(Aramaic) corresponding to בָרַךְ; {to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason)}; bless, kneel.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **bᵉrak**, represented by `{{H1289}}`, is a term with dual meaning, used for both physical and verbal acts of reverence. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. The term corresponds to the Hebrew word for bless and carries the meanings **to kneel** and, by implication, **to bless God** as an act of adoration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, all occurrences of `{{H1289}}` are found in the book of Daniel, where it highlights profound moments of worship. The word describes a physical act of devotion, as when Daniel **kneeled** upon his knees three times a day to pray [[Daniel 6:10]]. It is also frequently used to express verbal adoration. After a secret was revealed to him in a vision, Daniel **blessed** the God of heaven [[Daniel 2:19]]. This act of blessing is also performed by King Nebuchadnezzar after witnessing God's power, once when he **blessed** God for delivering Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego [[Daniel 3:28]], and again when his own understanding was restored [[Daniel 4:34]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words help clarify the context of worship and praise surrounding `{{H1289}}`:
* `{{H6739}}` **tsᵉlâʼ** (pray; pray): This word is directly linked to the physical posture of `{{H1289}}`, as Daniel **kneeled** upon his knees and **prayed** to his God [[Daniel 6:10]].
* `{{H3029}}` **yᵉdâʼ** (to praise; (give) thank(-s)): This term for giving thanks is used to describe Daniel's regular practice of devotion, where he **kneeled** and **gave thanks** before his God [[Daniel 6:10]].
* `{{H7624}}` **shᵉbach** (to adulate, i.e. adore; praise): This word for praise is used alongside `{{H1289}}` when Nebuchadnezzar, after his humiliation, **blessed** and **praised** the most High [[Daniel 4:34]].
* `{{H5457}}` **çᵉgid** (to prostrate oneself (in homage); worship): This word is used in contrast to true devotion. Nebuchadnezzar **blessed** God because His servants refused to **worship** any other god [[Daniel 3:28]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1289}}` is centered on the proper response to God's power and revelation.
* **A Response to Divine Action:** The act of blessing God is consistently a reaction to His mighty works. Daniel **blessed** God after receiving a revealed secret [[Daniel 2:19]], and Nebuchadnezzar **blessed** God after witnessing the deliverance of His servants from the fiery furnace [[Daniel 3:28]].
* **Posture of Devotion:** The word connects an internal attitude of reverence with an external, physical act. Daniel’s practice to **kneel** demonstrates that prayer and thanksgiving are embodied practices of humility [[Daniel 6:10]].
* **Acknowledging Sovereignty:** To **bless** God, as used in Daniel, is to declare His eternal dominion and might. Daniel **blessed** the name of God, declaring that "wisdom and might are his" [[Daniel 2:20]], and Nebuchadnezzar's blessing is coupled with praising God "whose dominion is an everlasting dominion" [[Daniel 4:34]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1289}}` is a focused Aramaic term found exclusively in Daniel that encompasses both the physical act of kneeling and the verbal act of blessing. It is used specifically to articulate profound moments of worship, thanksgiving, and acknowledgment of God's supreme authority. Whether through Daniel's humble kneeling or Nebuchadnezzar's declarative praise, the word illustrates a complete posture of reverence in response to the divine.
TRV