יַת
𐤉𐤕
yath
H3487 particle
SILEX Entry
Definition
A particle used to mark the definite direct object of a verb in Aramaic narrative or poetic passages within the Hebrew Bible. Its primary use is syntactic rather than semantic, serving to indicate that the following noun or phrase is the specified recipient of action. Unlike prepositions or other particles, it does not carry inherent meaning but functions as a grammatical marker.
Semantic Range
marker of definite direct object in Aramaic, syntactic particle, non-translatable in English
Root / Etymology
Root: את (uncertain, may be related to root אר"ת with the core idea of marking, but generally regarded as an untranslatable particle with no clear root meaning). יַת is the Aramaic counterpart to Hebrew אֵת, reflecting a shared Northwest Semitic grammatical structure. It is not derived from a verb or substantival root but has emerged as a grammatical marker in Aramaic.
Historical & Contextual Notes
יַת appears in the Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible (notably Daniel and Ezra) marking the definite direct object much as אֵת does in Hebrew narrative. Its presence signals an Aramaic passage or influence. Whereas אֵת occurs throughout standard (biblical) Hebrew, יַת is a defining feature of the Aramaic sections. The direct object marker is largely omitted in later forms of Aramaic. English translations often omit the particle entirely, as it does not correspond to a word in English. Grammatically, יַת helps disambiguate subject and object, particularly in the flexible word order of Aramaic prose. It does not denote possession, identity, or other relationships. Its employment parallels similar particles in other Northwest Semitic languages but should not be confused with אֵת when it functions as a preposition meaning 'with.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to אֵת; a sign of the object of a verb; [phrase] whom.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
את (ʾ-t) — marker of the definite direct object, syntactic indicator
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H5842 | עֵט | object-marker |
| H6256 | עֵת | object marker |
| H6261 | עִתִּי | with me |
| H853 | אֵת | object-marker |
| H854 | אֵת | object-marker |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3487-01 |
יָתְ/הוֹן֙ | yatehon | ATo/Sp3mp |
them | object-marker them | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3487-01 |
Daniel 3:12 | יָתְ/הוֹן֙ | yatehon | ATo/Sp3mp |
them | object-marker them |