### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **yᵉthib**, represented by `{{H3488}}`, is the Aramaic correspondent to the Hebrew word for "to sit." It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning is to sit or dwell, and it is used to convey the act of being seated, the establishment of a group, or the state of residing in a place.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H3488}}` carries distinct meanings depending on the context. In the book of Ezra, it refers to the physical act of dwelling or being settled. It describes the companions of Rehum who **dwell** in Samaria [[Ezra 4:17]] and the nations that Asnappar **set** in the cities of Samaria [[Ezra 4:10]]. In the book of Daniel, the word takes on a loftier, judicial meaning. It is used to describe the Ancient of days who did **sit** on his throne in a divine vision [[Daniel 7:9]]. It is also used twice to describe a court of **judgment** that is **set** or shall **sit** ([[Daniel 7:10]], [[Daniel 7:26]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide a fuller context for the actions associated with `{{H3488}}`:
* `{{H1780}}` **dîyn** (judgement): This term is the subject of the action in Daniel's visions. The **judgement** is what "was set" or "shall sit," directly linking the concept of sitting with the execution of divine justice ([[Daniel 7:10]], [[Daniel 7:26]]).
* `{{H3764}}` **korçêʼ** (throne): This word denotes the object upon which the sitting takes place, signifying royal power and authority. The Ancient of days did "sit" in a context where **thrones** are central to the vision [[Daniel 7:9]].
* `{{H7606}}` **shᵉʼâr** (a remainder; residue, rest): This identifies the people who are the object of the action in Ezra. The **rest** of the nations were "set" in the cities, and the **rest** of the companions "dwell" there, connecting the act of dwelling to a specific group ([[Ezra 4:10]], [[Ezra 4:17]]).
* `{{H8120}}` **shᵉmash** (to serve; minister): In the scene where the judgment is set, thousands of thousands **ministered** unto the one who sat, highlighting the reverence and service that accompanies divine authority [[Daniel 7:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3488}}` is primarily centered on the concepts of divine authority and judgment.
* **Divine Enthronement:** The image of the Ancient of Days who "did sit" establishes God's supreme and eternal rule. This act of sitting is a declaration of ultimate authority preceding a divine court proceeding [[Daniel 7:9]].
* **Establishment of Judgment:** The phrase "the judgment was set" or "shall sit" signifies the official commencement of a divine legal process. It is not a passive sitting but an active establishment of justice where books are opened and dominion is assessed ([[Daniel 7:10]], [[Daniel 7:26]]).
* **Sovereign Placement:** While used on a human scale in Ezra, the act of Asnappar to "set" people in Samaria reflects a broader theme of sovereign power to place and establish peoples in their designated locations [[Ezra 4:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3488}}` is a potent Aramaic verb that transitions from the mundane to the divine. While it can simply mean to dwell or reside in a physical place, its most profound uses in Scripture depict the establishment of absolute authority. It illustrates the moment when divine judgment is formally convened and the Ancient of Days takes His seat to enact justice for all time.
TRV