The Aramaic word kᵉhal, represented by H3546, is a root that means to be able; be able, could. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses, exclusively within the book of Daniel. Its usage consistently revolves around the capacity, or lack thereof, to understand and interpret divine revelations, such as dreams and mysterious writings presented to the kings of Babylon.
In the biblical narrative, H3546 is central to the dramatic tension between human wisdom and divine insight. When King Nebuchadnezzar demands an interpretation of his dream, he challenges Daniel directly, asking, "Art thou able H3546 to make known unto me the dream which I have seen...?" Daniel 2:26. This same king later affirms his faith in Daniel's unique gift, stating that while all his wise men failed, "thou art able H3546; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee" Daniel 4:18. Conversely, the term is used to describe the failure of the court experts, who "could H3546 not read the writing" on the wall for Belshazzar Daniel 5:8 and "could H3546 not shew the interpretation" Daniel 5:15.
Several related words help clarify the context of ability and revelation:
- H3202 yᵉkêl (to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)): This word is used alongside H3546 to draw a sharp contrast. The king's wise men are "not able H3202 to make known" the dream, but Daniel is "able H3546" Daniel 4:18.
- H3046 yᵉdaʻ (to know...; certify, know, make known, teach): This defines the action that characters are either able or unable to perform. The wise men could H3546 not make known H3046 the interpretation to the king Daniel 5:8.
- H2445 chakkîym (wise, i.e. a Magian; wise): This term identifies the very group whose abilities fail. The "wise H2445 men" are repeatedly summoned, only to prove that they could H3546 not accomplish the king's demand Daniel 5:15.
- H6591 pᵉshar (an interpretation; interpretation): This is the object of the ability. The entire conflict centers on whether someone is able to provide the interpretation H6591 of a dream or writing Daniel 2:26.
The theological weight of H3546 is tied to its consistent narrative function.
- Human Inability: The word is repeatedly used to highlight the limits of the world's highest wisdom. The king's advisors, described as wise H2445 men, are shown to be powerless when confronted with a divine mystery, as they "could H3546 not" read or interpret the signs Daniel 5:8.
- Divine Enablement: Daniel's ability is presented as the direct antithesis to the failure of the wise men. His capacity is explicitly linked to a supernatural source when the king declares, "thou art able H3546; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee" Daniel 4:18.
- Revelation as a Gift: The use of H3546 underscores that understanding God's messages is not an innate human skill but a bestowed gift. The ability to interpret a dream H2493 or a divine message is what separates Daniel from all others.
In summary, H3546 is more than a simple term for "ability." Used exclusively in the high-stakes courts of Babylon, kᵉhal serves as a literary tool to contrast the failure of human wisdom with the power of God. It consistently frames the narrative to show that the capacity to understand and declare divine truth is not found in the most learned men but is given by God to his chosen servants.
TRV