(Aramaic) corresponding to גָּמַר; {to end (in the sense of completion or failure)}; perfect.
Transliteration:gᵉmar
Pronunciation:ghem-ar'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma גְּמַר (gᵉmar, `{{H1585}}`) carries the fundamental meaning of "to end," "to complete," or "to finish." Its semantic range extends to encompass the idea of bringing something to a state of perfection or finality. The base definition provided notes a correspondence to the Hebrew גָּמַר (gamár, `{{H1584}}`), which similarly denotes completion or perfection. While the primary sense is one of fulfillment or bringing to a conclusion, the nuance can also imply an end due to failure or cessation, particularly when divinely ordained. It signifies a definitive termination, whether in a positive sense of completion or a negative sense of bringing to naught.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic word גְּמַר (gᵉmar, `{{H1585}}`) has a single, yet profoundly significant, occurrence in the biblical text, found in the book of Daniel.
* **[[Daniel 5:26]]**: "This is the interpretation of the matter: MENE, God has numbered your kingdom, and *finished* it."
This verse is part of Daniel's interpretation of the mysterious handwriting on the wall during Belshazzar's feast. The word appears as the interpretation of the first word, "Mene." Daniel declares that God has "numbered" (מְנֵא, mᵉnē, `{{H4483}}`) Belshazzar's kingdom and has "finished" (גְּמַר, gᵉmar, `{{H1585}}`) it. The context is one of divine judgment and the imminent termination of the Babylonian empire. The "finishing" here is not a gradual decline but a definitive, divinely decreed end. It implies that the kingdom's allotted time has run out, its measure of iniquity is full, and its reign is brought to a conclusive and irreversible close by God's sovereign will. The nuance of "failure" or "coming to an end due to shortcoming" is strongly present, as Belshazzar's sacrilege against God leads directly to this divine sentence of termination. The "perfect" aspect of the definition is also evident in that God's judgment is perfectly executed and complete.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation is to the Hebrew verb גָּמַר (gamár, `{{H1584}}`), which shares the same root and meaning of "to complete," "to finish," or "to perfect." This Hebrew cognate appears in Psalms, for example, in [[Psalm 57:2]], "I cry out to God Most High, to God who *fulfills* his purpose for me," and [[Psalm 138:8]], "The LORD will *fulfill* his purpose for me." These instances highlight God's faithfulness in bringing His plans to completion.
Other related concepts and words that convey the idea of ending or completion include:
* כָּלָה (kālāh, `{{H3615}}`): "to complete, finish, consume, bring to an end." This word is frequently used for the completion of tasks or the consumption of resources, but also for divine judgment bringing about an end.
* סוּף (sûph, `{{H5493}}`): An Aramaic word meaning "to come to an end, cease," found in Daniel and Ezra.
* קֵץ (qēṣ, `{{H7093}}`): A noun meaning "end, extremity, boundary," often referring to a determined end of time or an era.
* שָׁלַם (shālam, `{{H7999}}`): "to be complete, sound, perfect; to make an end of." This word often carries a sense of wholeness or completion leading to peace or recompense.
The common thread among these terms is the notion of finality, whether it be the completion of a process, the fulfillment of a purpose, or the termination of an existence.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of גְּמַר (gᵉmar, `{{H1585}}`) in [[Daniel 5:26]] holds immense theological weight. It serves as a powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over human history, kingdoms, and the destinies of nations.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**: The word underscores that the rise and fall of empires are not merely products of human ambition or geopolitical forces, but are ultimately determined by God. The "finishing" of Belshazzar's kingdom is a direct act of divine judgment, demonstrating that God holds the ultimate authority to set the boundaries and duration of human rule.
2. **Fulfillment of Divine Decree**: The "completion" or "perfection" implied by גְּמַר suggests that God's plan is meticulously executed. The end of Babylon was not arbitrary but a divinely appointed culmination, fulfilling prophecies and demonstrating God's perfect timing and justice.
3. **Accountability of Rulers**: Belshazzar's kingdom was "finished" because of his pride and sacrilege. This highlights the biblical principle that rulers are accountable to God, and their unrighteousness can lead to the termination of their authority.
4. **The Certainty of God's Word**: Daniel's interpretation, using גְּמַר, is a pronouncement of God's certain and immediate action. What God declares, He brings to pass. The word signifies the finality and irrevocability of God's decree.
In essence, גְּמַר encapsulates the truth that God is the one who "numbers" the days of kingdoms and brings them to their appointed, and often just, end.
### Summary
The Aramaic word גְּמַר (gᵉmar, `{{H1585}}`) means "to end," "to complete," or "to perfect," often with the nuance of a final termination due to divine decree or judgment. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Daniel 5:26]] is profoundly significant, where Daniel interprets the word "Mene" as God having "finished" Belshazzar's kingdom. This usage powerfully conveys God's absolute sovereignty over human history, His role as the ultimate judge who determines the rise and fall of empires, and the certainty of His word in bringing about His appointed ends. The word thus stands as a stark reminder of divine control, judgment, and the ultimate accountability of all earthly powers to the Most High God.
TRV