### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **hên**, represented by `{{H2006}}`, is a particle used to introduce conditions or alternatives. It appears **16 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning is captured in translations like **if**, **whether**, or **but**, often setting up a choice, a hypothetical scenario, or a point of contingency.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2006}}` is used to frame critical turning points, often in the context of royal decrees and tests of faith. King Nebuchadnezzar uses it to issue ultimatums, promising rewards **if** his wise men can interpret his dream [[Daniel 2:6]] and threatening death **if** they cannot [[Daniel 2:5]]. It famously structures the declaration of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: "**If** it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us... But **if** not... we will not serve thy gods" [[Daniel 3:17-18]]. The word also appears in administrative contexts, such as the search to determine **whether** a decree was made by King Cyrus [[Ezra 5:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H2006}}` appears:
* `{{H1882}}` **dâth** ((Aramaic) a royal edict or statute): This word for law or decree is often the subject of the condition introduced by `hên`. For instance, a single **decree** awaits the wise men **if** they fail to reveal the dream [[Daniel 2:9]].
* `{{H3202}}` **yᵉkêl** ((Aramaic) to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)): This term for ability is frequently linked to fulfilling a condition. God is **able** to deliver the three men from the furnace [[Daniel 3:17]], and Daniel's reputation is based on whether he **canst** interpret the writing on the wall [[Daniel 5:16]].
* `{{H5457}}` **çᵉgid** ((Aramaic) to prostrate oneself (in homage); worship): The conditional threats in Daniel often hinge on the act of worship. The command is explicit: **if** you **worship**, well, but **if** you do not **worship**, you will be cast into the furnace [[Daniel 3:15]].
* `{{H7804}}` **shᵉzab** ((Aramaic) to leave, i.e. (causatively) free; deliver): This word for deliverance is the desired outcome in the conditional statements of Daniel. The central question is whether God is able to **deliver** them [[Daniel 3:17]] or what god shall **deliver** them from the king's hand [[Daniel 3:15]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H2006}}` is significant, as it structures moments of profound choice and consequence.
* **Framing Ultimatums:** The word is a key component of royal ultimatums in Daniel. It clearly establishes the "if-then" logic of a king's command, where compliance brings reward and defiance brings punishment ([[Daniel 2:6]], [[Daniel 3:15]]).
* **Articulating Unwavering Faith:** In one of the most powerful declarations of faith, `hên` is used to express loyalty to God regardless of the outcome. The statement "**If** it be so... But **if** not..." demonstrates a commitment that transcends the condition of deliverance [[Daniel 3:17-18]].
* **Defining Legal and Administrative Consequences:** In Ezra, the word is used repeatedly to list a series of possible punishments for lawbreakers: "**whether** it be unto death, **or** to banishment, **or** to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment" [[Ezra 7:26]], illustrating its function in specifying legal possibilities.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2006}}` is far more than a simple conjunction. As a conditional particle, it is a crucial tool in the Aramaic portions of Scripture for building narrative tension and clarifying stakes. It frames royal decrees, tests of allegiance, and legal judgments, forcing characters and readers alike to confront the consequences of a choice. From the court of Nebuchadnezzar to the administration of Ezra, `hên` structures the pivotal "if" moments that define faith and fate.
TRV