אַחַר (a.char)
a.char
after
A:AdvQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:Adv
Word Overview
The word ʾaḥar is an Aramaic preposition meaning "after," serving as the direct counterpart to the Hebrew ʾaḥar (H0310). It appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, specifically within the book of Daniel. Its function is to mark temporal sequence or spatial position, indicating that one event or location follows another.
Despite its limited occurrence—appearing in only three verses—it plays a crucial role in the prophetic visions of Daniel. In these passages, it helps structure the timeline of empires and future events, establishing a clear chronological order for the reader. The word does not carry complex theological nuance beyond this straightforward sense of succession.
Translators consistently render ʾaḥar as "after," maintaining the simple linear progression intended by the original Aramaic text. Its presence underscores the linguistic shift in Daniel, where Hebrew gives way to Aramaic for international audiences, yet retains the same basic vocabulary for describing time and order.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word אַחַר (a.char) is an Aramaic preposition meaning "after." It appears in only three verses within the Old Testament, all located in the book of Daniel. In these passages, it marks a clear sequence of events, showing that one thing follows another in time or order. This simple term helps structure the prophetic visions, giving readers a sense of chronological progression as empires rise and fall.
For your faith, this word offers comfort in its clarity. When life feels chaotic or uncertain, knowing that God has revealed what will happen "after" provides a stable anchor. The visions in Daniel are not random; they follow a divine order. This means that history is moving toward a purposeful conclusion, guided by a God who reveals secrets and controls the timeline.
Even when the future seems daunting, this word reminds us that we serve a God who knows what comes next. You can rest in the assurance that your life is part of a larger, orderly plan. Trusting in His timing allows you to face the unknown with peace, knowing that He holds the future in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- after2×
- after/ them1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַחֲרֵ֣י2×
- אַחֲרֵי/ה֗וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:29
“As for you, O king, your thoughts came on your bed, what should happen hereafter; and he who reveals secrets has made known to you what will happen.
This verse uses the word to introduce the revelation of future events to King Nebuchadnezzar, highlighting God's power to reveal what is yet to come.
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Daniel 2:45
Because you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold, the great God has made known to the king what will happen hereafter. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.”
Here, the term confirms that the stone cut without hands represents a divine kingdom that will succeed earthly empires, emphasizing God's ultimate authority over history.
-
Daniel 7:24
As for the ten horns, ten kings will arise out of this kingdom. Another will arise after them; and he will be different from the former, and he will put down three kings.
The word marks the rise of a final king who arises after ten others, structuring the prophetic timeline of political powers and their succession.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does אַחַר (a.char) mean?
Why is this word only in Daniel?
How does this word help understand prophecy?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 3 verses
“As for you, O king, your thoughts came on your bed, what should happen hereafter; and he who reveals secrets has made…
Daniel 2:45Because you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the…
Daniel 7:24As for the ten horns, ten kings will arise out of this kingdom. Another will arise after them; and he will be different…