דֵּךְ (dekh)
dekh
this
A:DemPQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:DemP
Word Overview
The word dekh is a demonstrative pronoun meaning "this." It appears eleven times in the Hebrew Bible, functioning as the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew zeh. Its usage is concentrated almost entirely within the books of Ezra and Daniel, reflecting the official Aramaic correspondence and historical records included in those texts.
As a direct pointer to a specific person or object, dekh serves a practical grammatical role rather than carrying deep theological weight. It identifies what is immediately present or previously mentioned, such as when King Artaxerxes refers to "this" decree or "this" letter in the administrative documents of Ezra 4 and 7.
Its presence highlights the bilingual nature of the Persian Empire’s court records. While most of Scripture uses Hebrew for this function, these specific passages adopt Aramaic to preserve the authenticity of imperial correspondence. The word itself is straightforward, acting as a simple linguistic marker within larger historical narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dekh simply means "this." It appears mostly in the Aramaic sections of Ezra and Daniel, pointing to specific letters, decrees, or buildings in ancient court records. While it carries no deep theological weight on its own, its presence reminds us that God’s work unfolds within real history, using actual documents and human language.
When King Artaxerxes refers to "this" city in Ezra 4:13, he is reacting to a tangible threat. Yet the narrative shows how God sovereignly uses these administrative moments to protect His people. The word grounds us in the reality that our faith is not abstract; it is lived out in specific places and times.
For your daily life, this simple pointer invites you to notice the "this" before you. Whether it is a current challenge or a specific blessing, God meets you in the present moment. His care extends to the details of your life just as He cared for the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- this13×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דָךְ֙3×
- דֵ֖ךְ3×
- דֵ֑ךְ2×
- דֵּ֔ךְ1×
- דָ֜ךְ1×
- דָ֛ךְ1×
- דָ֖ךְ1×
- דָ֔ךְ1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 4:13
Be it known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful to the kings.
The word points to the specific city under construction, highlighting the political tension that threatened the temple project.
-
Ezra 6:7
Leave the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place.
It identifies the house of God in a royal decree, showing how imperial authority was used to protect worship.
-
Ezra 6:12
May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter this, to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree. Let it be done with all diligence.
The word appears twice in Darius's blessing, emphasizing his firm commitment to preserving the specific temple structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word dekh mean?
Why is this word found in Aramaic texts?
Does dekh have any special spiritual significance?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 11 verses
Be it known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or…
Ezra 4:15that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will see in the book of the records, and know…
Ezra 4:16We inform the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, then you will have no possession beyond the River.
Ezra 4:19I decreed, and search has been made, and it was found that this city has made insurrection against kings in the past,…
Ezra 4:21Make a decree now to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be built until a decree is made by me.
Ezra 5:8Be 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 5:16Then the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of God’s house which is in Jerusalem. Since that time even…
Ezra 5:17Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at…
Ezra 6:7Leave the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of…
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…
Ezra 6:12May the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who stretch out their hand to alter…