### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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