### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hêyk**, represented by `{{H1963}}`, serves as an interrogative term for **how?**. It is a rare word, appearing only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its use consistently introduces a question of possibility when a person is faced with an overwhelming or awe-inspiring situation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, `{{H1963}}` is used to express a profound sense of human inadequacy. In Daniel, the prophet is left without strength or breath and asks **how** he, a servant, can possibly talk with his lord [[Daniel 10:17]]. In a similar vein, David is struck with fear before God and questions **how** he could bring the sacred ark of God to himself [[1 Chronicles 13:12]]. In both instances, the word voices a feeling of personal limitation in the face of a greater power.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding the use of **hêyk**:
* `{{H3201}}` **yâkôl** (to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)): This root word highlights the theme of capability. Daniel uses it to question how he *can* speak [[Daniel 10:17]], while elsewhere it is used to describe those who are not *able* to perform their own mischievous devices [[Psalms 21:11]].
* `{{H935}}` **bôwʼ** (to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)): This root for "bring" is central to David's dilemma. He asks **how** he shall *bring* the ark home [[1 Chronicles 13:12]], and the same word is used for God granting a request [[1 Chronicles 4:10]] or for his glory to *come* [[Isaiah 60:1]].
* `{{H727}}` **ʼârôwn** (a box; ark, chest, coffin): This refers to the sacred **ark** of God, the object of David's awe. The ark represented God's holy presence, and there was nothing in it except the two tables of stone from the covenant made at Horeb [[1 Kings 8:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1963}}` is found in its raw expression of human frailty before divine majesty.
* **Expression of Unworthiness:** The question "how?" is voiced by individuals who feel unworthy. Daniel feels physically and spiritually spent before his lord [[Daniel 10:17]], while David's fear of **God** `{{H430}}` prompts his question about his worthiness to house the **ark** `{{H727}}`.
* **The Human Response to Transcendence:** The word captures the natural human reaction to a direct encounter with the divine. It is a question that acknowledges the vast gulf between a finite creature and an infinite God, and it arises from a place of reverence.
* **From Weakness to Awe:** **Hêyk** connects physical weakness to spiritual awe. Daniel's lack of **breath** `{{H5397}}` is the precursor to his question [[Daniel 10:17]], showing that an awareness of one's own limitations is often what leads to a proper reverence for God.
### Summary
In summary, **hêyk** `{{H1963}}` is a rare but powerful term. Though it simply means "how," its two appearances in scripture frame it as a question of profound personal crisis. It is uttered not to seek a simple instruction, but to express the overwhelming sense of awe, fear, and inadequacy felt when a mortal stands in the presence of the divine.
TRV