אִלֵּךְ (il.lekh)
il.lekh
these
A:DemPQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:DemP
Word Overview
The word illekha is an Aramaic demonstrative pronoun meaning "these" or "those." It appears nine times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the books of Daniel and Ezra, which are written largely in Imperial Aramaic. As a plural form, it points directly to specific people, objects, or events previously mentioned in the text.
Etymologically, it derives from the singular demonstrative el, following standard patterns for forming plurals in this dialect. Its usage is straightforward and functional, serving to identify and emphasize the subjects at hand without carrying additional theological weight. Translators consistently render it as "these," maintaining clarity in narratives describing historical events or royal decrees.
Because it occurs almost exclusively in the Aramaic sections of Scripture, illekha highlights the linguistic diversity of the biblical canon. It reminds readers that the Old Testament was composed in multiple languages, with Aramaic serving as a bridge between Hebrew and later Jewish literature. The word anchors the narrative in its historical context, pointing to tangible realities within the stories of exile and restoration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word illekh simply means "these." It is an Aramaic demonstrative pronoun that points directly to specific people or things already mentioned in the text. You will find it most often in the books of Daniel and Ezra, where the biblical narrative shifts into Imperial Aramaic. This linguistic shift reminds us that God’s Word was written in multiple languages, reflecting the diverse cultures and histories of His people.
When the text uses "these men," it is not speaking vaguely about humanity in general. It is pointing to real individuals in a specific moment. In Daniel 3, for instance, "these men" refers to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego standing before King Nebuchadnezzar. The word anchors the story in a tangible reality, highlighting that God works through concrete people in historical circumstances.
For your faith, this simple word offers comfort. It shows that God is not distant from human history but is actively involved in the lives of specific individuals. Whether you are facing a royal decree or a personal trial, the God who watched over "these men" in the fiery furnace is the same God who knows your name and situation today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- these10×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אִלֵּ֗ךְ3×
- אִלֵּ֔ךְ3×
- אִלֵּךְ֙1×
- אִלֵּ֡ךְ1×
- אִלֵּ֖ךְ1×
- אִלֵּ֑ךְ1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 3:12
There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, have not respected you. They don’t serve your gods, and don’t worship the golden image which you have set up.”
This occurrence identifies Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as specific individuals who refused to worship the king's idol, setting the stage for their trial.
-
Daniel 3:23
These three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the middle of the burning fiery furnace.
Here the word emphasizes the physical presence of the three men in the furnace, underscoring the reality of God's protection amidst extreme danger.
-
Daniel 3:27
The local governors, the deputies, and the governors, and the king’s counselors, being gathered together, saw these men, that the fire had no power on their bodies. The hair of their head wasn’t singed. Their pants weren’t changed. The smell of fire wasn’t even on them.
The royal officials see "these men" unharmed, providing visual proof to the court that God had preserved them through the fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word illekha mean?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Why is it important to know this word is Aramaic?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 3 verses
Make a decree now to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be built until a decree is made by me.
Ezra 5:9Then we asked those elders, and said to them thus, “Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?”
Ezra 6:8Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of…