jerusalem require, let it be given to them day by day without fail, so that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of Heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons. Also, I issue a decree that if anyone alters this edict, a timber shall be pulled from his house and he shall be impaled on *it*, and his house shall be made a dunghill because of *this* [[Ezra 6:8]]." The emphatic "it" reinforces the specific timber.
* **Copula:** Less frequently, `{{H1932}}` functions as a copula, linking the subject to the predicate, often with an emphatic nuance. "You, O king, *are* this head of gold [[Daniel 2:38]]." Here, `{{H1932}}` (אנתה הוא) functions to assert the identity between the king and the golden head.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{H1932}}` is its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H1931}}` (hûwʼ), which carries an almost identical range of meanings and grammatical functions in the Hebrew language. Both serve as the fundamental third-person singular pronouns, capable of expressing personal, demonstrative, and emphatic roles. The entry also explicitly includes the feminine Aramaic pronoun הִיא (hîyʼ), indicating its close association and parallel function for feminine subjects.
Conceptually, `{{H1932}}` belongs to the broader category of pronouns, which are essential for cohesion and clarity in any language, allowing speakers and writers to refer to previously mentioned or contextually understood entities without repetition. Its occasional use as a copula highlights a common feature of Semitic languages, where the verb "to be" is often implied rather than explicitly stated, and pronouns can sometimes fill this role for emphasis or clarity. Its demonstrative use also links it to other demonstrative particles in Aramaic, though `{{H1932}}` carries a more general demonstrative force than specific demonstrative adjectives.
### Theological Significance
While a seemingly humble grammatical particle, the theological significance of `{{H1932}}` emerges from its contextual usage, particularly in the prophetic and historical narratives of Daniel and Ezra.
When `{{H1932}}` refers to God, as in Daniel's declaration that "He" (God) reveals mysteries [[Daniel 2:28]], it underscores the singular agency and sovereignty of the Almighty. This simple pronoun identifies the divine actor behind creation, revelation, and the unfolding of history. It affirms God's unique identity and active involvement in human affairs.
In the prophetic visions of Daniel, `{{H1932}}` is crucial for identifying the symbolic elements with their real-world counterparts. "You, O king, *are* this head of gold [[Daniel 2:38]]" is a definitive statement that links the prophetic image directly to Nebuchadnezzar, grounding the vision in historical reality and emphasizing the divine decree concerning earthly kingdoms. This identification is not merely grammatical but serves to confirm the truthfulness and specificity of God's revealed plan.
In Ezra, the use of `{{H1932}}` often relates to the decrees of kings or the actions concerning the rebuilding of the temple. Its emphatic use can highlight the immutability of a royal edict or the certainty of a divine command, reinforcing the authority behind the actions described. Thus, `{{H1932}}` contributes to the narrative's theological weight by precisely identifying the subjects of divine revelation, human responsibility, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan in history.
### Summary
`{{H1932}}` (hûwʼ) is a fundamental Aramaic pronoun found in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its core meaning is the third-person singular masculine pronoun ("he," "it"), but its semantic range extends to include demonstrative ("this," "that"), emphatic ("self," "the same"), and occasionally copular ("is," "are") functions. Contextual analysis reveals its versatility in identifying subjects, emphasizing particular entities, and linking elements within a sentence. Linguistically, it directly parallels the Hebrew `{{H1931}}` and includes the feminine Aramaic הִיא. Theologically, `{{H1932}}` plays a vital role in identifying divine agency, confirming prophetic interpretations, and emphasizing the certainty of God's decrees and historical interventions, thereby contributing to the clarity and authority of the inspired text.
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