The Aramaic word gab, represented by H1355, refers to the back. It is a very rare term, appearing only 1 time in a single verse in the entire Bible. Its sole use occurs within the specific context of a prophetic vision described in the book of Daniel.
The single appearance of H1355 is in Daniel 7:6, as part of a vision of four great beasts. Daniel describes the third beast as being "like a leopard H5245, which had upon H5922 the back H1355 of it four H703 wings H1611 of a fowl H5776". This beast also possessed four heads, and it was given dominion. The word back serves as a simple anatomical descriptor for the location of the beast's wings.
The context of H1355 connects it to several other Aramaic terms used in Daniel's vision:
- H5245 nᵉmar (leopard): This is the animal that the third beast is compared to. The back described belongs to this leopard-like creature Daniel 7:6.
- H1611 gaph (wing): These wings are located "upon the back" of the beast. The presence of wings on the beast is a key part of its symbolic appearance Daniel 7:6.
- H2423 chêyvâʼ (beast): This word, meaning an animal, provides the general category for the creature being described. The term H1355 is used to detail a specific feature of this prophetic beast Daniel 7:6.
While a simple word, the theological significance of H1355 comes from its unique context within prophetic symbolism.
- Prophetic Anatomy: The word back is used to anchor a key symbolic feature—the four wings—to the body of the third beast. This vision concerns the rise and fall of kingdoms, as these great beasts are identified as four kings Daniel 7:17.
- Symbolic Description: Its use contributes to the surreal and memorable imagery of the leopard-like beast. The description of wings on the back helps to characterize this specific power, which was given "dominion" H7985 in the vision Daniel 7:6.
- Part of a Divine Vision: The word appears as a detail in what Daniel "beheld" H2370 in a vision Daniel 7:6. This places the term not in a literal zoological context, but within a divine revelation about successive worldly powers.
In summary, H1355 gab is a highly specific Aramaic term for back, used only once in scripture. Its significance is tied entirely to its role in Daniel's vision of the four beasts. It functions as a simple anatomical anchor point for the symbolic wings on the leopard-like beast, contributing a crucial detail to the prophetic imagery of a kingdom that would be given dominion. The word's single use highlights how even minor details are recorded in the fabric of biblical prophecy.
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