Lexical Summary
kean: Now, at this time
Original Word:כְּעַן
Part of Speech:Adverb
Transliteration:k`an
Pronunciation:keh-ahn
Phonetic Spelling:(keh-an')
KJV: now
NASB:now
Word Origin:[(Aramaic) probably fromH365 (אַיֱלֱת - Doe)2]
1. now
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
now
(Aramaic) probably fromken; now -- now.
see HEBREWken
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin(Aramaic) probably from
anahDefinitionnow
NASB Translationnow (13).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
(so Egyptian Aramaic (CIS
ii. 137 = Cooke
No.73 RÉS:361 B S-C
Pap. C 5); , e.g.
Numbers 22:4: probably a substantive from [] the √ of ,
time; so literally
at (this)
time = Hebrew : K
§ 67, 4); —
Daniel 2:23 ,
Daniel 3:15;
Daniel 4:34;
Daniel 5:12,15,16;
Daniel 6:9;
Ezra 4:13,14,21;
Ezra 5:17;
Ezra 6:6;
until nowEzra 5:16 (so
Genesis 18:22 +).
Topical Lexicon
Meaning and Linguistic Functionכְּעַן is an Aramaic adverb meaning “now,” “at this time,” or “as matters stand.” It marks a transition from background information to immediate action, draws attention to an urgent request, or underscores the current relevance of a statement. In Ezra and Daniel it regularly precedes petitions to Persian monarchs, introduces royal decrees, and highlights decisive moments in narrative or prayer.
Distribution in Scripture
Thirteen occurrences, all within the Aramaic portions of Ezra (Ezra 4:13, 14, 21; 5:16, 17; 6:6) and Daniel (Daniel 2:23; 3:15; 4:37; 5:12, 15, 16; 6:8). Every use is tied to exile-era settings, linking the word to God’s faithfulness during foreign domination.
Historical Context
In Ezra the term appears in official correspondence between Persian administrators and King Artaxerxes or Darius. The adversaries of the returning Jews employ כְּעַן to warn of political danger (“Now be it known to the king…”Ezra 4:13), while the Jewish elders use it in respectful petitions for permission to rebuild (“So now, if it pleases the king…”Ezra 5:17).
In Daniel, כְּעַן punctuates key court scenes. Nebuchadnezzar demands immediate compliance with idolatry (“Now, if you are ready…”Daniel 3:15). Daniel praises God for present revelation (“Now You have made known to me what we asked of You”Daniel 2:23). The word appears in the “handwriting on the wall” episode (Daniel 5:15-16) and the attempt to entrap Daniel in prayer to Darius (Daniel 6:8).
Theological Themes
1. Divine Sovereignty in the Present: Each occurrence stresses what God is doing “now,” whether granting wisdom to Daniel or overruling imperial decrees to protect His people.
2. Urgency of Obedience: The word often precedes commands that test faith. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego must choose immediate obedience to God over instant compliance with the king (Daniel 3:15).
3. Faith during Foreign Rule: כְּעַן highlights the tension between earthly authority and heavenly authority, reminding readers that God’s purposes are worked out in real time within pagan courts.
4. Continuity of Covenant: Though spoken in Aramaic, the term functions within the same redemptive storyline that began in Hebrew, reinforcing the seamless unity of Scripture.
Examples of Usage
Ezra 4:14: “Now because we are in service to the palace and it is not fitting for us to witness the king’s dishonor, we have sent to inform the king.” Here כְּעַן signals the political motive behind the opposition’s report.
Daniel 4:37: “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because all His works are true and His ways are just.” The king’s present confession contrasts with his earlier pride, illustrating God’s ability to humble rulers instantly.
Daniel 6:8: “Now, O king, issue the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed…” The conspirators press for immediate legislation, yet God overturns their scheme in the lions’ den.
Ministry Application
• Present-Tense Grace: Believers can rest in God’s “now” help (Hebrews 4:16). Just as Daniel received wisdom at the crucial moment, Christians may expect timely grace.
• Urgent Holiness: The immediacy expressed by כְּעַן urges the church to decisive obedience. Delayed conformity to Christ is disobedience in the present.
• Confidence amid Cultural Pressure: The word’s setting in pagan courts encourages modern disciples who live under secular authorities. God works within current events to advance His kingdom.
• Prayer and Petition: Ezra and Daniel model respectful, faith-filled appeals to authority. Their use of כְּעַן teaches believers to frame requests with humble urgency, trusting God to guide human rulers.
Christological and Eschatological Implications
By marking turning points in exile history, כְּעַן anticipates the fuller revelation of “the acceptable time” (2 Corinthians 6:2) ushered in by Jesus Christ. Each “now” in Ezra and Daniel foreshadows the decisive “now” of the gospel age, when God acts definitively in the incarnation, atonement, and promised return of His Son.
Forms and Transliterations
וּכְעַ֞ן וּכְעַ֤ן וכען כְּעַ֗ן כְּעַ֛ן כְּעַ֞ן כְּעַ֡ן כְּעַ֣ן כְּעַן֙ כען kə‘an kə·‘an keAn ū·ḵə·‘an ucheAn ūḵə‘an
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