The Aramaic word ʼâthâh, represented by H858, corresponds to the Hebrew word for arriving. Its base definition is {to arrive}; (be-) come, bring. It appears 16 times across 15 unique verses in the Bible, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra. The word's usage captures both the simple act of arrival and the causative action of bringing a person or object to a location.
In the biblical narrative, H858 is used to describe actions initiated by both human and divine authority. Earthly kings use it to exert their power, such as when Nebuchadnezzar commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Daniel 3:13, or when Belshazzar commanded to bring the sacred vessels from the temple for his feast Daniel 5:2. The word also denotes movement and arrival in a less forceful sense, as when Tatnai and other officials came to investigate the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem Ezra 5:3. A key prophetic use is seen when Daniel describes one "like the Son of man" who came with the clouds of heaven Daniel 7:13.
Several related Aramaic words provide a fuller picture of movement and arrival in the contexts where H858 appears:
- H4291 mᵉṭâʼ (to arrive, extend or happen; come, reach): This word is often used to signify the completion of an arrival. In Daniel's vision, the Son of man came H858 with the clouds, and he came H4291 to the Ancient of days, indicating the final point of his journey Daniel 7:13.
- H5312 nᵉphaq (to issue; come (go, take) forth (out)): This describes coming out from a place. It is used in sequence with H858 when Nebuchadnezzar commands the three men in the furnace to "come forth H5312, and come H858 hither" Daniel 3:26.
- H5954 ʻălal (to enter; bring in, come in, go in): This word describes the act of entering. Daniel was brought in H5954 before the king, an event that happened because the king's father had brought H858 him from Jewry Daniel 5:13.
- H7127 qᵉrêb (to approach... bring near): This term focuses on drawing near. After the Son of man came H858, "they brought him near" H7127 before the Ancient of days, showing a progression from arrival to presentation Daniel 7:13.
The theological weight of H858 is most evident in the book of Daniel, where it underpins concepts of authority, judgment, and prophecy.
- Sovereign Command: The word is repeatedly used by kings to summon people and objects, establishing a pattern of absolute authority. Daniel is brought to the den of lions Daniel 6:16, and a stone is brought to seal it Daniel 6:17, all by royal command.
- Divine Intervention: The act of "coming" signifies a pivotal moment of divine action. The "Ancient of days came" to execute judgment and give the kingdom to the saints, marking a turning point in history Daniel 7:22.
- Messianic Arrival: Its most profound use is in the vision of the "Son of man," who came H858 with the clouds of heaven Daniel 7:13. This act of coming is not mere travel but a celestial event signifying the arrival of a divine figure to receive dominion and glory.
In summary, H858 functions as a critical verb in Aramaic portions of Scripture. While its meaning of "come" or "bring" is simple, its application is significant. It moves from the literal, describing the movement of people and objects under royal decree, to the profoundly theological, depicting the arrival of the "Ancient of days" in judgment and the prophetic coming of the "Son of man" to receive his kingdom.
TRV