The Aramaic word mᵉʼâh, represented by H3969, is a primitive numeral meaning hundred. It appears 8 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. The term functions as a base number and a multiplicative, used for quantifying large amounts in administrative and ceremonial contexts.
In its biblical usage, H3969 consistently denotes significant quantities. In the book of Daniel, it is used to number the officials appointed by King Darius, who set "an hundred and twenty princes" over his kingdom Daniel 6:1. In Ezra, the term is central to detailing provisions for the temple, with a royal decree allocating resources "unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine" Ezra 7:22. It also quantifies the immense scale of offerings at the dedication of God's house, which included "an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs" Ezra 6:17.
Several related words are quantified by H3969, illustrating its use in specifying large amounts:
- H8450 tôwr (bullock, ox): This Aramaic word for a bull is used to count the primary animals for sacrifice at the temple's dedication Ezra 6:17.
- H3604 kikkêr (talent): This word denotes a talent, a significant unit of weight often used for precious metals like silver Ezra 7:22.
- H1325 bath (bath): This term refers to a standard measure for liquids and is used to specify quantities of wine and oil Ezra 7:22.
The use of H3969 carries a thematic weight of scale and significance.
- Royal Authority and Provision: The number hundred is used in royal decrees to establish the scale of a king's administrative structure or the generosity of his provisions for religious purposes (Daniel 6:1, Ezra 7:22).
- Significance in Worship: When used for sacrifices, H3969 emphasizes the magnitude and importance of the event, such as the dedication of the house of God, where vast numbers of animals were offered Ezra 6:17.
- Structured Enumeration: The term is used to provide specific, large-scale counts, reflecting careful accounting in both civil and sacred matters, from the number of government officials to the exact amounts of sacrificial supplies (Ezra 6:17, Daniel 6:1).
In summary, H3969 mᵉʼâh functions as a specific numerical designator for hundred. While appearing infrequently, its use in Ezra and Daniel is significant, consistently tied to large-scale organization, whether in royal administration or in the extensive provisions and sacrifices for the worship of God. It highlights moments of grand-scale dedication and governance, providing a clear measure of the resources and personnel involved.
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