The Aramaic word gerem, represented by H1635, means bone. It is an exceedingly rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the entire biblical text. Its sole usage is found in the book of Daniel.
The single appearance of H1635 is in the dramatic conclusion to the story of Daniel in the lions' den. After Daniel's miraculous deliverance, the king H4430 commanded that the men H1400 who had accused H7170 Daniel be brought forth. They, along with their children H1123 and wives H5389, were cast H7412 into the den H1358. The lions H744 immediately had the mastery H7981 over them, and before they even reached the bottom H773 of the den, the lions broke all their bones H1635 in pieces Daniel 6:24.
The context of this event is illuminated by several related Aramaic words:
- H1855 dᵉqaq (to crumble or (trans.) crush; break to pieces): This verb is paired directly with gerem, describing the violent action the lions took against the accusers' bones, leaving no doubt as to the totality of their destruction Daniel 6:24.
- H1358 gôb (a pit (for wild animals) (as cut out); den): This word designates the location of the judgment. It is the very place from which Daniel was delivered and where his enemies met their end Daniel 6:24.
- H744 ʼaryêh (a lion; lion): The lions are the instruments of the swift punishment executed upon Daniel's accusers Daniel 6:24.
- H7170 qᵉrats ([phrase] accuse): This term, used to describe the slanderous plot against Daniel, establishes the reason for the severe retribution that followed Daniel 6:24.
The theological weight of H1635 is derived entirely from its powerful context in Daniel 6.
- Irreversible Judgment: The shattering of the bones represents an absolute and final judgment. It is a graphic depiction of complete destruction, from which there is no recovery.
- Divine Retribution: The fate of the accusers illustrates a profound principle of divine justice. The very death they conspired to inflict upon Daniel H1841 became their own, demonstrating that God protects the innocent and holds the malicious accountable Daniel 6:24.
- The Power of God over Life and Death: In the same den H1358 where God preserved Daniel's life from the lions H744, He used the same creatures to execute a swift and terrifying sentence. The breaking of the bones showcases God's ultimate authority.
In summary, though appearing only once, H1635 is a vivid and potent word. It moves beyond a simple anatomical reference to become a symbol of the finality of divine judgment. Its use in the book of Daniel provides a stark and memorable image of the consequences faced by those who maliciously plot against the righteous servants of God.
TRV