כְּעַן (ke.an)
ke.an
now
A:AdvQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:Adv
Word Overview
The Aramaic word ke-an functions as a temporal marker meaning "now," "at this time," or "until now." It appears eleven times in the Hebrew Bible, concentrated heavily within the books of Ezra and Daniel where official court records are preserved. Its usage is straightforward, anchoring the narrative in the immediate present moment of the speaker.
Lexical sources identify it as the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew ke-en (H3706), reflecting the linguistic shift from Hebrew to Imperial Aramaic during the post-exilic period. While it generally signals current timing, context can sometimes imply a sense of urgency or finality, such as when a decree is being issued "now" rather than at some future point.
Translators typically render this term simply as "now," though its placement often carries rhetorical weight. In Daniel 4:32, for instance, the phrase "until you acknowledge" uses this word to mark the deadline of Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling. It serves as a precise temporal hinge in the text, distinguishing what is happening from what has passed or is yet to come.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ke-an marks a specific moment in time, often carrying the weight of immediate importance or finality. In the books of Ezra and Daniel, it appears frequently within official records, anchoring the narrative in the present reality of the speaker. This usage reminds us that God is active in the 'now,' not just in past history or future promises. It invites us to pay attention to the current moment as a place where divine purposes are unfolding.
When leaders issue decrees or when believers offer thanks, this word signals that the time for action has arrived. It distinguishes what is happening from what has passed or is yet to come. For your faith life, this means recognizing that God’s wisdom and power are available in the present moment. Whether you face a difficult decision or a sudden challenge, ke-an encourages you to look at the current situation with clarity and trust.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- now8×
- and/ now3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּעַ֡ן2×
- כְּעַ֛ן2×
- כְּעַ֗ן2×
- וּ/כְעַ֞ן2×
- כְּעַן֙1×
- כְּעַ֞ן1×
- וּ/כְעַ֤ן1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:23
I thank you and praise you, O God of my fathers, who have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we desired of you; for you have made known to us the king’s matter.”
This verse highlights God's immediate revelation of wisdom, showing how ke-an marks the moment divine understanding is granted to the believer.
-
Ezra 4:21
Make a decree now to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be built until a decree is made by me.
Here the word underscores the urgency of a royal decree, emphasizing that the command must be acted upon immediately without delay.
-
Daniel 5:16
But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and dissolve doubts. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold around your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”
Belshazzar uses this term to set immediate conditions for Daniel, linking the present offer of reward directly to the upcoming task.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ke-an mean in the Bible?
Why is ke-an found mostly in Ezra and Daniel?
How is ke-an different from other words for 'now'?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 6 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 4:14Now because we eat the salt of the palace and it is not appropriate for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore we…
Ezra 4:21Make a decree now to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be built until a decree is made by me.
Ezra 5:16Then 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 6:6Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are…