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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TRV