### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **tᵉrêyn**, represented by `{{H8648}}`, is a numeral corresponding to the Hebrew word for **two**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. Its usage includes the cardinal number **two**, the ordinal number **second**, and as part of the compound number **twelve**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8648}}` is used to provide specific numerical detail in key historical accounts. It can denote a specific point in time, such as when work on the house of God ceased until the **second** year of the reign of Darius [[Ezra 4:24]]. It is also used to state a person's age, as when Darius the Median took the kingdom at about threescore and **two** years old [[Daniel 5:31]]. In other contexts, it combines with the word for ten to form the number twelve, marking a period of **twelve** months [[Daniel 4:29]] or a quantity of **twelve** he goats for a sin offering [[Ezra 6:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other Aramaic numerals appear in context with `{{H8648}}`, helping to construct detailed accounts:
* `{{H6236}}` **ʻăsar** (ten): This word is used in combination with `{{H8648}}` to form the number **twelve**, as seen in the offering for all Israel [[Ezra 6:17]] and the measurement of time in Daniel [[Daniel 4:29]].
* `{{H8361}}` **shittîyn** (sixty): This numeral is used with `{{H8648}}` to state a precise age, as in "threescore and **two**" [[Daniel 5:31]].
* `{{H3969}}` **mᵉʼâh** (hundred): This word for **hundred** appears in the same list of offerings as `{{H8648}}`, detailing the large quantities of sacrifices, such as a **hundred** bullocks [[Ezra 6:17]].
* `{{H703}}` **ʼarbaʻ** (four): This numeral for **four** is also used in the list of sacrificial offerings alongside `{{H8648}}`, specifying **four** hundred lambs [[Ezra 6:17]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H8648}}` lies in the precision and symbolism it lends to the text.
* **Symbolic Representation:** The number twelve, formed with `{{H8648}}` and `{{H6236}}`, is used for the "twelve he goats" in an offering for all Israel, a quantity specified to be "according to the number of the tribes of Israel" [[Ezra 6:17]].
* **Historical Anchoring:** Its use provides concrete details that ground the narrative in history, such as specifying the "**second** year" of a king's reign [[Ezra 4:24]] or the exact age of a new ruler [[Daniel 5:31]].
* **Marking Time:** The word helps define specific timeframes for events, such as the "twelve months" that passed before Nebuchadnezzar walked in his palace [[Daniel 4:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8648}}` is a fundamental Aramaic numeral whose importance is seen in its application. While its core meaning is simply **two** or **second**, it plays a crucial role in establishing quantities for sacred offerings, defining key historical timelines, and providing details that underscore the accuracy of the biblical record in Ezra and Daniel.
TRV