(Aramaic) of uncertain affinity; to be enraged; be angry.
Transliteration:bᵉnaç
Pronunciation:ben-as'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H1149 (בְּנַס, *bᵉnaç*) carries the core meaning of "to be enraged" or "to be angry." Its definition suggests an intense, passionate, and potentially violent form of anger, akin to fury or wrath. The note regarding its "uncertain affinity" indicates that its etymological roots are not clearly established with other Semitic languages, meaning its meaning is primarily derived from its contextual usage within the biblical text. As an Aramaic term, its occurrences are limited to the Aramaic portions of the books of Ezra and Daniel. The semantic range points to a state of extreme displeasure that can lead to rash and destructive actions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1149 appears exclusively twice in the book of Daniel, both times describing the intense wrath of King Nebuchadnezzar:
* **[[Daniel 2:12]]**: "For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon." Here, H1149 (translated as "angry") is paired with the Aramaic noun H7108 (קְצַף, *qᵉtsaph*), meaning "fury" or "wrath." Nebuchadnezzar's anger is ignited by the wise men's inability to reveal and interpret his dream, leading to an immediate and sweeping decree of execution. The intensity of his emotion is palpable, driving him to a disproportionate and unjust response.
* **[[Daniel 3:13]]**: "Then Nebuchadnezzar in rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego." Again, H1149 (translated as "rage") is used in conjunction with H7108 (קְצַף, *qᵉtsaph*), "fury." This instance describes the king's reaction to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego's refusal to worship the golden image. His anger is personal, immediate, and leads directly to the command for their execution by fiery furnace.
In both contexts, H1149 depicts the unbridled, arbitrary, and dangerous wrath of an absolute monarch. This anger is not righteous indignation but an impulsive, tyrannical rage that threatens the lives of his subjects.
### Related Words & Concepts
While H1149 is an Aramaic term with uncertain linguistic affinity, its meaning resonates with several Hebrew concepts of anger and wrath, often used to describe both divine and human emotion:
* `{{H639}}` (אף, *'aph*): Often translated as "anger" or "wrath," literally "nose" or "nostril," referring to the physical manifestation of anger (flared nostrils). Can describe both God's righteous anger and human anger.
* `{{H2534}}` (חֵמָה, *chemah*): Signifies "heat," "rage," or "fury," often intense and destructive. Used for both divine and human wrath.
* `{{H7107}}` (קצף, *qatsaph*): The verbal root of the noun H7108 (which accompanies H1149 in Daniel), meaning "to be angry," "to be enraged," or "to be indignant." It conveys a sense of strong displeasure and often leads to destructive action.
* `{{H7108}}` (קצף, *qetseph*): The noun form, meaning "wrath," "rage," or "indignation." This word is directly juxtaposed with H1149 in both occurrences, emphasizing the extreme nature of Nebuchadnezzar's fury.
The concept of human anger, particularly the destructive wrath of rulers, is a recurring theme in Scripture, often contrasted with the steadfastness and wisdom of God's servants and the ultimate sovereignty of God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1149 lies primarily in its portrayal of unrighteous, human wrath, particularly in the context of tyrannical power. King Nebuchadnezzar's bᵉnaç serves as a stark contrast to the character of God and the faithful response of His people:
1. **The Destructive Nature of Unbridled Human Power:** The king's rage is impulsive and leads to decrees of death against innocent parties. It illustrates the inherent danger when human authority is unchecked by wisdom, justice, or divine restraint. It is a manifestation of fallen human nature, prone to disproportionate and cruel reactions.
2. **A Test of Faithfulness:** Nebuchadnezzar's fury provides the immediate context for the miraculous deliverances of Daniel and his companions. The king's bᵉnaç becomes the crucible in which the unwavering faith of God's servants is tested and ultimately vindicated, demonstrating God's sovereign power over human wrath.
3. **Contrast with Divine Wrath:** While God's wrath is also described using strong terms (e.g., `{{H639}}`, `{{H2534}}`), it is always righteous, just, and purposeful, aimed at sin and rebellion. Nebuchadnezzar's bᵉnaç, however, is capricious, self-serving, and unjust, highlighting the qualitative difference between human and divine anger. The king's anger is ultimately futile against the divine will.
4. **Warning Against Impulsivity:** The narrative implicitly warns against succumbing to such intense and destructive emotions, especially for those in positions of authority.
### Summary
The Aramaic word H1149 (בְּנַס, *bᵉnaç*) denotes a state of intense, furious anger or rage. Its two biblical occurrences, both in the book of Daniel, vividly describe King Nebuchadnezzar's unbridled wrath. In [[Daniel 2:12]] and [[Daniel 3:13]], this bᵉnaç is portrayed as an impulsive, tyrannical emotion that leads to unjust and life-threatening decrees against his subjects. Theologically, H1149 serves to highlight the destructive potential of unchecked human power and unrighteous anger, contrasting sharply with the righteous character of God. It provides the backdrop against which the faithfulness of God's servants is tested and God's sovereign power to deliver is magnificently displayed, ultimately demonstrating the futility of human rage against divine purpose.
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