### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **hûwk**, represented by `{{H1946}}`, corresponds to the Hebrew term for "to go." Its meaning encompasses actions like **to go, bring, bring again, come,** and **go up**. It is a specific term, appearing only **4 times** across **3 unique verses** in the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its scriptural usage, `{{H1946}}` is consistently found in the book of Ezra, often in the context of official decrees and the post-exilic restoration of Israel. It describes the crucial movement of people, objects, and information. For instance, it is used to command that the temple vessels, once taken to Babylon, be **brought again** to the temple in Jerusalem [[Ezra 6:5]]. The word also signifies the progression of a legal matter, specifying that work on the temple should not cease until the issue **came** before Darius for a ruling [[Ezra 5:5]]. Finally, it appears twice in a royal decree granting the people of Israel permission to **go up** and **go** to Jerusalem [[Ezra 7:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide a fuller picture of the actions surrounding movement and restoration:
* `{{H8421}}` **tûwb** (to come back; restore, return): This word is used alongside `{{H1946}}` to emphasize the act of restoration. The temple vessels are to be "restored" and "brought again" [[Ezra 6:5]], and an "answer" is "returned" after a matter "came" to the king [[Ezra 5:5]].
* `{{H2987}}` **yᵉbal** (to bring; bring, carry): This term describes the initial action of carrying something away, providing a direct contrast to the restorative action of `{{H1946}}`. The vessels were first "brought" to Babylon before they could be "brought again" to Jerusalem [[Ezra 6:5]].
* `{{H5312}}` **nᵉphaq** (to issue; bring out; come forth): This word often denotes the initial removal or "taking out." Nebuchadnezzar "took forth" the vessels from the temple, an act that is later reversed when they are "brought again" [[Ezra 6:5]].
* `{{H989}}` **bᵉṭêl** (to stop; cease, hinder): This word highlights what is at stake. The Jewish elders could not be made to "cease" their work until their report "came" to Darius, linking the continuation of their efforts directly to the movement of information [[Ezra 5:5]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H1946}}` is tied to the theme of God's sovereign plan for Israel's restoration.
* **Authorized Return:** The word is used in the context of royal decrees that permit foundational acts of restoration. Whether it is the people being allowed to **go** to Jerusalem [[Ezra 7:13]] or the sacred vessels being **brought again** to the temple [[Ezra 6:5]], the movement is officially sanctioned by earthly rulers.
* **Divine Oversight:** The use of `{{H1946}}` in [[Ezra 5:5]] is framed by the statement that "the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews." The "coming" of their report to Darius, which leads to a favorable outcome, is shown to be under God's providential care.
* **Restoration of Worship:** The most significant use of the term involves bringing the golden and silver vessels back to their rightful place in the house of God [[Ezra 6:5]]. This action of being "brought again" is a critical step in re-establishing the proper worship and religious life of the community.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H1946}}` **hûwk** is used infrequently, its appearances are pivotal. It functions as a key verb in the narrative of Ezra, marking the physical and administrative movements that enable Israel's return from exile. It signifies more than simple motion; it represents authorized passage, divinely overseen progress, and the tangible act of restoring a nation's covenant relationship with God.
TRV