xlit lâwhên corrected to lâhên; (Aramaic) corresponding to לָהֵן; therefore; also except; but, except, save, therefore, wherefore.
Transliteration:lâhên
Pronunciation:law-hane'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic particle H3861 (לָהֵן, *lâhên*) is a significant conjunction in the biblical Aramaic corpus, primarily functioning as an indicator of consequence or inference. Its core meaning can be broadly categorized into two semantic clusters, as indicated by its lexical definition:
1. **Consequential/Inferential:** Conveying "therefore," "wherefore," or "for this reason." This usage establishes a logical link between a preceding statement or condition and a subsequent outcome or command. It signifies a conclusion drawn from presented facts or premises.
2. **Exceptive/Adversative:** Less frequently, and with nuanced application in the biblical text, it can carry the sense of "except," "but," or "save." This usage would introduce a qualification, an exclusion, or an antithetical statement, though its direct attestation in this sense within biblical Aramaic is less pronounced compared to its inferential role. It corresponds to a similar Hebrew particle `{{H3860}}`.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H3861 appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Daniel and Ezra. In nearly all its biblical occurrences, H3861 functions as a consequential particle, emphasizing the logical outcome or necessity of an action or event. While the Strong's definition includes "except" and "but," the direct biblical evidence overwhelmingly supports the "therefore/wherefore" sense.
* **Consequential Usage:**
* In Daniel, H3861 frequently introduces royal decrees or the logical conclusions of prophetic interpretations. For instance, in [[Daniel 2:6]], Nebuchadnezzar declares, "If ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces... **therefore** declare the dream, and I will know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof." Here, H3861 (rendered "therefore") marks the logical demand following the king's threat.
* Similarly, in [[Daniel 3:19]], after Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship the golden image, Nebuchadnezzar's fury is described, and **therefore** (לָהֵן) he commands the furnace to be heated seven times hotter. This demonstrates a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
* In [[Daniel 5:16]], Belshazzar addresses Daniel: "now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet... **therefore** if thou wilt read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet..." The particle reiterates the condition and its consequential reward.
* The particle also appears in passages like [[Daniel 2:9]], [[Daniel 2:24]], [[Daniel 3:22]], [[Daniel 6:21]], and [[Daniel 7:23]], consistently introducing a logical consequence or a reason for a preceding statement.
* In Ezra, H3861 similarly marks consequence, often in official correspondence or decrees. In [[Ezra 4:15]], a letter to King Artaxerxes states that if Jerusalem is rebuilt, the king will lose territory, **therefore** (לָהֵן) they advise the king to search the records. This highlights the practical implication of their warning.
* Other examples include [[Ezra 4:21]], [[Ezra 5:12]], [[Ezra 5:17]], [[Ezra 6:6]], and [[Ezra 6:8]], all reinforcing the "therefore" or "wherefore" meaning, linking a premise to a subsequent action or decree.
* **Exceptive/Adversative Usage:**
* While the Strong's definition includes "except," "but," and "save," explicit biblical instances of H3861 clearly functioning in this restrictive or adversative sense are not readily apparent in the extant Aramaic texts. The overwhelming usage is consequential. Any such nuance would likely be highly contextual or an implied logical opposition rather than a direct exclusionary statement.
### Related Words & Concepts
H3861 stands within a broader family of particles that establish logical connections in biblical languages.
* **Aramaic Cognates:** It functions similarly to other Aramaic particles that indicate cause or consequence, such as `{{H1768}}` (dî), which can introduce clauses of reason ("because," "that"). The Aramaic `{{H3652}}` (kēn), meaning "thus" or "so," also carries a sense of consequence or manner.
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** Its function closely mirrors that of Hebrew conjunctions and adverbs that express consequence, most notably `{{H5921}}` ('al-kēn, "therefore," "on account of this") and `{{H3651}}` (kēn, "thus," "so"). While H3861 is an Aramaic term, understanding its role is enhanced by comparison to these common Hebrew logical connectors.
* **Logical Connectors:** The study of H3861 is part of the broader linguistic concept of logical connectors, which are crucial for structuring arguments, conveying causality, and delineating the flow of thought in any language. In biblical narrative and prophecy, these connectors are vital for understanding divine decrees, human responses, and the unfolding of God's plan.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of H3861 as a consequential particle in the Aramaic portions of Scripture carries profound theological weight.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Decree:** In the book of Daniel, H3861 often precedes pronouncements that highlight God's sovereign control over history and human affairs. Events unfold "therefore" because of divine revelation or unchangeable decree ([[Daniel 2:24]], [[Daniel 7:23]]). This underscores the theological truth that God's will is ultimate, and consequences flow directly from His purposes.
* **Human Accountability:** The particle also emphasizes the direct link between human actions and their inevitable consequences, whether positive or negative. Nebuchadnezzar's reactions, Belshazzar's pride, or the steadfastness of Daniel's friends all lead "therefore" to specific outcomes, illustrating the principle of divine judgment and reward.
* **Prophetic Certainty:** In prophetic contexts, H3861 lends an air of certainty and inevitability to the fulfillment of God's word. What God has revealed "therefore" shall come to pass, reinforcing the trustworthiness of divine prophecy.
* **Theological Argumentation:** In Ezra, H3861 is used in official correspondence to build logical arguments concerning the rebuilding of the Temple and the administration of the Persian Empire. It demonstrates how even secular authorities, often unwittingly, operate within a framework where actions have consequences, and divine will can influence these outcomes, even if implicitly. This shows God's providential hand in the affairs of nations.
### Summary
H3861 (לָהֵן, *lâhên*) is a crucial Aramaic particle predominantly functioning as a consequential conjunction, meaning "therefore" or "wherefore." While its Strong's definition also includes "except" or "but," its biblical occurrences overwhelmingly demonstrate its role in establishing logical cause-and-effect relationships. Found in the Aramaic sections of Daniel and Ezra, H3861 serves to connect premises with their inevitable outcomes, whether in royal decrees, prophetic interpretations, or administrative correspondence. Theologically, its consistent usage underscores the principles of divine sovereignty, human accountability, and the certainty of God's unfolding plan in history, providing a linguistic backbone for understanding the logical progression of events and divine purposes in these significant biblical texts.
TRV