### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **kᵉnâth**, represented by `{{H3674}}`, means a **colleague** or **companion**, particularly one who shares a similar title or official standing. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in the entire Bible, highlighting its very narrow and focused application. It is used to describe a professional or political association rather than a personal friendship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H3674}}` is in [[Ezra 4:7]]. In this verse, the word identifies the associates of Bishlam, Mithredath, and Tabeel. These men and their **companions** collaborated to write a letter to Artaxerxes, the king of Persia. The purpose of their letter was to halt the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem by the returning Jewish exiles, framing the project as a potential threat to the Persian empire [[Ezra 4:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words from its single context help define its meaning and the surrounding event:
* `{{H783}}` **ʼArtachshashtâʼ** (Artaxerxes): The Persian king who was the recipient of the letter written by the group of **companions**. His authority was sought to stop the work in Jerusalem [[Ezra 4:7]].
* `{{H3789}}` **kâthab** (to write): This is the action taken by the **companions**. They formally **wrote** a letter to present their accusations and request royal intervention [[Ezra 4:7]].
* `{{H7605}}` **shᵉʼâr** (a remainder; other, remnant, residue, rest): This word is used in conjunction with `{{H3674}}` to describe "the rest of their **companions**," indicating that Bishlam, Mithredath, and Tabeel were the leaders of a larger, unnamed group of colleagues [[Ezra 4:7]].
* `{{H5406}}` **nishtᵉvân** (an epistle; letter): This specifies the nature of the written document sent by the **companions**. It was a formal **letter** or epistle intended for the king [[Ezra 4:7]].
### Theological Significance
While not a major theological term, the use of `{{H3674}}` contributes to the theme of opposition to God's work.
* **Coordinated Opposition:** The term signifies an organized group of officials acting together. Their status as **companions** or colleagues shows a unified and strategic effort to interfere with the rebuilding of Jerusalem by appealing to King Artaxerxes [[Ezra 4:7]].
* **Political Obstruction:** Its use is embedded in a political narrative. It demonstrates how worldly authorities and their associates can create official obstacles to hinder the fulfillment of God's purposes for His people [[Ezra 4:7]].
* **Historical Documentation:** The word helps to precisely record the nature of the opposition faced by the returning exiles. It identifies a specific coalition of adversaries whose actions are documented as a significant challenge in post-exilic history [[Ezra 4:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3674}}` is a highly specific term for a colleague or companion in an official capacity. Its single biblical appearance in [[Ezra 4:7]] gives a name to the group of political adversaries who formally organized to stop the restoration of Jerusalem. Though rare, **kᵉnâth** effectively captures the idea of a professional alliance, demonstrating how even minor characters in the biblical narrative acted in concert to influence major historical and spiritual events.
TRV