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H586 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֲנַחְנָה
Anachna
Personal pronoun (Aramaic)
We (Aramaic)

Definition

The Aramaic personal pronoun anachna is the first-person plural pronoun 'we.' It appears in the Aramaic sections of Daniel and Ezra. This is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew anachnu. Its presence marks portions of Scripture written in the international language of the ancient Near East rather than classical Hebrew.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Aramaic sections of Daniel and Ezra reflect the historical reality that God's people lived and bore witness in the languages of empire. Daniel's testimony in Aramaic reminds believers that the gospel of God's kingdom has always been meant for all nations. The community of 'we' in Daniel's prayers represents covenant solidarity in exile: corporate confession, corporate hope.

Key Bible Verses

Ezra 4:16We inform the king that if this city is built and its walls are restored, you will be left with nothing in Trans-Euphrates.
Daniel 3:16Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, 'King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.'
Daniel 3:17If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it.
Daniel 3:18But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods.
Ezra 4:11This is a copy of the letter they sent him: To King Artaxerxes, from your servants, the people of Trans-Euphrates...

Related Words

External Resources

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