### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **gâlûwth**, represented by `{{H1547}}`, refers to **captivity** or a collective body of **exiles**. This term, corresponding to the Hebrew word of the same spelling, appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. Its usage is specific, denoting not just the state of being captive but also the identity of those who have been forcibly removed from their homeland.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H1547}}` consistently identifies the Jewish exiles in Babylon. It serves as a label, often used by others when referring to them. When Daniel is brought before the king, he is identified as being from "the children of the **captivity** of Judah" [[Daniel 5:13]]. Similarly, when Arioch presents Daniel to interpret the king's dream, he describes him as "a man of the **captives** of Judah" [[Daniel 2:25]]. The term is also used to describe the community acting as a whole, as when "the children of the **captivity**" celebrate the dedication of the house of God [[Ezra 6:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide context for the state of captivity:
* `{{H1123}}` **bên** (a son; child, son, young): This word is used in direct conjunction with `{{H1547}}` in three of its four appearances to form the phrase "children of the **captivity**" ([[Daniel 5:13]], [[Daniel 6:13]], [[Ezra 6:16]]). This highlights that the status of exile is a defining characteristic of this generation.
* `{{H858}}` **ʼâthâh** (to arrive; (be-) come, bring): This verb describes the action that created the state of exile. In Daniel's first encounter with the king, he is reminded that the king's father **brought** `{{H858}}` the children of the captivity from Judah [[Daniel 5:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1547}}` is tied to the identity and perseverance of God's people in exile.
* **A Defining Identity:** The term is used repeatedly to establish the background of key figures like Daniel. His identity as one from the "captivity of Judah" is a constant refrain, framing his interactions with the Babylonian court ([[Daniel 5:13]], [[Daniel 6:13]]).
* **Corporate Perseverance:** Despite their status as exiles, the people are shown acting with a unified purpose. The "children of the **captivity**" collectively participate in the joyful dedication of the house of God, indicating that their identity as exiles does not erase their covenantal identity [[Ezra 6:16]].
* **A Test of Faith:** The status of being from the captivity is used in an accusation against Daniel, who, as one from "the **captivity** of Judah," disregards the king's decree to pray to his God [[Daniel 6:13]]. This demonstrates that the state of exile was a context for profound tests of faithfulness.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1547}}` is a specific and significant term that does more than just mean captivity. It serves as a crucial identifier for the exiled community of Judah in the books of Daniel and Ezra. It encapsulates their historical situation, their collective identity, and the backdrop against which their faithfulness to God was tested and demonstrated. The word marks a people defined by their displacement but not defeated by it.
TRV