### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **shittîyn**, represented by `{{H8361}}`, corresponds to the number **sixty**, often translated as **threescore**. It appears 4 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used exclusively in the books of Ezra and Daniel to specify large measurements of size and age.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8361}}` is used to establish scale and significance in royal contexts. In the book of Daniel, it describes the immense height of the golden **image** `{{H6755}}` that **Nebuchadnezzar** `{{H5020}}` the **king** `{{H4430}}` set up, making its **height** `{{H7314}}` **threescore** **cubits** `{{H521}}` [[Daniel 3:1]]. It is also used to record the age of **Darius** `{{H1868}}` the **Median** `{{H4077}}`, who was about **threescore** and two **years** `{{H8140}}` **old** `{{H1247}}` when he took the **kingdom** `{{H4437}}` [[Daniel 5:31]]. Similarly, in Ezra, a **decree** `{{H2942}}` from **Cyrus** `{{H3567}}` specifies that the **house** `{{H1005}}` of **God** `{{H426}}` at **Jerusalem** `{{H3390}}` should be built with a **height** `{{H7314}}` of **threescore** **cubits** `{{H521}}` and a **breadth** `{{H6613}}` of **threescore** **cubits** `{{H521}}` [[Ezra 6:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context in which `{{H8361}}` is used:
* `{{H521}}` **'ammâh** (cubit): This unit of measure, defined as a **cubit**, is used alongside **threescore** to describe the dimensions of both Nebuchadnezzar's image and the rebuilt house of God ([[Daniel 3:1]], [[Ezra 6:3]]).
* `{{H8140}}` **shᵉnâh** (year): This word for **a year** provides the unit for Darius the Median's age when he took the kingdom, which was **threescore** and two **years** old [[Daniel 5:31]].
* `{{H8353}}` **shêth** (six): This word for **six** is explicitly compared to `{{H8361}}` in its base definition. It appears in contrast to **threescore** in the dimensions of the golden image, which was sixty cubits high but only **six** cubits wide [[Daniel 3:1]].
### Theological Significance
The number `{{H8361}}` carries significant narrative weight in its few appearances, highlighting moments of royal decrees and historical transitions.
* **Monument to Hubris:** The **threescore** cubit height of Nebuchadnezzar's golden **image** `{{H6755}}` emphasizes its imposing scale, a symbol of the king's power and demand for worship in the **province** `{{H4083}}` of **Babylon** `{{H895}}` [[Daniel 3:1]].
* **Blueprint for Restoration:** The dimensions of the new **house** `{{H1005}}` of **God** `{{H426}}` are set at **threescore** cubits for both height and breadth in the **decree** `{{H2942}}` of **Cyrus** `{{H3567}}`, signifying a grand and royally sanctioned restoration of worship in **Jerusalem** `{{H3390}}` [[Ezra 6:3]].
* **Marker of Prophetic Fulfillment:** The age of **Darius** `{{H1868}}` at **threescore** and two years old precisely dates the moment he **took** `{{H6902}}` the **kingdom** `{{H4437}}`, marking the historic transfer of power from the Babylonians to the Medes [[Daniel 5:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8361}}` functions as more than a simple numerical value. It is a specific Aramaic term used to denote the significant number **sixty**. Its application in scripture conveys a sense of grand scale, whether in the idolatrous pride of a Babylonian king or the divinely-ordered restoration of God's temple. By marking both monumental dimensions and the age of a new ruler, **shittîyn** helps to frame pivotal events within the history of Israel during the exile.
TRV