דְּנָה (de.nah)
de.nah
this
A:DemPQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 46 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:DemP
Word Overview
The Aramaic word dēnā functions primarily as a demonstrative pronoun meaning "this." It appears frequently in the books of Daniel and Ezra, reflecting the official language used in those courts. The sources identify it as an orthographical variation of the form den, serving to point directly at a person, object, or situation being discussed.
Its usage extends beyond simple identification. In contexts like Daniel 3:16, the phrase "on account of this" links a statement to a preceding fact, creating a logical bridge that translates naturally as "therefore." This dual role allows it to anchor arguments in the narrative, making abstract connections concrete for the reader.
Translators handle dēnā with varied English equivalents depending on its grammatical weight. It may appear as "this matter," "thus," or "such," capturing the specific nuance of the original text. This flexibility ensures that the precise reference intended by the ancient authors remains clear in modern readings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Aramaic word dēnā points directly at what is present before us. It anchors speech to a specific reality, whether that is a royal decree or a divine secret. When we encounter this term in Scripture, it reminds us that God speaks into concrete situations, not abstract ideas.
In Daniel 2:18, the word links prayer to a urgent need. The wise men sought mercy concerning 'this secret,' showing how faith engages with immediate challenges. This focus helps us bring our specific worries to God rather than vague generalities.
Whether in Ezra or Daniel, the term grounds the narrative in truth. It invites us to look closely at what God is doing in our own lives and respond with clarity and trust.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 46 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- this45×
- like/ this3×
- and/ this1×
- and/ according to/ this1×
- [is] this1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- דְנָ֖ה6×
- דְּנָ֔ה4×
- דְּנָ֑ה4×
- דְנָה֙4×
- דְּנָה֙3×
- דְּנָ֖ה3×
- דְנָ֑ה3×
- דְּנָה֩2×
- דְּנָ֣ה2×
- דְּנָ֗ה2×
- דְנָ֗ה2×
- דְנָ֔ה2×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:18
that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret, that Daniel and his companions would not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
The word links the specific request for mercy to the urgent need of revealing the king's secret.
-
Ezra 5:3
At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, came to them, with Shetharbozenai and their companions, and asked them, “Who gave you a decree to build this house and to finish this wall?”
It identifies the physical structure being built, highlighting the official nature of the inquiry.
-
Daniel 2:12
Because of this, the king was angry and very furious, and commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed.
The phrase 'because of this' connects the king's anger directly to the inability of his wise men to answer.
-
Ezra 4:16
We inform the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, then you will have no possession beyond the River.
It specifies the city under discussion, emphasizing the political stakes of its reconstruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word dēnā mean?
How is dēnā different from other words for 'this'?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (46 verses across 3 books)
Ezra 20 verses
This is the copy of the letter that they sent: To King Artaxerxes, from your servants, the people beyond the River.
Ezra 4:14Now because we eat the salt of the palace and it is not appropriate for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore we…
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 4:22Be careful that you not be slack doing so. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
Ezra 5:3At the same time Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, came to them, with Shetharbozenai and their companions, and…
Ezra 5:4They also asked for the names of the men who were making this building.
Ezra 5:5But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they didn’t make them cease until the matter should come to…
Ezra 5:7They sent a letter to him, in which was written: To Darius the king, all peace.
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 5:11Thus they returned us answer, saying, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are building the house…
Ezra 5:12But after our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of…
Ezra 5:13But in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree to build this house of God.
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 6:11I have also made a decree that whoever alters this message, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be…
Ezra 6:15This house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
Ezra 6:16The children of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of…
Ezra 6:17They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a…
Ezra 7:17Therefore you shall with all diligence buy with this money bulls, rams, and lambs with their meal offerings and their…
Ezra 7:24Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites,…