אָע (a)
a
wood
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic word aʿ denotes wood, specifically referring to timber or beams used in construction. It appears five times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the books of Ezra and Daniel, which are written largely in Aramaic. In these contexts, it describes the physical materials involved in building projects, such as the foundations of the temple or the structural supports of palaces.
This term is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew ets (עֵץ), sharing the same core meaning of processed wood suitable for use. Its occurrence in Ezra and Daniel highlights its practical application in narratives about rebuilding and imperial architecture, grounding the text in the tangible reality of ancient construction materials rather than abstract concepts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Aramaic word אָע (aʿ) simply means wood or timber. In the books of Ezra and Daniel, it appears in stories about rebuilding the temple and constructing royal palaces. It refers to the physical beams and logs used to support walls and roofs. This is not a metaphor for spiritual strength, but a description of real building materials in ancient Judah and Babylon.
When we read that timber was laid in the walls or pulled from a house as punishment, we see how essential this resource was. It grounded their faith in tangible reality. God’s work involved actual stones and wood, handled by real people with real tools. The text does not hide the physical nature of these projects.
Yet there is a quiet lesson here. Just as timber supports a building, our daily efforts support our spiritual lives. We do not need abstract concepts to find God. He is present in the practical work of rebuilding and maintaining what matters. Your faithful labor, like that timber, holds lasting value.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ wood2×
- timber1×
- and/ timber1×
- a beam1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אָ֖ע1×
- אָעָ֥/א1×
- אָעָ֣/א1×
- אָע֙1×
- אָ֣ע1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 5:8
Be it known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built with great stones and timber is laid in the walls. This work goes on with diligence and prospers in their hands.
This verse shows the word describing the structural timber laid into the temple walls, highlighting the physical reality of the rebuilding effort.
-
Ezra 6:4
with three courses of great stones and a course of new timber. Let the expenses be given out of the king’s house.
Here the term specifies new timber courses in the temple design, indicating a deliberate architectural choice for durability and strength.
-
Daniel 5:23
but have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. You have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which don’t see, or hear, or know; and you have not glorified the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways.
The word lists wood among idols that cannot see or hear, contrasting the lifeless material with the living God who holds your breath.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Aramaic word אָע mean?
Why is this word found in Daniel and Ezra?
Is אָע used metaphorically for spiritual strength?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 3 verses
Be it known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built…
Ezra 6:4with three courses of great stones and a course of new timber. Let the expenses be given out of the king’s house.
Ezra 6:11I have also made a decree that whoever alters this message, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be…