The Aramaic word ʼâʻ, represented by H636, is a term for timber or wood. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. This word corresponds to the Hebrew עֵץ and is used to denote wood as a raw material for construction or crafting.
In the biblical narrative, H636 is used in two distinct contexts: sacred construction and profane idolatry. In the book of Ezra, it refers to the timber used in rebuilding the house of God, where it is laid in the walls Ezra 5:8 and structured in rows with great stones Ezra 6:4. In contrast, the book of Daniel uses wood H636 to describe the material of lifeless idols, which were praised by Belshazzar and his lords instead of the living God (Daniel 5:4, Daniel 5:23). The word is also used to describe an instrument of punishment in a royal decree Ezra 6:11.
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the use of H636:
- H1560 gᵉlâl (great): This word describes the size of the stones that are used in construction alongside timber H636 in the rebuilding of God's house (Ezra 5:8, Ezra 6:4).
- H69 ʼeben (stone): This term for stone is frequently paired with H636. In Ezra, timber and stones are the building materials for the holy house Ezra 5:8, while in Daniel, they are listed together as materials for pagan gods Daniel 5:23.
- H7761 sûwm (to put... lay, make): This verb directly relates to H636 in its applications. It describes how timber is "laid" in the walls during construction Ezra 5:8 and is also used when a decree is "made" involving timber as a tool for punishment Ezra 6:11.
The scriptural use of H636 carries specific thematic weight:
- Material for True vs. False Worship: The word highlights a stark contrast in application. As timber H636, it is a key component in the holy construction of the house of the great God Ezra 5:8. As wood H636, it is a material for idols that "see not, nor hear, nor know" Daniel 5:23.
- Instrument of Law and Punishment: In the decree of King Darius, timber H636 is specified as an instrument of state-sanctioned punishment. It is to be pulled from an offender's own house to be used for his execution, demonstrating a principle of justice Ezra 6:11.
- Symbol of Inanimate Idols: The inclusion of wood among the materials for idols—alongside gold, silver, brass, iron, and stone—serves to emphasize their lifeless and powerless nature when contrasted with the God who holds all human breath and ways in His hand Daniel 5:23.
In summary, H636 ʼâʻ is a specific Aramaic term for timber or wood. While its usage is infrequent, it is significant. It illustrates a clear biblical delineation where a common material can be consecrated for a holy purpose, like building the house of God, or profaned by its use in the creation of false gods. The context surrounding H636 consistently contrasts the sacred with the profane and the living God with powerless idols.
TRV