(Aramaic) corresponding to הֵן; lo! also there(-fore), (un-) less, whether, but, if; (that) if, or, whether.
Transliteration:hên
Pronunciation:hane
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic particle הֵן (hên), Strong's H2006, is a versatile and frequently employed term in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its semantic range is broad, reflecting its function as both an interjection and a conjunction. As an interjection, it conveys emphasis, drawing attention to what follows, akin to the English "lo!" or "behold!" This usage often introduces a new observation, a significant statement, or a surprising development.
As a conjunction, הֵן (hên) exhibits a rich array of meanings, functioning to introduce various types of clauses:
* **Conditional:** "if," "unless." This is a prominent usage, setting forth a condition under which a certain outcome will occur or not occur.
* **Adversative/Contrastive:** "but." It can introduce a statement that stands in contrast to what precedes.
* **Inferential/Consequential:** "therefore," "thus." It can indicate a logical consequence or deduction.
* **Disjunctive/Alternative:** "whether," "or." Though less common, it can present alternatives.
* **Emphatic Assertion:** Sometimes, especially when combined with the relative particle דִּי (dî) `{{H1768}}`, it can simply reinforce an assertion, akin to "indeed" or "that."
This Aramaic particle closely parallels the Hebrew הֵן (hên) `{{H2005}}` in its multifaceted semantic scope, serving to provide logical coherence, emphasis, and nuance to the biblical narrative and prophetic discourse.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H2006 appears numerous times in the Aramaic portions of Daniel and Ezra, each instance contributing to the precise meaning and flow of the text.
**As an Interjection ("Lo!", "Behold!"):**
This usage is particularly common in Daniel's prophetic visions, serving to highlight the dramatic appearance of figures or elements:
* [[Daniel 5:6]]: Describing Belshazzar's terror, "and behold, this to this were striking together," vividly portraying his trembling knees.
* [[Daniel 7:4]]: "Behold, the first was like a lion..." introduces the first beast of Daniel's vision.
* [[Daniel 7:5]]: "And behold, another beast..." continues the description of the visionary parade.
* [[Daniel 7:6]]: "After this, behold, another..." further emphasizes the successive appearance of the beasts.
* [[Daniel 7:7]]: "After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast..." marks the introduction of the most terrifying beast.
* [[Daniel 7:13]]: "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man..." draws immediate attention to the pivotal figure in the vision.
In these contexts, הֵן (hên) functions to arrest the reader's attention, underscoring the significance and immediacy of the divine revelation.
**As a Conjunction (Conditional, Adversative, Inferential, etc.):**
* **Conditional ("if," "unless"):**
* [[Daniel 2:43]]: "as iron does not mix with clay," implying a conditional "even if."
* [[Daniel 3:15]]: "Now if you are ready..." introduces Nebuchadnezzar's conditional offer to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
* [[Daniel 3:18]]: "But if not, let it be known to you, O king..." powerfully states their unwavering resolve regardless of the outcome.
* [[Daniel 4:27]]: "if there may be a lengthening of your prosperity," indicating a potential outcome based on repentance.
* [[Ezra 5:17]]: "Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made..." suggests a respectful condition for further action.
* [[Ezra 6:8]]: "and if anyone alters this decree..." sets a condition for severe punishment.
* [[Ezra 7:23]]: "lest wrath be on the realm of the king and his sons," implying "unless" or "if not."
* **Inferential/Consequential ("therefore," "now therefore"):**
* [[Ezra 4:13]]: "Therefore, now, if this city is rebuilt..." (often translated "now therefore" or "if now"), presenting a consequence of the rebuilding. This usage, often with דִּי (dî) `{{H1768}}`, links a preceding statement to a logical conclusion.
* [[Ezra 4:14]]: Similar to [[Ezra 4:13]], "Now because we are eating the salt of the palace... therefore we send and inform the king."
* **Emphatic Assertion ("indeed," "that"):**
* [[Daniel 6:10]]: "now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed..." (some translations render הֵן as "indeed" or "when"), highlighting the certainty of Daniel's knowledge.
The diverse contextual uses of הֵן (hên) demonstrate its crucial role in shaping the logical flow, emphasis, and dramatic impact of the Aramaic biblical narratives.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic cognate and conceptual counterpart to Aramaic הֵן (hên) `{{H2006}}` is the Hebrew particle הֵן (hên) `{{H2005}}`. Both share a remarkably similar semantic range, functioning as interjections ("behold!") and various conjunctions ("if," "whether," "unless," "but," "therefore"). This close correspondence underscores the linguistic continuity and shared rhetorical strategies between Hebrew and Aramaic biblical texts.
Conceptually, הֵן (hên) relates to:
* **Conditional statements:** It is a key marker for expressing conditions, which are fundamental to legal, ethical, and prophetic discourse in the Bible. This links it to concepts of divine command, human obedience, and the consequences of actions.
* **Emphasis and attention:** Its interjectional use connects it to the broader biblical tradition of divine revelation, where "behold!" often precedes a significant manifestation of God's presence, a prophetic vision, or a crucial declaration. This function is shared with other emphatic particles like Hebrew הִנֵּה (hinnēh) `{{H2004}}`.
* **Logical coherence:** As a conjunction, it contributes to the logical development of arguments, narratives, and decrees, linking ideas in terms of cause and effect, contrast, or alternative.
### Theological Significance
While הֵן (hên) `{{H2006}}` is a grammatical particle rather than a substantive theological term, its consistent deployment in the Aramaic scriptures carries significant theological implications, particularly in the books of Daniel and Ezra.
1. **Divine Revelation and Sovereignty:** The frequent use of "behold!" (הֵן) in Daniel's visionary accounts ([[Daniel 7:4]], [[Daniel 7:5]], [[Daniel 7:6]], [[Daniel 7:7]], [[Daniel 7:13]]) serves to underscore the directness, immediacy, and divine origin of the prophetic revelation. It calls the reader to pay close attention to God's unfolding plan and sovereign control over history, as depicted in the succession of empires and the ultimate triumph of the Son of Man. This particle elevates the significance of what is being revealed, marking it as a profound truth from the Almighty.
2. **Human Choice and Accountability:** In its conditional usage ("if," "unless"), הֵן (hên) highlights the crucial element of human response to divine decrees and tests. Nebuchadnezzar's challenge to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego ([[Daniel 3:15]], [[Daniel 3:18]]) exemplifies this. Their defiant "but if not" demonstrates their unwavering faith and commitment to God, regardless of the consequences. This emphasizes the theological concept of human agency and moral accountability before God, even in the face of immense pressure.
3. **Divine Justice and Providence:** When הֵן (hên) functions as "therefore" or "lest," it often connects human actions or attitudes to their divinely ordained consequences. The warnings in Ezra concerning the king's wrath ([[Ezra 7:23]]) or the decrees against those who hinder the temple building ([[Ezra 6:8]]) illustrate that God's justice operates through human governance and divine oversight. The particle helps to articulate the logical outworking of God's providential ordering of events in history.
In essence, הֵן (hên), though small, plays a vital role in shaping the theological landscape of the Aramaic biblical texts, drawing attention to God's active involvement in human affairs, the certainty of His prophetic word, and the profound implications of human choices in light of His sovereignty.
### Summary
The Aramaic particle הֵן (hên), Strong's H2006, is a highly versatile and significant word in the Aramaic sections of Daniel and Ezra. Its core meaning encompasses both an emphatic interjection ("lo!", "behold!") and a range of conjunctive functions, including conditional ("if," "unless"), adversative ("but"), inferential ("therefore"), and disjunctive ("whether"). This broad semantic range allows it to introduce new observations, establish conditions, draw logical conclusions, and highlight contrasts within the biblical text.
Contextual analysis reveals its frequent use in Daniel's visions to draw attention to profound prophetic revelations and in both Daniel and Ezra to articulate human choices, divine decrees, and their consequences. Its close correspondence to the Hebrew הֵן (hên) `{{H2005}}` underscores a shared linguistic and rhetorical heritage. Theologically, הֵן (hên) serves to emphasize the certainty of divine revelation, highlight human accountability in response to God's commands, and underscore the outworking of God's justice and providence in historical events. As such, while a seemingly minor grammatical particle, הֵן (hên) contributes substantially to the precision, emphasis, and theological depth of the Aramaic biblical narratives.
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