(Aramaic) corresponding to יוֹם; a day; day (by day), time.
Transliteration:yôwm
Pronunciation:yome
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma H3118 (יוֹם, transliterated *yôwm*) serves as the direct Aramaic cognate and semantic equivalent to the more frequently occurring Hebrew `{{H3117}}` (יוֹם, *yom*). Its fundamental meaning denotes a "day," typically a 24-hour period from sunset to sunset or sunrise to sunrise. However, its semantic range extends beyond this literal interpretation to encompass broader temporal concepts. It can refer to an indefinite period of "time," a specific "point in time," or a designated "season" or "era." In the Aramaic portions of Scripture (primarily Daniel and Ezra), H3118 functions primarily as a temporal marker, establishing the duration of events, the timing of prophecies, or the age of divine figures.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H3118 appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, predominantly in the book of Daniel, with a few occurrences in Ezra. Its usage reveals both literal and figurative applications:
* **Literal Day:** In [[Ezra 6:15]], it marks a specific calendar day: "This house was finished on the third day of the month Adar." Similarly, [[Daniel 6:10]] describes Daniel's consistent prayer habit: "three times a day." These instances clearly denote a standard 24-hour period.
* **Period of Time/Era:** [[Daniel 2:28]] speaks of "the latter days" (אַחֲרִית יוֹמַיָּא), referring to a future, indeterminate period of divine activity and revelation. This usage is crucial for understanding prophetic timelines. In [[Ezra 5:1]], it refers to "the days of Darius," indicating a specific historical era defined by a king's reign.
* **Specific Point in Time:** [[Daniel 5:26]] uses the word in the context of divine judgment: "God has numbered your kingdom and finished it." Here, "numbered" (מְנָה) implies a counting of days, leading to a predetermined end-point.
* **Eternal Being/Divine Age:** Perhaps the most profound usage is in the designation "Ancient of Days" (עַתִּיק יוֹמִין) in [[Daniel 7:9]], [[Daniel 7:13]], and [[Daniel 7:22]]. This majestic title for God transcends the concept of a finite day, pointing to His eternal, pre-existent, and timeless nature. The plural "days" in this construct emphasizes the vastness and incomprehensibility of His age.
The contextual analysis of H3118 in Daniel often intertwines with prophetic visions, underscoring God's sovereign control over history and His precise timing of events, both past and future.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related word is the Hebrew `{{H3117}}` (יוֹם, *yom*), from which H3118 derives its meaning and usage. The semantic range of both words is nearly identical, encompassing literal days, periods of time, and conceptual eras. Therefore, any theological or conceptual insights derived from `{{H3117}}` regarding the nature of time, creation, or eschatology often find a parallel in H3118 within the Aramaic corpus.
Other related Aramaic temporal terms include `{{H5732}}` (עִדָּן, *‘iddan*), meaning "time" or "season," which can sometimes be used interchangeably with H3118 when referring to a period or appointed time, though H3118 typically implies a more defined, often daily, unit or an epoch. Concepts such as "the end of days," "appointed times," and "prophetic periods" are intrinsically linked to the understanding of H3118 as a temporal marker in divine revelation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3118 is rich, particularly in the book of Daniel.
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Time:** The consistent use of H3118 to mark historical events ([[Ezra 6:15]]) and future prophecies ([[Daniel 2:28]]) demonstrates God's ultimate control over the temporal dimension. History unfolds according to His pre-ordained plan, with specific "days" and "times" appointed by Him.
2. **Eschatological Emphasis:** The phrase "latter days" ([[Daniel 2:28]], [[Daniel 10:14]]) is a crucial eschatological marker. It points to a final period in human history when God's kingdom will be fully established, bringing an end to earthly empires. This highlights the teleological nature of God's plan, moving towards a divinely appointed climax.
3. **The Eternity of God ("Ancient of Days"):** This is arguably the most profound theological contribution of H3118. The title "Ancient of Days" ([[Daniel 7:9]], [[Daniel 7:13]], [[Daniel 7:22]]) portrays God as timeless, pre-existent, and infinitely old. He is not subject to the limitations of time that govern creation. This title underscores His eternal nature, His absolute authority as judge, and His unchanging character, providing a stark contrast to the temporal, transient nature of earthly kingdoms described in Daniel's visions. The "Ancient of Days" is the source and sustainer of all time, yet Himself transcends it.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H3118 (יוֹם, *yôwm*) is a fundamental temporal term meaning "day" or "time." While it can denote a literal 24-hour period, its semantic range extends to encompass broader periods, specific points in time, and historical eras within the Aramaic portions of Scripture. Its occurrences in Daniel and Ezra are pivotal for establishing the chronology of historical events and the precise timing of prophetic fulfillments, thereby underscoring God's meticulous control over history. Most significantly, H3118 forms the bedrock of the majestic title "Ancient of Days," revealing God's eternal, timeless nature and His ultimate sovereignty as the pre-existent Judge. Thus, H3118 serves not merely as a temporal marker but as a key to understanding divine providence, eschatological design, and the eternal character of the Almighty.
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