קֳבֵל (qe.vel)

qe.vel

before

H6903 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 23 verses

A:Prep

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 23 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: A:Prep

Word Overview

The Aramaic word qevel primarily means "before" or "in front of," but it frequently functions as a causal connector meaning "because of" or "since." In the books of Daniel and Ezra, where this language appears, it often links an event to its reason or context. For instance, in Daniel 5:10, the queen mother speaks before the king because of his wisdom, while in Daniel 2:40, it introduces a clause explaining that the fourth kingdom will be strong "because" it resembles iron.

Its core sense involves position—being opposite or ahead of something—which naturally extends to being present at an event or acting for a specific reason. Translators often render it as "before," "because," or "therefore" depending on the sentence structure. The phrase kol-kevel di, found in Daniel 2:40 and 6:11, adds emphasis, translating roughly to "on this very account because," highlighting a direct causal link between the observed phenomenon and its explanation.

This term reflects the practical, administrative style of Imperial Aramaic. It does not carry deep mystical weight but serves as a clear logical bridge in historical narratives. By using qevel, the biblical authors connect actions to their causes with precision, ensuring that the reader understands both the setting and the motivation behind the events described in the exile period.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word qevel appears in the administrative records of Ezra and Daniel, often translating as "because" or "before." It serves as a logical bridge, connecting an event to its reason or context. In these texts, it helps explain why decisions were made or how events unfolded within the Persian empire.

For your faith life, this word reminds us that history is not random. The biblical authors used qevel to show clear connections between actions and their outcomes. When Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream, he uses this term to explain that the future kingdoms follow a specific pattern because of their inherent nature.

Understanding this helps you see the reliability of Scripture. The writers did not leave readers guessing about motives or causes. They provided clear explanations for why things happened, allowing you to trust in God's sovereignty over historical events and your own life circumstances.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.

because16×
<to>/ before5×
and/ <to>/ before1×
<to>/ before/ you1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

קֳבֵ֣ל6×
קֳבֵ֗ל4×
קֳבֵל֙3×
לָ/קֳבֵ֣ל3×
קֳבֵ֤ל1×
קֳבֵ֡ל1×
קֳבֵ֕ל1×
לָ/קֳבֵ֨ל1×
לָ/קֳבֵ֗ל1×
לְ/קָבְלָ֑/ךְ1×
וְ/לָ/קֳבֵ֥ל1×

Key Verses

Daniel 2:40
The fourth kingdom will be strong as iron, because iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things; and as iron that crushes all these, it will break in pieces and crush.

This verse uses qevel to explain that the fourth kingdom's strength comes directly from its iron-like nature, establishing a clear causal link in the dream's interpretation.
Daniel 5:12
because an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting of dreams, showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”

Here the term explains why Daniel was called to interpret the writing, citing his unique spiritual gifts as the reason for his selection by the queen mother.
Ezra 4:14
Now because we eat the salt of the palace and it is not appropriate for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore we have sent and informed the king,

The word connects the officials' loyalty to the king with their action of warning him about the city's rebuilding, showing how political duty drove their report.
Daniel 2:12
Because of this, the king was angry and very furious, and commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed.

This occurrence links the king's anger directly to the wise men's inability to reveal the dream, highlighting the immediate consequence of their failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does qevel mean in the Bible?

Qevel is an Aramaic word that primarily means "before" or "in front of." In the books of Ezra and Daniel, it frequently functions as a causal connector, meaning "because" or "since," linking events to their reasons.

Why is qevel important in Daniel?

It appears often in Daniel to explain the logic behind dreams and royal decrees. For example, it clarifies why certain kingdoms are strong or why specific actions were taken, providing clear historical and theological context.

How is qevel different from other words for 'before'?

While Hebrew uses words like lephaney to mean "before," qevel is Aramaic. It carries a strong administrative tone, often used in official documents and narratives to establish cause-and-effect relationships clearly.

Every Occurrence (23 verses across 2 books)

Ezra 5 verses

Ezra 4:14

Now because we eat the salt of the palace and it is not appropriate for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore we…

Ezra 4:16

We inform the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, then you will have no possession beyond the River.

Ezra 6:13

Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions did accordingly with all diligence,…

Ezra 7:14

Because you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the…

Ezra 7:17

Therefore you shall with all diligence buy with this money bulls, rams, and lambs with their meal offerings and their…

Daniel 18 verses