(Aramaic) corresponding to מָה; (as indefinitely) that; [phrase] what.
Transliteration:mâʼ
Pronunciation:maw
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
H3964 (מָא, mâʼ) is an Aramaic interrogative and relative pronoun, serving as the direct linguistic and semantic equivalent to the Hebrew מָה (mah, `{{H4100}}`). Its primary semantic range encompasses "what," "that," "which," and "whereby." This versatile word functions both to pose direct or indirect questions ("what is it?") and to introduce clauses that specify, define, or refer to an unspecified thing, action, or state ("that which is..."). It often carries an indefinite quality, referring to an unnamed or unquantified entity or event, and can also denote "whatsoever" or "how." Its usage is foundational for expressing inquiry, revelation, and the content of decrees in the Aramaic portions of the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, מָא (mâʼ) is found exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its contextual application reveals its dual function as an interrogative and a relative pronoun:
1. **As an Interrogative ("What?"):** מָא is frequently employed in direct questions, seeking clarification or understanding. For instance, when Nebuchadnezzar questions Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, he asks, "Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up?" [[Daniel 3:14]]. Here, the implied "what" or "how" expresses the king's astonishment and demand for an explanation. Similarly, Daniel's humble admission, "Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?" [[Daniel 2:26]], uses מָא to articulate the specific content of the king's forgotten dream, emphasizing the human inability to know without divine revelation. In Daniel 6:20, Darius asks Daniel, "O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?" [[Daniel 6:20]], where מָא conveys the essence of the inquiry regarding God's power.
2. **As a Relative Pronoun ("That which," "Whatsoever"):** More commonly, מָא introduces clauses that define or specify the content of a preceding statement, often related to divine revelation or royal decrees. In Daniel 2:28, Daniel declares, "there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days." [[Daniel 2:28]]. Here, מָא refers to the specific, divinely revealed content of future events. In Daniel 4:2, Nebuchadnezzar begins his testimony by stating, "It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me." [[Daniel 4:2]]. The "what" (signs and wonders) refers to God's mighty acts. In royal decrees, מָא specifies the details of the command. For example, Darius's decree in Ezra 6:8 states, "Moreover, I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the rebuilding of this house of God: the cost is to be paid to these men in full and without delay from the royal treasury, from the taxes of the province Beyond the River." [[Ezra 6:8]]. The "what" here clearly delineates the specific financial and logistical provisions. This usage highlights the precision and authority of both divine and earthly pronouncements.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to H3964 (מָא, mâʼ) is its Hebrew counterpart, מָה (mah, `{{H4100}}`). Both words share virtually identical semantic ranges and grammatical functions, serving as the primary interrogative and indefinite relative pronouns in their respective languages. This linguistic parallelism underscores the close relationship between Hebrew and Aramaic as Semitic languages, particularly in the biblical context where they often appear side-by-side or in consecutive narratives. Conceptually, מָא is also related to other interrogative pronouns like מַן (man, `{{H4479}}`), meaning "who," which specifies person rather than thing or action. More broadly, מָא participates in the larger biblical discourse concerning knowledge, revelation, and human understanding, often contrasting the limited "what" of human comprehension with the expansive "what" of divine wisdom and decree.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מָא (mâʼ) lies primarily in its role in conveying divine revelation and human response. When used in the context of God's actions or declarations, מָא points to the specific content of His sovereign will and prophetic unveiling. For instance, in Daniel's interpretations, "what will be in the latter days" ([[Daniel 2:28]]) emphasizes that God is the ultimate revealer of history, and His plans are concrete and knowable, even if mysterious to human minds. This highlights God's omniscience and His active involvement in human affairs. The "what" of God's signs and wonders ([[Daniel 4:2]]) underscores His power and unique ability to intervene in the world.
Conversely, when מָא appears in human questions, it often reflects a posture of dependence and a longing for divine understanding. The inability of human wisdom to discern "what" the king's dream was ([[Daniel 2:26]]) sets the stage for God to demonstrate His unique revelatory power. In this way, מָא serves as a linguistic pointer to the chasm between finite human knowledge and infinite divine wisdom, necessitating God's gracious self-disclosure. The precise "what" of royal decrees, often influenced by divine providence, also illustrates the structured nature of biblical governance and the outworking of God's purposes through human authorities.
### Summary
H3964 (מָא, mâʼ) is a crucial Aramaic interrogative and relative pronoun, directly corresponding to the Hebrew מָה (mah, `{{H4100}}`). Its core meaning encompasses "what," "that," "which," and "whereby," functioning both to inquire and to specify content in the Aramaic biblical texts of Daniel and Ezra. Contextual analysis reveals its use in seeking clarification (e.g., "what is true?" [[Daniel 3:14]]) and, more frequently, in delineating the precise content of divine revelation (e.g., "what will be in the latter days" [[Daniel 2:28]]) or royal decrees (e.g., "what you shall do" [[Ezra 6:8]]). Theologically, מָא underscores God's sovereignty as the revealer of mysteries and the executor of specific plans, while also highlighting humanity's dependence on divine disclosure for understanding the "what" of existence and prophecy. Its presence facilitates the communication of profound truths regarding God's active involvement in history and His precise communication of His will.
TRV