The Aramaic word mâʼ, represented by H3964, corresponds to the Hebrew word for what. It appears just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, making its single usage particularly significant. It functions indefinitely to introduce the substance or content of a statement, specifically a royal command.
The sole biblical appearance of H3964 is within a decree made by King Darius. In this context, the word introduces the specific instructions for supporting the Jewish elders in their work. The king declares, "I make a decree what ye shall do... for the building of this house of God" Ezra 6:8. Here, mâʼ serves to define the precise actions that are to follow, ensuring there is no ambiguity in the royal order to provide for the reconstruction of the temple.
The function of H3964 is clarified by the words it directly relates to in its only scriptural context:
- H2942 ṭᵉʻêm (decree): H3964 specifies the content of the king's decree. This royal command was issued to ensure the building of the house of God could proceed (Ezra 6:8, Ezra 6:3).
- H5648 ʻăbad (to do, make): The word introduces the actions that the people "shall do" as part of the decree. It defines the work to be performed in service of the command Ezra 6:8.
- H1124 bᵉnâʼ (to build): The purpose of the decree introduced by mâʼ is for the building of the house of God, a central activity in the book of Ezra (Ezra 6:8, Ezra 5:2).
- H989 bᵉṭêl (to cease, hinder): The command specifying what to do was given so that the builders would not be hindered in their work, ensuring the project would continue without opposition Ezra 6:8.
The significance of H3964 is tied directly to its role in authorizing and facilitating God's work through human authority.
- Defining Royal Sanction: The word is a key part of a legal command from a gentile king. The "what" it introduces is a set of binding instructions that allocate resources from the king's own tribute for a sacred purpose Ezra 6:8.
- Ensuring Unhindered Progress: By specifying the exact provisions, H3964 helps articulate a decree designed to ensure the work on God's house is not hindered H989. It transforms a general approval into a specific, actionable plan.
- Linking Command to Action: It serves as the bridge between the king's decision to issue a decree H2942 and the specific actions of providing expenses H5313 so the Jews could build H1124 the house of God.
In summary, while H3964 is an exceptionally rare word, its single appearance is pivotal. As the Aramaic term for what, its function in Ezra 6:8 is to introduce the crucial details of a royal decree. It gives substance to the king's command, defining the specific support required for rebuilding the house of God and ensuring that the divine project could move forward with official, tangible backing.
TRV