### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **himmôw**, represented by `{{H1994}}`, is a pronoun corresponding to the Hebrew word הֵם (hêm). It appears 11 times in 11 unique verses. Its primary definition is **they**, **them**, or **those**, and it can also function idiomatically to mean **are**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical texts of Ezra and Daniel, `{{H1994}}` is used to refer to people, objects, and even actions. In Daniel's vision of the great image, a stone smites the feet and "brake **them** to pieces" [[Daniel 2:34]]. Subsequently, the wind "carried **them** away" [[Daniel 2:35]], referring to the shattered remnants of the statue. It is used for people when God "gave **them** into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar" [[Ezra 5:12]], referring to the people of Israel. The word also functions as a state of being, as when the returning exiles declare, "We **are** the servants of the God of heaven and earth" [[Ezra 5:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the actions performed upon the persons or things identified by `{{H1994}}`:
* `{{H1855}}` **dᵉqaq** (to crumble or (trans.) crush; break to pieces): This describes the action taken against the parts of the image in Daniel's vision, where the stone broke **them** [[Daniel 2:34]].
* `{{H989}}` **bᵉṭêl** (to stop; (cause, make to), cease, hinder): This word is used when adversaries "made **them** to cease by force and power" from rebuilding [[Ezra 4:23]].
* `{{H3052}}` **yᵉhab** (to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; deliver, give): This verb shows divine action, as when God "gave **them** into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar" because of their fathers' provocation [[Ezra 5:12]].
* `{{H5376}}` **nᵉsâʼ** ({to lift}; carry away, make insurrection, take): This describes the fate of the statue's pieces, which the wind "carried **them** away" [[Daniel 2:35]].
* `{{H7066}}` **qᵉnâʼ** (to purchase; buy): This word is used in the command to Ezra to "buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs... and offer **them**" [[Ezra 7:17]].
### Theological Significance
The functional importance of `{{H1994}}` lies in its ability to clearly identify the object of divine, royal, and prophetic action.
* **Target of Divine Judgment and Provision:** The pronoun specifies who is being acted upon by God. He "gave **them**" into captivity for their sin [[Ezra 5:12]], but His eye was also upon the elders so their enemies could not cause **them** to cease their work [[Ezra 5:5]].
* **Subject of Prophetic Fulfillment:** In Daniel, **himmôw** is essential for describing the destruction of the worldly kingdoms. The stone breaks **them** and the wind carries **them** away, signifying their complete removal [[Daniel 2:34-35]].
* **Identification of People and Items:** The word points to specific groups or items central to the narrative, such as the temple vessels Nebuchadnezzar took, which Cyrus later commanded to be returned and delivered [[Ezra 5:14]]. It also identifies the men slain by the heat of the furnace [[Daniel 3:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1994}}` is a crucial Aramaic pronoun that functions as "they," "them," or "those." While a simple word, its role is significant in the narratives of Daniel and Ezra. It clarifies the recipients of divine judgment, royal decrees, and prophetic actions, whether referring to people like the Israelites or objects like the sacred temple vessels. Its context determines its specific reference, making it a key pointer word for understanding the flow of events in these scriptures.
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