(Aramaic) corresponding to כְּמוֹ; so or thus; so, (in) this manner (sort), thus.
Transliteration:kᵉnêmâʼ
Pronunciation:ken-ay-maw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term כְּנֵמָא (kᵉnêmâʼ), designated by Strong's number `{{H3660}}`, functions primarily as an adverbial particle. Its core meaning conveys "so" or "thus," indicating manner, consequence, or affirmation. It corresponds directly to the Hebrew כְּמוֹ (kᵉmô) `{{H3644}}`, which means "like," "as," or "according to." This correspondence highlights its capacity to introduce comparisons, explanations, or the precise manner in which something occurs or is stated. Its semantic range extends to "in this manner," "in this sort," or simply "thus," often serving to introduce a statement that logically follows or elaborates on a preceding one, or to preface direct speech.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, כְּנֵמָא (kᵉnêmâʼ) appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, predominantly in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage consistently reflects its core meaning of "so" or "thus," often introducing the content of a letter, a direct quote, a consequence, or an explanation.
In Ezra, it frequently introduces official correspondence or decrees:
* In [[Ezra 4:8]] and [[Ezra 4:11]], it introduces the content of a letter and its continuation, respectively.
* [[Ezra 4:16]] uses it to introduce a consequence of rebuilding Jerusalem, emphasizing the *result* of such an action.
* [[Ezra 5:4]] and [[Ezra 5:8]] employ it to introduce direct speech or a report, showing how information was conveyed.
* Significantly, in [[Ezra 6:8]] and [[Ezra 6:11]], it prefaces King Darius's decrees, underscoring the authoritative and unalterable nature of the royal command and its associated imprecations.
In Daniel, כְּנֵמָא (kᵉnêmâʼ) plays a crucial role in structuring narratives and prophetic pronouncements:
* It introduces direct speech, as seen when Daniel addresses Arioch in [[Daniel 2:24]] and Arioch addresses the king in [[Daniel 2:25]].
* It functions comparatively in [[Daniel 2:43]], "as you saw... so they will mingle," drawing a parallel between the vision and its interpretation.
* In [[Daniel 2:44]], it introduces the profound declaration of God's eternal kingdom, highlighting the *manner* in which this kingdom will be established.
* [[Daniel 3:29]] uses it to emphasize the unique and effective deliverance of God.
* Throughout Daniel 4, 5, 6, and 7, it frequently introduces the unfolding of visions, their interpretations, or the subsequent actions and outcomes, such as in [[Daniel 4:10]], [[Daniel 4:13]], [[Daniel 6:19]], [[Daniel 6:24]], and [[Daniel 7:23]]. Its repeated use serves to guide the reader through the logical progression of events and divine revelation.
Across its occurrences, כְּנֵמָא (kᵉnêmâʼ) acts as a linguistic bridge, connecting ideas and actions with their explanations, consequences, or direct expressions, reinforcing the clarity and certainty of the communication.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its Hebrew counterpart, כְּמוֹ (kᵉmô) `{{H3644}}`, which shares the core meaning of "like," "as," or "according to." This parallel underscores the demonstrative and comparative aspects of כְּנֵמָא (kᵉnêmâʼ).
Other Aramaic adverbs that share a similar functional space include:
* כְּדֵין (kᵉdên) `{{H3653}}`, meaning "then," "thus," or "so," often used to indicate a logical or temporal sequence. While similar, כְּנֵמָא (kᵉnêmâʼ) more strongly emphasizes the *manner* or *way* something is done or stated.
* כְּעַן (kᵉʻan) `{{H3661}}`, meaning "now" or "at this time," which is primarily temporal rather than demonstrative.
Conceptually, כְּנֵמָא (kᵉnêmâʼ) belongs to a class of words that provide logical cohesion and clarity in communication. It functions like a demonstrative adverb, a conjunction-like particle introducing clauses of consequence or explanation, and a marker for direct discourse. Its role is to specify *how* something is, *how* it happens, or *how* it is declared.
### Theological Significance
While כְּנֵמָא (kᵉnêmâʼ) is a grammatical particle, its consistent use in contexts of divine revelation and sovereign decrees imbues it with theological significance. In the Aramaic portions of Scripture, particularly Daniel, it frequently precedes:
* **Divine Interpretations:** When Daniel interprets dreams or visions, כְּנֵמָא (kᵉnêmâʼ) often introduces the authoritative explanation of God's future plans and kingdoms ([[Daniel 2:44]], [[Daniel 7:23]]). This highlights the certainty and divine origin of the interpretation.
* **Sovereign Decrees:** In Ezra, its use with royal decrees (e.g., [[Ezra 6:8]], [[Ezra 6:11]]) reflects the binding and unalterable nature of such pronouncements, mirroring the ultimate sovereignty of God's own decrees.
* **Divine Deliverance and Power:** In [[Daniel 3:29]], it emphasizes the unique and powerful manner of God's deliverance, affirming that "there is no other God who can deliver *thus*." This underscores God's unparalleled ability to act decisively and effectively.
* **The Unfolding of God's Plan:** By introducing sequences of events or prophetic fulfillments, כְּנֵמָא (kᵉnêmâʼ) structurally reinforces the orderly and purposeful progression of God's plan throughout history, as revealed to His prophets.
Thus, כְּנֵמָא (kᵉnêmâʼ) subtly reinforces the themes of divine authority, the certainty of prophecy, and the precise execution of God's will. It marks statements that are presented as definitive, whether they are royal edicts or the very words of God revealed through His servants.
### Summary
The Aramaic word כְּנֵמָא (kᵉnêmâʼ), `{{H3660}}`, functions as an adverbial particle meaning "so," "thus," or "in this manner." It is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew כְּמוֹ (kᵉmô) `{{H3644}}`. Predominantly found in the Aramaic sections of Ezra and Daniel, it serves to introduce direct speech, explain a preceding statement, indicate a consequence, or describe the precise manner in which an action or event occurs. Theologically, its consistent use in contexts of divine revelation, prophetic interpretation, and authoritative decrees underscores the certainty, precision, and sovereign nature of God's word and His unfolding plan in human history. It acts as a linguistic marker for statements of profound significance and unalterable truth.
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