### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ʼillêyn**, represented by `{{H459}}`, is a demonstrative pronoun meaning **these**. It appears only **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Daniel. Its specific function is to identify or point to particular people, kingdoms, or entities that are the subject of a given narrative or prophecy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H459}}` consistently points to subjects of great prophetic or historical importance. It is used to identify the earthly **kingdoms** `{{H4437}}` that are destined for destruction, both by the oppressive fourth kingdom represented by **iron** `{{H6523}}` [[Daniel 2:40]] and ultimately by the eternal kingdom set up by the **God** `{{H426}}` of **heaven** `{{H8065}}` [[Daniel 2:44]]. The term also specifies the **great** `{{H7260}}` **beasts** `{{H2423}}` in Daniel's vision, clarifying that **these** symbols represent four **kings** `{{H4430}}` [[Daniel 7:17]]. In a historical context, it identifies the specific group of **presidents** `{{H5632}}` and **princes** `{{H324}}` who **assembled together** `{{H7284}}` to plot against Daniel before King **Darius** `{{H1868}}` [[Daniel 6:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial for understanding the context in which `{{H459}}` is used:
* `{{H4437}}` **malkûw** (kingdom, kingly, realm, reign): This is the most common subject identified by `{{H459}}`. The pronoun often clarifies that it is "these kingdoms" of the world that will be broken and consumed [[Daniel 2:44]].
* `{{H2423}}` **chêyvâʼ** (an animal; beast): In Daniel's visions, this term represents powerful, worldly kingdoms. `{{H459}}` serves to directly link "these great beasts" to their interpretation as four kings [[Daniel 7:17]].
* `{{H5632}}` **çârêk** (president): This word refers to the high-ranking officials in the Persian government. `{{H459}}` is used to single out "these presidents" who conspired against Daniel [[Daniel 6:6]].
* `{{H1855}}` **dᵉqaq** (to crumble or (trans.) crush; break to pieces): This verb describes the action taken against the kingdoms identified by `{{H459}}`. An unstoppable power will **break in pieces** `{{H1855}}` all of "these" earthly empires [[Daniel 2:40]].
### Theological Significance
The prophetic weight of `{{H459}}` lies in its ability to specify the targets of divine judgment and revelation.
* **Identifying Worldly Powers:** The pronoun serves as a divine marker, pointing out the specific earthly kingdoms that exist in opposition to God's will. It is "these kingdoms" that God's eternal **kingdom** `{{H4437}}` will **break in pieces** `{{H1855}}` and **consume** `{{H5487}}` [[Daniel 2:44]].
* **Clarifying Prophetic Symbols:** `{{H459}}` removes ambiguity from Daniel's visions. When the angel says "**These** great **beasts** `{{H2423}}`... are four **kings** `{{H4430}}`," the word directly connects the symbol to its meaning [[Daniel 7:17]].
* **Designating Human Opposition:** The term also applies to the human plotters against God's servant. It is "these presidents and princes" who gather to entrap Daniel, showing that God's prophecies concern both the grand scale of empires and the specific actions of individuals within them [[Daniel 6:6]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼillêyn** `{{H459}}` is more than a simple demonstrative. While its literal meaning is just "these," its usage within the book of Daniel gives it significant weight. It functions as a divine pointer, singling out the specific earthly **kingdoms** `{{H4437}}`, symbolic **beasts** `{{H2423}}`, and political figures that are the subjects of judgment and prophecy. By identifying "these" entities, the word underscores the contrast between the transient, judged powers of the world and the everlasting kingdom of God that will ultimately replace them all.