### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic adverb `{{H3705}}` (כְּעַן, transliterated as *kᵉʻan*) carries the primary meaning of "now," "at this time," or "presently." Its etymology is suggested to be related to the Hebrew `{{H3541}}` (כֵּן, *ken*), meaning "thus" or "so," which might imply a nuance of "thus, at this point" or "consequently, now." As a temporal adverb, it marks the current moment or a specific point in time within a narrative or discourse. Its semantic range is flexible, allowing it to function not only as a simple indicator of the present but also to introduce a command, a logical consequence, or a significant transition in thought or action, often translated as "therefore" or "then" depending on the context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H3705}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage reveals its versatility:
* **Ezra:**
* In administrative contexts, it often introduces a new subject or a command. For instance, in [[Ezra 4:10]], it clarifies the current inhabitants of Samaria. In [[Ezra 4:21]], King Artaxerxes issues a command: "Now give ye commandment to cause these men to cease." This highlights the immediacy and authority of the royal decree.
* It can also mark a transition in a letter or petition, as seen in [[Ezra 5:17]], "Now therefore, if it seem good to the king..."
* In [[Ezra 6:6]], Darius's decree uses it to direct Tattenai, "Now therefore, Tattenai..."
* **Daniel:**
* In prophetic and narrative contexts, kᵉʻan frequently introduces a declaration, a prayer, or a shift in focus.
* In Daniel's prayer of thanksgiving, [[Daniel 2:23]], he begins, "And now, O God of my fathers, I thank thee..." This marks a transition from acknowledging God's revelation to expressing gratitude.
* Its usage can also signify a logical consequence or a summation, as in [[Daniel 2:42]], where it can be understood as "just as" or "in this manner."
* In [[Daniel 3:15]], Nebuchadnezzar uses it conditionally: "Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound..."
* [[Daniel 4:37]] marks Nebuchadnezzar's profound shift in understanding God: "Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven..."
* It can also function as a sequential "then" in narrative, as in [[Daniel 5:3]] and [[Daniel 6:16]], indicating the next immediate action or development.
* In [[Daniel 5:23]], Daniel uses kᵉʻan to emphasize Belshazzar's present state of rebellion despite past knowledge, "But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven..."
Across these occurrences, kᵉʻan serves as a vital discourse marker, guiding the reader through the temporal progression, logical flow, and imperative nature of the Aramaic text.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H3705}}` is an Aramaic term, and its closest conceptual parallel in Hebrew is `{{H6258}}` (ʻattah), which also means "now" and functions similarly as a temporal adverb. Both words serve to anchor events or statements in the present moment or to mark immediate transitions. While the suggested etymological link to `{{H3541}}` (ken, "thus, so") might indicate a nuance of "in this manner, now," the primary function of kᵉʻan remains temporal. It belongs to a broader category of temporal adverbs that structure narrative and discourse, indicating sequence, immediacy, and logical progression within the biblical text.
### Theological Significance
Though `{{H3705}}` is primarily a grammatical and temporal marker, its strategic placement in key theological passages of Daniel and Ezra imbues it with implicit theological significance:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Timeliness:** The "now" of kᵉʻan often precedes or follows moments of divine revelation, judgment, or intervention. For instance, Daniel's praise in [[Daniel 2:23]] ("And now...") acknowledges God's present and active wisdom in revealing mysteries. Nebuchadnezzar's final declaration of praise in [[Daniel 4:37]] ("Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise...") marks a profound theological turning point, highlighting God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms in the "now" of human history.
* **Urgency of Divine Command and Response:** In royal decrees that echo divine authority (e.g., [[Ezra 4:21]]), kᵉʻan conveys an imperative "now," demanding immediate action. This mirrors the urgency often associated with God's commands and the expectation of prompt human obedience.
* **The "Now" of Salvation History:** While not a theological term itself, kᵉʻan contributes to the narrative framework that underscores God's ongoing work in the "now" of Israel's exile and return, demonstrating His faithfulness even amidst foreign dominion. It marks the specific moments within human time where God's eternal plan unfolds.
### Summary
The Aramaic adverb `{{H3705}}` (kᵉʻan) fundamentally means "now" or "at this time." Found exclusively in the Aramaic sections of Ezra and Daniel, it serves as a versatile temporal marker, indicating immediacy, sequential progression, or logical consequence ("therefore," "then"). Its usage ranges from introducing royal commands and administrative directives to marking transitions in prayers and prophetic declarations. While grammatically a simple temporal adverb, its strategic placement in the Aramaic biblical texts lends it subtle theological weight, highlighting the immediacy of divine action, the urgency of human response, and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan within specific moments of human history. It functions similarly to the Hebrew `{{H6258}}` (ʻattah), serving as a critical element in shaping the discourse and emphasizing the "now" of God's interaction with humanity.
TRV