The Aramaic word bar, represented by H1247, serves as the corresponding term for a son. It appears 8 times across 7 unique verses. Its definition includes son, grandson, and an idiomatic usage for being old. The word is used to establish literal family lines and also to convey profound theological concepts.
In biblical usage, H1247 appears in several distinct contexts. It is used to establish the lineage of important figures, such as in "Zechariah the son of Iddo" (Ezra 5:1, Ezra 6:14) and "Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel" Ezra 5:2. It is also used in a direct address to royalty in the phrase "And thou his son, O Belshazzar" Daniel 5:22. Most significantly, it is used in prophetic visions to describe heavenly beings as "one like the Son of man" Daniel 7:13 and a divine protector as being "like the Son of God" Daniel 3:25. A unique idiomatic use appears in Daniel 5:31 to describe someone as being a certain number of years old.
Several related words provide context for the meaning of bar:
- H606 'enash (man): This Aramaic word for man is used in the pivotal phrase "Son of man" Daniel 7:13, grounding the celestial vision in human-like terms.
- H426 'elahh (God): As the Aramaic term for God, it is paired with H1247 to form the title "Son of God," identifying the fourth figure in the fiery furnace Daniel 3:25.
- H2217 Zerubbabel (Zerubbabel, an Israelite): This leader is identified as the son of Shealtiel Ezra 5:2, demonstrating the word's use in establishing historical and genealogical identity during the rebuilding of God's house.
The theological weight of H1247 is significant, particularly in the book of Daniel.
- Prophetic Identity: The title "Son of man" is used to identify a figure who comes on the clouds of heaven to approach the Ancient of days, signifying a key messianic and eschatological role Daniel 7:13.
- Divine Relationship: When used as "Son of God," the term describes a being with divine protection and authority, capable of preserving life in the midst of a fiery furnace Daniel 3:25.
- Covenantal Lineage: The word reinforces the continuity of leadership in Israel's history, connecting figures like Zerubbabel H2217 and Jeshua H3443 to their fathers as they undertake the work of rebuilding the house of God Ezra 5:2.
In summary, H1247 is a versatile Aramaic term that extends beyond a simple familial label. While it grounds individuals like Zerubbabel in their lineage Ezra 5:2, its greater significance lies in its theological use. The titles "Son of God" and "Son of man" introduce concepts of divine relationship and prophetic authority that are central to biblical revelation (Daniel 3:25, Daniel 7:13). The word effectively bridges the human and the divine within the scriptures.
TRV