### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ʼêlleh**, represented by `{{H429}}`, is a demonstrative pronoun meaning **these** or **those**. It is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, making its single context highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H429}}` is in a prophetic declaration recorded in Aramaic within the book of Jeremiah. This statement serves as a direct message against idolatry, proclaiming that false **gods** `{{H426}}` who did **not** `{{H3809}}` **make** `{{H5648}}` the **heavens** `{{H8065}}` and the **earth** `{{H778}}` will ultimately **perish** `{{H7}}`. The verse concludes that they will vanish from the **earth** `{{H772}}` and from under "**these** heavens" [[Jeremiah 10:11]], using the pronoun to point to the very creation that testifies against them.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context clarify its meaning:
* `{{H1836}}` **dên** (this): An orthographical variation often translated as **thus** or **this**, it introduces the declaration in [[Jeremiah 10:11]], setting the stage for the judgment formula where `{{H429}}` appears.
* `{{H426}}` **ʼĕlâhh** (God, god): This term for **God** is used to identify the false gods who are the subject of the prophetic warning, contrasting them with the implied true Creator [[Jeremiah 10:11]].
* `{{H5648}}` **ʻăbad** (to do, make, prepare, keep, etc.): The verse uses this word to specify that the false gods did not **make** the heavens and the earth, establishing the basis for their illegitimacy [[Jeremiah 10:11]].
* `{{H7}}` **ʼăbad** (destroy, perish): This word declares the ultimate fate of the false gods; they shall **perish** from the earth, reinforcing the transient nature of idols compared to the eternal Creator [[Jeremiah 10:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H429}}` is tied directly to its singular, powerful context.
* **Creator vs. Created:** The use of **ʼêlleh** emphasizes the physical, created realm ("these heavens") as the domain from which false gods, who had no part in its creation, will be purged. This establishes a clear theological line between the eternal Creator and temporary idols.
* **A Polemic Against Idolatry:** The verse is a definitive condemnation of idolatry. It asserts that any **god** `{{H426}}` who did **not** `{{H3809}}` create the cosmos is illegitimate and subject to destruction.
* **Assertion of God's Sovereignty:** By specifying that false gods will perish from the earth and from **under** `{{H8460}}` "**these** heavens" [[Jeremiah 10:11]], the text affirms God's total sovereignty over the very creation that idols claim to influence.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H429}}` **ʼêlleh** is one of the rarest words in the biblical text, its singular use in [[Jeremiah 10:11]] is pivotal. It functions as a demonstrative pronoun that grounds a profound theological statement in the observable reality of the created world. It helps deliver a concise and powerful judgment against all false gods, affirming that only the Creator of the heavens and earth holds eternal power.
TRV