כְּנֵ֫מָא (ke.ne.ma)
ke.ne.ma
thus
A:AdvQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:Adv
Word Overview
The Aramaic adverb kenema means "thus," "so," or "accordingly." It functions as a connector, indicating that what follows is the direct result or specific form of what was just stated. In the Hebrew Bible, this word appears exclusively in the book of Ezra, reflecting the text’s use of Aramaic for certain official documents and historical narratives.
Its primary role is to introduce a clause that explains or executes a previous command or situation. For example, in Ezra 5:11, it introduces the explanation given by the elders about who built the temple. In Ezra 6:22, it marks the conclusion of the Passover celebration "thus." The word serves as a linguistic bridge, ensuring clarity in legal and historical records within the post-exilic community.
Kenema is distinct from other Hebrew words for "so" or "therefore," such as ken or al-ken, because it is rare and confined to Aramaic sections. Its presence signals a shift in language or genre, often marking formal decrees or detailed accounts. Translators typically render it as "thus" or "so," preserving its function as a precise marker of consequence or specification.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kenema appears in the Hebrew Bible only within the Aramaic sections of Ezra. It functions as a precise marker, translating to "thus" or "so," and signals that what follows is the direct result or specific form of what was just stated. This linguistic choice highlights the formal nature of official decrees and historical records from the post-exilic community.
When reading these texts, we see how God’s people navigated complex political landscapes with clarity and precision. The use of kenema ensures that commands and responses are understood without ambiguity, bridging the gap between royal orders and their execution. This attention to detail reflects a community committed to faithful obedience and accurate record-keeping.
In our own lives, we too encounter moments where clear communication is essential for unity and purpose. Whether responding to a call to service or sharing our faith, being precise in our words helps others understand the reality of God’s work among us. May we approach our tasks with the same diligence and clarity found in these ancient records.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- as follows3×
- and/ as follows1×
- accordingly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּנֵ֖מָא3×
- כְּנֵֽמָא\׃1×
- וּ/כְנֵ֥מָא1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 5:9
Then we asked those elders, and said to them thus, “Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?”
This verse uses kenema to introduce a direct question posed by the officials, marking the start of their inquiry into who authorized the temple construction.
-
Ezra 5:11
Thus they returned us answer, saying, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are building the house that was built these many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished.
Here the word introduces the elders' response, clarifying that they are servants of the God of heaven and identifying the original builder of the house.
-
Ezra 6:13
Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions did accordingly with all diligence, because Darius the king had sent a decree.
The term marks the officials' compliance with Darius's decree, showing how the royal command was executed with diligence to support the temple work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word kenema mean?
Where does kenema appear in the Bible?
How is kenema different from other words for "so"?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 5 verses
Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king as follows.
Ezra 5:4They also asked for the names of the men who were making this building.
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 6:13Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions did accordingly with all diligence,…