(Aramaic) corresponding to אֵת; a sign of the object of a verb; [phrase] whom.
Transliteration:yath
Pronunciation:yath
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic particle `{{H3487}}` (יַת, transliterated as *yath*) functions primarily as a definite direct object marker. It possesses no independent lexical meaning but serves a crucial grammatical role, indicating the noun or pronoun that directly receives the action of a verb. Its base definition explicitly states its correspondence to the Hebrew particle `{{H853}}` (אֵת, *'et*), which serves an identical function in Biblical Hebrew. Like its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H3487}}` is an untranslatable grammatical marker, often rendered implicitly in English, though sometimes explicitly as "[phrase] whom" when the object is a relative pronoun. Its semantic range is therefore limited to this specific syntactic function, clarifying the recipient of an action within a sentence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic particle, `{{H3487}}` is found exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra, and in the single Aramaic verse of Jeremiah [[Jeremiah 10:11]]. In these contexts, its consistent role is to precede a definite direct object. For instance, in Daniel [[Daniel 2:10]], the phrase "who is able to declare *this* to the king?" uses `{{H3487}}` (יַת) to mark "this" (דָּא) as the object of the verb "to declare." Similarly, in the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Nebuchadnezzar's officials "did not regard *you*" [[Daniel 3:12]], where the suffix on יָתָךְ (you) clearly marks the direct object. In Ezra, we find it marking the object of a verb like "sent," as in "the letter which you sent *to us*" [[Ezra 4:18]], where יָתַהּ marks "it" (the letter) as the object. Its presence is vital for the precise identification of the object, particularly in complex sentences or when the word order might otherwise lead to ambiguity. Without such a marker, the grammatical relationship between the verb and its object would often be unclear, potentially altering the meaning of the divine message.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to `{{H3487}}` is its Hebrew equivalent, `{{H853}}` (אֵת). Both particles demonstrate a common grammatical feature across Semitic languages: the use of an uninflected particle to mark the definite direct object. This grammatical convention distinguishes the definite direct object from other sentence elements and from indefinite direct objects, which often lack such a marker. The concept of the "construct state" in Semitic languages, while distinct, also highlights how grammatical relationships are conveyed through specific particles or morphological changes rather than strict word order alone, underscoring the precision inherent in the biblical languages. Understanding `{{H3487}}` also necessitates an awareness of the broader Aramaic verbal system, where the particle integrates seamlessly to ensure clarity in expressing actions and their recipients.
### Theological Significance
While a grammatical particle may seem devoid of direct theological content, its consistent and precise usage in the inspired Aramaic texts carries profound theological implications. Firstly, it underscores the meticulous nature of divine revelation. The Holy Spirit, in inspiring the biblical authors, ensured that even the most minute grammatical elements contributed to the clarity and accuracy of the message. The precise identification of the direct object, facilitated by `{{H3487}}`, ensures that the recipient of God's actions, commands, or judgments is unequivocally clear. For example, when God "gives" or "sends" something, this particle clarifies *what* is given and *to whom* it is given, removing ambiguity in divine dealings with humanity or the created order. In prophecies, it ensures that the specific subject or object of a divine declaration is correctly identified, preventing misinterpretation of future events. The very presence of such a grammatical marker testifies to the divine concern for precision and unambiguous communication, ensuring that the reader grasps the exact intent of the sacred text concerning divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
### Summary
`{{H3487}}` (יַת, *yath*) is an Aramaic grammatical particle serving as a definite direct object marker. It is the functional equivalent of the Hebrew `{{H853}}` (אֵת) and is found in the Aramaic portions of Daniel, Ezra, and Jeremiah. Its sole purpose is to indicate the definite noun or pronoun that directly receives the action of a verb, thereby ensuring grammatical clarity and precision in the biblical text. While not possessing independent lexical meaning, its consistent use is vital for accurate interpretation, reflecting the meticulous nature of divine revelation and ensuring the precise understanding of God's actions, commands, and communications as recorded in the inspired Word.
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