אַנְתָּה
thou
Definition
אַנְתָּה is the Aramaic second-person masculine singular pronoun, meaning 'you' or 'thou.' It is used to directly address a single male individual, often with a sense of emphasis or formality. In the book of Daniel, it frequently appears in divine or royal addresses, such as when King Nebuchadnezzar is spoken to in a dream (Daniel 2:29) or when Daniel interprets the king's visions (Daniel 4:22). In Ezra 7:25, it is used by King Artaxerxes in a decree addressing Ezra, emphasizing the authority being delegated.
Biblical Usage
This word occurs exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in Ezra and Daniel. It is used in formal contexts, often in prophetic revelations, royal decrees, or addresses from figures of authority. For example, in Daniel 2:29, it introduces a divine message to Nebuchadnezzar, and in Ezra 7:25, it marks a king's directive. The usage consistently emphasizes the individual being addressed, highlighting their role or responsibility in the narrative.
Etymology
אַנְתָּה is the Aramaic cognate of the Hebrew pronoun אַתָּה (ʼattâh, H859), both meaning 'you.' It derives from a common Semitic root for the second-person singular. The Aramaic form reflects the linguistic shift in the post-exilic period, where Aramaic became a lingua franca in the Persian Empire, influencing biblical texts like those in Ezra and Daniel.
Semantic Range
As a pronoun, אַנְתָּה itself is not theologically loaded, but its usage in contexts of divine communication and royal authority underscores themes of God's sovereignty and human accountability. In Daniel, it often precedes revelations about God's control over kingdoms (e.g., Daniel 2:37-38), reminding readers that even powerful rulers are addressed directly by God. Understanding this Aramaic term enriches Bible reading by highlighting the cross-cultural setting of the exile and the personal nature of God's messages to individuals.
In its original Aramaic setting, אַנְתָּה was part of the everyday language used across the Persian Empire, including in official documents and diplomacy. Its appearance in biblical texts reflects the historical reality of Jewish life under foreign rule, where Aramaic was common in administration and communication. This contrasts with modern expectations of Hebrew dominance in the Old Testament, showing the adaptive nature of biblical revelation in a multicultural context.
אַתָּה (ʼattâh, H859) — The Hebrew equivalent, used throughout most of the Old Testament in non-Aramaic passages.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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