### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]]).
### Summary
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.
TRV