(Aramaic) corresponding to כֹּה; {properly, like this, i.e. by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now}; hitherto.
Transliteration:kâh
Pronunciation:kaw
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word `{{H3542}}` (כָּה, *kâh*) serves as a highly versatile adverb, corresponding directly to the Hebrew `{{H3541}}` (כֹּה, *koh*). Its fundamental meaning is "like this" or "thus," indicating manner. However, its semantic range extends significantly, encompassing notions of place ("here," "hither") and time ("now," "hitherto"). This flexibility allows `{{H3542}}` to function as a deictic particle, pointing to something previously mentioned, currently present, or immediately relevant. It can introduce a consequence, affirm a statement, or set the stage for an action or declaration. Its precise nuance is always determined by the immediate linguistic and narrative context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, `{{H3542}}` is exclusively found in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its usage consistently reflects its broad semantic range:
* **As an adverb of manner/result ("thus," "so"):**
* In [[Daniel 2:10]], the Chaldeans declare to King Nebuchadnezzar, "There is not a man on earth who can explain the king's matter; therefore no king, however great and mighty, has asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean. **Thus** (כָּה) the king asks what is impossible." Here, *kâh* summarizes the impossible nature of the king's demand based on prior reasoning.
* [[Daniel 3:19]] describes Nebuchadnezzar's furious command to heat the furnace for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego: "And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. **Thus** (כָּה) these men were bound..." It describes the immediate consequence and manner of the king's decree.
* **As an adverb of time/emphasis ("now," "hitherto"):**
* In [[Daniel 5:10]], the queen enters the banquet hall and advises Belshazzar regarding Daniel: "The queen spoke and said, 'O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your countenance change. There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God... **Now** (כָּה) because an extraordinary spirit, knowledge, and understanding... were found in this Daniel... let Daniel be called...'" Here, *kâh* marks a shift in focus to the present situation and introduces the immediate course of action.
* Similarly, in [[Ezra 4:17]], King Artaxerxes responds to Rehum and Shimshai's letter concerning the rebuilding of Jerusalem: "Then the king sent an answer... 'Peace. **Now** (כָּה) the letter which you sent to us has been read thoroughly before me.'" This usage emphasizes the immediate action taken upon receiving the letter.
While the base definition also includes "here" or "hither" for place, the extant biblical occurrences of `{{H3542}}` primarily utilize its temporal and demonstrative/consequential senses.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H3541}}` (כֹּה, *koh*), which carries an almost identical range of meanings ("thus," "so," "here," "now"). The Aramaic `{{H3542}}` serves as the direct linguistic equivalent in the Aramaic sections of the biblical text. Both words function as demonstrative adverbs, pointing to something specific in manner, time, or location.
Other related concepts include adverbs of manner, such as `{{H3651}}` (כֵּן, *ken*, "so, thus, rightly"), which often conveys affirmation or confirmation. While `{{H3542}}` and `{{H3541}}` are more direct demonstratives, `{{H3651}}` often expresses agreement or logical consequence. The semantic field of these adverbs allows for precise narrative flow, indicating how actions are performed, when events occur, or the logical progression of thought.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H3542}}` is a grammatical particle, its consistent use in pivotal moments within the Aramaic narratives lends it subtle theological weight.
1. **Divine Decree and Prophetic Utterance:** Though not directly used in a "Thus says the Lord" formula (which is common with `{{H3541}}` in Hebrew), `{{H3542}}` often introduces or describes the implementation of a king's decree (e.g., Nebuchadnezzar's command in [[Daniel 3:19]]) or the unfolding of a divinely orchestrated event. In the context of Daniel, where God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms is a central theme, even an adverb like *kâh* can subtly underscore the certainty and directness of actions that ultimately serve God's plan.
2. **Immediacy and Certainty:** The temporal use of "now" (e.g., [[Daniel 5:10]], [[Ezra 4:17]]) highlights the immediacy of a situation or a necessary response. In theological terms, this can reflect the urgency of divine revelation or the promptness of human actions in response to God's providence or warning.
3. **Narrative Progression of God's Plan:** By marking specific manners of action or points in time, `{{H3542}}` contributes to the clear and unambiguous progression of the biblical narrative. In the books of Daniel and Ezra, where the unfolding of historical events is seen through the lens of God's overarching purpose, the precise function of such adverbs ensures that the reader grasps the exact sequence and nature of events, often leading to a greater understanding of divine intervention or human responsibility.
### Summary
`{{H3542}}` (כָּה, *kâh*) is an Aramaic adverb meaning "thus," "so," "here," "hither," or "now." It functions as a direct equivalent to the Hebrew `{{H3541}}` (כֹּה). Found in the Aramaic portions of Daniel and Ezra, its primary usage in the biblical text is to denote manner or consequence ("thus") and to mark a point in time or introduce an immediate action ("now"). While seemingly a simple grammatical particle, its consistent appearance in significant narrative moments, particularly those involving royal decrees or crucial turning points, subtly reinforces the certainty and directness of events, aligning with the broader theological themes of divine sovereignty and the unfolding of God's purposes within human history.
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