### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **ʼillêk**, represented by `{{H479}}`, is a demonstrative pronoun meaning **these** or **those**. It appears 14 times in 13 verses, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its function is to identify a specific, previously mentioned group of people, drawing focus to them at critical moments in the narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical accounts, `{{H479}}` is used to single out groups facing royal decrees or moments of conflict. It identifies Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when they are brought before King Nebuchadnezzar (**these** men, [[Daniel 3:13]]) and subsequently when they are cast into the fiery furnace (**these** three men, [[Daniel 3:23]]). Similarly, it is used to refer to the men who conspired against Daniel (**these** men, [[Daniel 6:11]], [[Daniel 6:15]]) and later faced judgment themselves (**those** men, [[Daniel 6:24]]). The word also appears in royal edicts in Ezra, such as the command to halt construction ("cause **these** men to cease," [[Ezra 4:21]]) or the decree to provide for the temple builders ("expenses be given unto **these** men," [[Ezra 6:8]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the use of `{{H479}}`:
* `{{H1400}}` **gᵉbar** (certain, man): This word for **man** is consistently paired with `{{H479}}` to form the phrase "**these** men," directly identifying the subjects of a command or action [[Daniel 3:13]].
* `{{H581}}` **ʼinnûwn** (they, them, these): This pronoun often refers to the same group identified by `{{H479}}`. When Daniel's accusers are judged, the text first points them out as "**those** men" `{{H479}}` and then refers to "**them**" `{{H581}}` being cast into the lion's den [[Daniel 6:24]].
* `{{H1836}}` **dên** (this): As another demonstrative, **dên** typically points to a singular item or person, such as "**this** Daniel" [[Daniel 6:5]] or "**this** house" [[Ezra 5:9]], contrasting with the plural application of `{{H479}}`.
* `{{H4430}}` **melek** (king): The use of `{{H479}}` almost always occurs within a context of royal authority, where a **king** issues a decree or command concerning "**these** men" ([[Daniel 3:13]], [[Ezra 4:21]]).
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H479}}` is significant as it consistently frames moments of crisis and confrontation.
* **Identifying Subjects of Faith:** The word is used to distinctly mark individuals based on their faithfulness to God. It singles out Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as "**these** men" who would not serve the king's gods [[Daniel 3:12]] and the conspirators who found they could only accuse Daniel concerning the law of his God [[Daniel 6:5]].
* **Framing Judgment and Deliverance:** `ʼillêk` is used to identify those about to undergo a test of faith or receive judgment. It points to the three men being cast into the furnace [[Daniel 3:21]] and the accusers being thrown to the lions [[Daniel 6:24]]. Subsequently, it is used to highlight their miraculous deliverance, as officials "**saw** these men" completely unharmed by the fire [[Daniel 3:27]].
* **Executing Royal Decrees:** The term is a key component of official commands, used to specify exactly who is subject to the king's edict, whether for hindrance [[Ezra 4:21]] or for provision [[Ezra 6:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H479}}` functions as a crucial narrative pointer in the Aramaic sections of Scripture. More than a simple demonstrative, it serves to isolate and identify the key players in dramatic confrontations between human authority and divine law. By specifying "**these**" or "**those**" men, the word sharpens the focus on individuals at pivotal moments of testing, judgment, and ultimately, divine intervention.
TRV