(Aramaic) a root corresponding to and כּוּל; to be able; be able, could.
Transliteration:kᵉhal
Pronunciation:keh-hal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H3546 (כְּהַל, kᵉhal) carries the fundamental meaning "to be able" or "to be capable." Its semantic range extends to encompass the capacity to perform an action, the power to achieve a result, or even the ability to prevail over an adversary. The base definition notes its correspondence to the Hebrew root כּוּל (kul), which signifies "to contain," "to sustain," or "to endure," further highlighting an underlying concept of capacity, sufficiency, and the power to hold or withstand. Thus, kᵉhal denotes not merely potential, but often actualized power or competence in a given situation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H3546 appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel. Its usage consistently highlights themes of ability, or more frequently, the lack thereof, in contrast to divine omnipotence.
* **Human Inability:** In several instances, kᵉhal describes the inability of human wisdom, power, or knowledge to comprehend or control divine matters. For example, the Chaldean wise men repeatedly declare their inability to interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream ([[Daniel 2:10]]) or Belshazzar's writing on the wall ([[Daniel 5:8]], [[Daniel 5:15]]). This emphasizes the limitations of human understanding and the futility of relying solely on worldly wisdom when confronted with divine revelation.
* **Divine Ability & Human Empowerment:** In stark contrast, kᵉhal is frequently used to affirm God's supreme power and capability. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego boldly declare that their God "is able to deliver us" from the fiery furnace ([[Daniel 3:17]]), and Nebuchadnezzar later acknowledges that "there is no other God who is able to deliver in this way" ([[Daniel 3:29]]). Darius, too, questions if Daniel's God "has been able to deliver you from the lions" ([[Daniel 6:20]]), underscoring the miraculous nature of divine intervention. Daniel himself is recognized as "able" ([[Daniel 2:26]], [[Daniel 4:18]]) to interpret dreams and visions, but this ability is explicitly attributed to the "spirit of the holy gods" within him, signifying divine empowerment rather than inherent human genius.
* **Prevailing Power of Evil:** An important contextual nuance appears in [[Daniel 7:21]], where the "little horn" (representing an oppressive power) makes war with the saints and "prevailed against them" (וְיָכְלָה לְהוֹן). Here, kᵉhal signifies the temporary, destructive ability or power of an evil entity to overcome. This usage highlights that while true and ultimate power belongs to God, there are periods when malevolent forces are permitted to exercise a measure of "ability" or dominance, albeit for a limited time.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew `{{H3557}}` (כּוּל, kul), which, as noted in the lemma, shares a semantic field of capacity and ability. This connection underscores the idea of "holding" or "containing" within one's power. Other related concepts of strength, might, and capability in the biblical lexicon include:
* `{{H3581}}` (כֹּחַ, koach): "strength, power, might," often referring to physical or inherent ability.
* `{{H2428}}` (חַיִל, chayil): "strength, ability, wealth," frequently used in contexts of military might or personal virtue/capability.
* `{{H6113}}` (עֹצֶם, otzem): "strength, might," emphasizing robustness or intensity.
* `{{H8624}}` (תְּקֹף, teqoph): An Aramaic word meaning "power, might," often referring to political or royal authority.
These words collectively paint a picture of the various facets of power and ability, with kᵉhal specifically focusing on the capacity to perform or overcome, particularly in the Aramaic context of Daniel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3546 in Daniel is profound, serving as a powerful descriptor of divine sovereignty and human limitation. It consistently contrasts the finite and often impotent abilities of human rulers and their advisors with the boundless, unchallengeable power of God. The repeated declaration that human wisdom "cannot" (לָא יָכְלִין) unravel divine mysteries, coupled with the affirmation that God "is able" (יָכִל) to deliver and reveal, magnifies Yahweh as the true and only source of ultimate power and knowledge.
Furthermore, the word highlights the concept of spiritual enablement: Daniel's unique abilities are not his own but are a direct manifestation of God's Spirit working through him. This underscores a key biblical principle that divine service is predicated on divine empowerment. The chilling use of kᵉhal to describe the "little horn's" ability to "prevail against" the saints in [[Daniel 7:21]] also carries theological weight, reminding believers that while evil may temporarily wield power and cause suffering, its dominion is limited and ultimately subject to God's overarching plan and victory.
### Summary
H3546 (כְּהַל, kᵉhal) is an Aramaic verb meaning "to be able," "could," or "to prevail." Found exclusively in the book of Daniel, its primary function is to underscore the stark contrast between human inability and divine omnipotence. It repeatedly demonstrates the futility of human wisdom in the face of divine mysteries and magnifies God's supreme capacity to reveal, deliver, and exercise sovereignty. While also noting the temporary, destructive "ability" of evil powers, the word ultimately serves to reinforce the theological truth that all true and ultimate power resides with the God of Israel, who empowers His servants and ultimately triumphs over all opposition.
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