(Aramaic) corresponding to יֵשׁ; properly, entity; used only as aparticle of affirmation, there is; art thou, can, do ye, have, it be, there is (are), [idiom] we will not.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ʼîythay**, represented by `{{H383}}`, is a particle of affirmation corresponding to the Hebrew יֵשׁ. It appears 17 times in 16 verses and is used to affirm existence, essentially meaning **there is** or **there are**. Its function can vary, being used in statements, questions, and idiomatic expressions to convey concepts like ability ("can"), possession ("have"), or strong resolve ("we will not").
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Aramaic portions of Scripture, `{{H383}}` is central to declarations of God's power and existence, particularly in the book of Daniel. When King Nebuchadnezzar's wise men fail to interpret his dream, Daniel declares, "But **there is** `{{H383}}` a God in heaven that revealeth secrets" [[Daniel 2:28]]. It is also used to express unwavering faith, as when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego state that their God "**is** `{{H383}}` able to deliver" them from the furnace [[Daniel 3:17]]. The word appears in questions, such as when Nebuchadnezzar asks Daniel, "**Art** `{{H383}}` thou able to make known unto me the dream...?" [[Daniel 2:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the function of `{{H383}}`:
* `{{H426}}` **ʼĕlâhh** (God): This word is frequently the subject whose existence or ability is being affirmed by `{{H383}}`. The statement "**there is** `{{H383}}` a God `{{H426}}`" is a recurring theme [[Daniel 2:28]].
* `{{H3809}}` **lâʼ** (not): Often paired with `{{H383}}` to form a negative statement, such as when the Chaldeans tell the king, "**There is** `{{H383}}` **not** `{{H3809}}` a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter" [[Daniel 2:10]]. This combination also forms the defiant idiom "**we will not**" [[Daniel 3:18]].
* `{{H3202}}` **yᵉkêl** (be able): This word for ability is frequently linked with `{{H383}}` to affirm what is or is not possible. For example, Nebuchadnezzar's decree notes that "**there is** `{{H383}}` no other God that **can** `{{H3202}}` deliver after this sort" [[Daniel 3:29]].
* `{{H7328}}` **râz** (secret): The ability to reveal a **secret** is the context in which Daniel affirms that **there is** `{{H383}}` a God in heaven who can do what the king's wise men cannot [[Daniel 2:28]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H383}}` is significant, as it is used to make foundational statements about God's nature and power in contrast to human or idolatrous weakness.
* **Affirmation of God's Existence:** In a pagan context where many gods were worshipped, the declaration "**there is** a God in heaven" [[Daniel 2:28]] is a powerful monotheistic statement. It asserts the reality of the one true God over all others.
* **Declaration of Divine Sovereignty:** The word is used to express God's ultimate authority. King Nebuchadnezzar learns that "none **can** `{{H383}}` stay his hand" [[Daniel 4:35]], highlighting a key theme of God's unchallenged rule over all creation.
* **Expression of Unshakeable Faith:** The confession of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego uses `{{H383}}` to articulate their trust. They affirm that God "**is** `{{H383}}` able" to save them, but even if not, "we **will not** `{{H383}}` serve thy gods" [[Daniel 3:17-18]]. This demonstrates a faith not dependent on outcome but on the very being of God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H383}}` is a simple but vital Aramaic particle of affirmation. While it can be used for mundane statements of fact, its most powerful applications in Scripture are theological. It serves as the lynchpin for some of the most profound declarations of God's existence, absolute power, and sovereign will, making it a cornerstone for understanding faith in the context of the Babylonian exile.
TRV