The Aramaic word yôwm, represented by H3118, is the counterpart to the Hebrew word for day. It appears 16 times across 15 unique verses in the Bible and is used to signify a day or a general time.
In the biblical narrative, H3118 is used to define specific periods and prophetic timelines, primarily within the books of Daniel and Ezra. It marks out set durations, such as the thirty days of a royal decree forbidding prayer to anyone but the king (Daniel 6:7, Daniel 6:12). It is also used to refer to historical eras, such as "the days of thy father" Daniel 5:11 or "of old time" (Ezra 4:15, Ezra 4:19). In a prophetic sense, it describes "the latter days" in which God reveals future events Daniel 2:28. The word also appears in the repeated phrase "day by day" to denote a continuous, daily provision for the temple Ezra 6:9.
Several related Aramaic words help define the concept of time in contrast or relation to H3118:
- H2166 zᵉmân: (Aramaic) from זְמָן; the same as זְמָן; {an appointed occasion}; season, time. This word is used to describe an appointed moment, such as the three times a day Daniel prayed Daniel 6:10.
- H3916 lêylᵉyâʼ: (Aramaic) corresponding to לָאֵל; {Lael an Israelite}; night. This word stands in direct contrast to day, appearing in the description of Daniel's vision "in the night" where he saw the Ancient of days Daniel 7:13.
- H5957 ʻâlam: (Aramaic) corresponding to עוֹלָם; remote time, i.e. the future or past indefinitely; often adverb, forever; for (n-)ever (lasting), old. It denotes eternal or indefinite time, contrasting with the specific period of "days," as when a kingdom set up in the "days of these kings" is said to stand "for ever" Daniel 2:44.
The theological weight of H3118 is most prominent in the book of Daniel.
- Divine Title: It is famously used in the divine title "Ancient of days," which refers to God in his eternal majesty and judicial authority. This title appears in Daniel's visions of the heavenly throne room (Daniel 7:9, Daniel 7:13, Daniel 7:22).
- Prophetic Timelines: The word structures prophetic revelation, marking the period "in the days of these kings" when God will establish an everlasting kingdom Daniel 2:44 and revealing what will happen "in the latter days" Daniel 2:28.
- Daily Faithfulness: It sets the rhythm for devotion and obedience. Daniel's steadfast faith was demonstrated by his refusal to cease praying three times a day Daniel 6:10, and God's sustaining provision for the temple was to be given "day by day" Ezra 6:9.
In summary, H3118 functions as more than a simple measurement of time. While it denotes literal days and historical periods, its greater significance lies in its use within prophetic and theological contexts. From establishing the daily routine of a faithful servant to forming part of God's eternal title as the "Ancient of days," the word yôwm is crucial for understanding time, authority, and divine revelation in scripture.
TRV