(Aramaic) perhaps from רוּם with a prepositional prefix; properly, highly, i.e. surely; but used adversatively, however; but, nevertheless, yet.
Transliteration:bᵉram
Pronunciation:ber-am'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word H1297 (בְּרַם, *bᵉram*) is a fascinating conjunction whose semantic range extends from a potential etymological root of affirmation to its primary function as an adversative. While its precise etymology is debated, it is often linked to רוּם (`{{H7311}}`), meaning "to be high" or "exalted," suggesting an original sense of "highly," "truly," or "surely." This underlying affirmative sense can occasionally surface, particularly in causal contexts.
However, in its most common biblical usage, H1297 functions as an adversative conjunction, conveying "but," "however," "nevertheless," or "yet." It introduces a contrast, an exception, or a concession to what has just been stated. It signals a shift in thought, often introducing a counter-statement or an alternative perspective.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H1297 appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the books of Ezra and Daniel, where it consistently marks a strong contrast or a significant qualification.
In Ezra, it appears once:
* [[Ezra 5:11]]: Here, it introduces the reason for the destruction of the temple, contrasting the present rebuilding efforts with the past sins of their fathers. "We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. *But* because our fathers provoked the God of heaven..." The *bᵉram* here functions as a clear "but," indicating a sharp turn from the positive act of rebuilding to the historical cause of their previous desolation.
In Daniel, its usage is more frequent and reveals subtle nuances:
* [[Daniel 2:28]]: "But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head while on your bed were these: *As for you*, O king..." Here, *bᵉram* introduces a transition to the specific address to the king, functioning akin to "however" or "nevertheless, as for you." It sets apart God's revelation from human inability.
* [[Daniel 2:30]]: "But as for me, this mystery has not been revealed to me because of any wisdom that I have more than any living, *but* for the sake of those who will make known the interpretation to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind." This is a classic adversative "but," clarifying that Daniel's insight is not from himself but for the king's benefit.
* [[Daniel 4:15]]: "Nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth."
* [[Daniel 4:23]]: "And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, 'Chop down the tree and destroy it, *nevertheless* leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field,'..." In both instances, *bᵉram* introduces a crucial exception or concession to the preceding destructive command, highlighting the mercy and future hope inherent in the judgment.
* [[Daniel 5:17]]: "Then Daniel answered and said before the king, 'Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another; *nevertheless* I will read the writing to the king and make known the interpretation to him.'" Here, *bᵉram* marks Daniel's willingness to perform the task despite his refusal of the king's rewards, demonstrating his integrity and commitment to God's purpose.
* [[Daniel 6:22]]: "My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths, so that they have not harmed me, *because* I was found innocent before Him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm."
* [[Daniel 6:23]]: "Then the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, *because* he trusted in his God." In these two verses, *bᵉram* takes on a causal sense, translated as "because" or "inasmuch as." This usage is likely derived from its underlying sense of "surely" or "truly," leading to an explanation of cause or reason. It strongly affirms the basis for Daniel's deliverance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary function of H1297 as an adversative conjunction places it alongside other words that introduce contrast or exception. In Hebrew, conceptual parallels include אַךְ (`{{H389}}`, "surely, only, but"), אוּלָם (`{{H194}}`, "however, nevertheless"), and the phrase כִּי אִם (`{{H3588}}` `{{H518}}`, "but if, except, only"). These terms all serve to highlight a point of divergence or a counter-statement.
Conceptually, H1297 participates in the broader biblical theme of divine sovereignty and intervention that often stands in contrast to human plans, expectations, or failures. It signals a divine "but" that can overturn human decrees, reveal hidden truths, or provide unexpected deliverance. Its occasional causal usage ("because") further links it to the concept of divine justification and the direct consequences of faithfulness or unfaithfulness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1297 lies precisely in its function as a conjunction that introduces a crucial shift or counterpoint. In the Aramaic portions of Scripture, which often deal with God's sovereignty over pagan empires and His people's exile, bᵉram frequently highlights divine action in the face of human circumstances.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention:** In Daniel, bᵉram often introduces God's ability to act "nevertheless" or "but" against the decrees of kings (e.g., the tree stump remaining in Daniel 4, Daniel's survival in Daniel 6). It underscores that God's plan and power supersede human authority or natural consequences.
* **Revelation and Truth:** When bᵉram introduces divine revelation (e.g., Daniel 2:28, 2:30), it emphasizes that true wisdom and understanding come from God alone, not from human insight or magical arts. It marks the divine source of truth that stands in contrast to human ignorance or deception.
* **Justice and Grace:** In Ezra 5:11, bᵉram points to the justice of God in judging His people for their past sins, even as He is now gracious in allowing their return and rebuilding. In Daniel 4, the "nevertheless" regarding the tree stump speaks of divine mercy tempering judgment.
* **Faith and Deliverance:** The causal usage in Daniel 6:22-23 ("because") powerfully links Daniel's deliverance directly to his innocence before God and his unwavering trust in Him. It serves as a strong theological affirmation of the efficacy of faith and obedience in the face of extreme peril.
Thus, while a seemingly small grammatical particle, H1297 plays a vital role in articulating key theological truths, particularly God's active involvement in history, His ultimate authority, and the consequences of human choices.
### Summary
H1297 (בְּרַם, *bᵉram*) is an Aramaic conjunction primarily functioning as an adversative, meaning "but," "however," "nevertheless," or "yet." It introduces a strong contrast, an exception, or a concession, redirecting the flow of thought. While possibly rooted in a sense of "surely" or "truly," this underlying meaning surfaces more explicitly in certain contexts where it conveys a causal sense, translated as "because" or "inasmuch as" (e.g., [[Daniel 6:22]]). Found exclusively in Ezra and Daniel, bᵉram is instrumental in highlighting divine intervention, God's revelation, and His sovereign control over human affairs. It often marks a pivotal shift from human action or expectation to God's counter-action, His ultimate truth, or the direct consequences of faithfulness, thereby underscoring profound theological realities within the biblical narrative.
TRV