### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **tᵉlâth**, represented by `{{H8532}}`, is the counterpart to the Hebrew שָׁלוֹשׁ, meaning **three** or **third**. It appears 11 times in 11 unique verses in the Aramaic sections of the Bible. Its usage ranges from simple numerical counts of people and objects to defining the frequency of actions and marking significant points in time and prophecy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H8532}}` appears in both historical and prophetic contexts. It is used to specify the number of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego cast into the fiery furnace [[Daniel 3:23]]. It also quantifies the administrative structure of the kingdom, where **three** presidents were set over the princes [[Daniel 6:2]]. In the rebuilding of the temple, the plans called for **three** rows of great stones [[Ezra 6:4]]. The word is also central to Daniel's personal devotion, as he prayed **three** times a day, an act of faithfulness that was used against him ([[Daniel 6:10]], [[Daniel 6:13]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which `{{H8532}}` is used:
* `{{H2166}}` **zᵉmân** (season, time): This word is used alongside `{{H8532}}` to specify the frequency of Daniel's prayers as "**three** times a day" [[Daniel 6:10]].
* `{{H6933}}` **qadmay** (first): In Daniel's vision, this word distinguishes the **three** of the **first** horns that were plucked up by the roots before another horn [[Daniel 7:8]].
* `{{H6236}}` **ʻăsar** (ten): The number **ten** provides the larger context for the number three in Daniel's vision of the horns, where out of **ten** kings, another arises and subdues **three** of them [[Daniel 7:24]].
* `{{H317}}` **ʼochŏrîy** (other): This word introduces **another** beast or horn in prophetic visions where the number three is a key detail, such as the **other** beast with three ribs or the **other** horn before which three fell ([[Daniel 7:5]], [[Daniel 7:20]]).
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H8532}}` is most prominent in prophetic and devotional contexts.
* **Prophetic Symbolism:** The number three is a recurring feature in Daniel's visions. It identifies the **three** ribs in the mouth of the bear-like beast [[Daniel 7:5]] and consistently refers to the **three** horns or kings who are displaced or subdued by an emerging power ([[Daniel 7:8]], [[Daniel 7:20]], [[Daniel 7:24]]).
* **Steadfast Faith:** The number three marks acts of unwavering faithfulness. The story of the **three** men in the furnace is a testament to their corporate loyalty to God [[Daniel 3:24]]. Similarly, Daniel's disciplined prayer life of **three** times a day demonstrates his personal commitment, even under threat of death [[Daniel 6:13]].
* **Marking Completion:** The word is used as an ordinal number, "third," to mark the exact day of the temple's completion, signifying the conclusion of a major work in the history of Israel [[Ezra 6:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8532}}` is more than a simple number. While it functions as a literal count for men, administrative posts, and building materials, its greater weight is found in its narrative and prophetic roles. It defines acts of profound faith and serves as a key symbolic number in the visions of the book of Daniel, representing a specific and significant group that is overcome within a larger prophetic sequence.
TRV