Original Word: אֶבֶן
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: eben
Pronunciation: EH-ben
Phonetic Spelling: (eh'-ben)
NASB: stone, stones
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H68 (אֶבֶן - stones)]

1. stone

stone

(Aramaic) corresponding to 'eben -- stone.

see HEBREW 'eben

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to eben
Definition
a stone
NASB Translation
stone (6), stones (2).

Physical and Architectural Usage

Ezra records two key reports sent to Persian kings that describe the rebuilding of the temple at Jerusalem. In Ezra 5:8 the provincial officials testify, “The house of the great God is being rebuilt with large stones and timber is being set in the walls”. Ezra 6:4 preserves Cyrus’ original decree, specifying that the sacred structure be erected “with three layers of cut stones and one of timber.” In both verses אֶבֶן designates hewn building blocks—massive, squared material intended for permanence and dignity. The choice of stone for the temple underscores the solidity and continuity of worship ordained by God, contrasting sharply with the transient wooden shrines of surrounding nations.

Symbolism in Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

Daniel 2 presents the most theologically rich use of אֶבֶן. In Daniel 2:34–35 a stone “cut out, but not by human hands” strikes and shatters the statue representing successive world empires; the stone then “became a great mountain that filled the whole earth.” Daniel 2:45 confirms the stone’s divine origin and its role in establishing “a kingdom that will never be destroyed.” Early Jewish interpreters linked the stone to the coming Messianic kingdom, and the New Testament openly applies similar imagery to Jesus Christ (Matthew 21:42; 1 Peter 2:4–8). The stone’s growth into a mountain beautifully foreshadows the Gospel’s expansion from a rejected cornerstone to a global community of faith.

Contrast between True Worship and Idolatry

Daniel 5 twice mentions אֶבֶן as the chief material of Babylon’s idols. Belshazzar and his nobles “drank wine and praised their gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone” (Daniel 5:4, 5:23). The narrative juxtaposes lifeless stone idols with the living “God in whose hand are your ways” (5:23). Whereas Ezra’s stones advance divine worship, Babylon’s stones expose the futility of manufactured religion. The handwriting on the wall pronounces judgment on those who trust in carved stone rather than the Rock of Israel (Deuteronomy 32:4).

Protective and Judicial Function

After Daniel is cast into the lions’ den, “a stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den” (Daniel 6:17). Here אֶבֶן serves as an official seal, marking the irrevocable decree of Darius. Yet the same stone that appeared to guarantee Daniel’s death becomes a silent witness to divine deliverance when the king later removes it and finds his servant unharmed (Daniel 6:23). The scene anticipates another sealed stone that could not prevent the resurrection of Christ (Matthew 27:60–28:2), highlighting God’s power to overrule human judgments.

Christological Perspective

Across these passages אֶבֶן moves from literal construction to messianic metaphor:

• In Ezra it builds the dwelling place of God.
• In Daniel 2 it crushes earthly powers and inaugurates an eternal kingdom.
• In Daniel 5 it exposes idol worship.
• In Daniel 6 it frames a miraculous deliverance.

Taken together, the stone motif converges on Jesus Christ—the chosen, precious cornerstone rejected by men yet exalted by God (Isaiah 28:16; Acts 4:11). The prophetic trajectory invites believers to anchor their faith not in human craftsmanship or political might but in the Rock cut without hands.

Ministry Implications

1. Worship: Like the temple builders, churches should strive for permanence and excellence, constructing ministries on the immovable foundation of Scripture and Christ.
2. Evangelism: Daniel’s stone that fills the earth encourages global mission, assuring success despite opposition.
3. Discernment: The contrast between living faith and dead idols warns against modern forms of material or ideological idolatry.
4. Perseverance: The sealed stone over Daniel’s den reminds believers that apparently final verdicts are subject to God’s higher court.

Thus אֶבֶן, though a simple word for “stone,” becomes a multifaceted testimony to God’s sovereignty, judgment, salvation, and enduring kingdom.

אֶ֙בֶן֙ אֶ֜בֶן אֶ֣בֶן אֶ֤בֶן אבן וְאַבְנָ֗א וְאַבְנָ֣א ׀ וְאַבְנָֽא׃ ואבנא ואבנא׃ ’e·ḇen ’eḇen Even veavNa wə’aḇnā wə·’aḇ·nāInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts