כְּעֶ֫נֶת (ke.e.net)
ke.e.net
now
A:AdvQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:Adv
Word Overview
The word ke.e.net is an Aramaadverb meaning "now." It appears only four times in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the Aramaic sections of the book of Ezra. As a direct counterpart to the Hebrew word for "now," it signals an immediate present moment or a transition in time within the narrative flow.
Its rarity highlights the linguistic shift between the Hebrew and Aramaic portions of Scripture. While the Hebrew text often uses different temporal markers, this term anchors the reader in the current reality of the story, marking a decisive point in the events surrounding the rebuilding of the temple.
Translators consistently render it as "now" to preserve its simple, urgent function. The word serves as a linguistic bridge, reminding readers that the biblical text itself is bilingual, adapting its vocabulary to the language of the speakers and scribes involved in these historical accounts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ke.e.net appears only four times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the Aramaic sections of Ezra. It functions as a simple temporal marker, translating directly to "now." This rarity highlights the bilingual nature of Scripture, where the text shifts languages to match the historical speakers and scribes involved in the rebuilding of the temple.
In Ezra 7:12, this word anchors King Artaxerxes' letter to Ezra. The shift to "now" signals a decisive moment of royal authorization. It reminds us that God works through specific historical moments and human decisions. The text does not dwell on abstract theology but places the reader in the immediate reality of the event.
For your faith, this word invites you to trust God's timing. Just as the temple rebuilding moved forward at a critical juncture, your life has seasons where divine permission or action becomes clear. You are invited to recognize these moments of grace without needing to force every detail into a single pattern of interpretation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ now4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/כְעֶֽנֶת\׃2×
- וּ/כְעֶֽת\׃\ \ס1×
- וּ/כְעֶֽנֶת\׃\ \פ1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 7:12
Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the perfect God of heaven. Now
The word marks the transition in the king's letter, signaling the immediate authority granted to Ezra for his mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does H3706 mean?
Why is this word so rare?
Where does it appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 4 verses
and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar brought over and settled in the city of Samaria, and in…
Ezra 4:11This is the copy of the letter that they sent: To King Artaxerxes, from your servants, the people beyond the River.
Ezra 4:17Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions…
Ezra 7:12Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the perfect God of heaven. Now